Copy a part

I found a new tidbit just a bit ago that might be a handy thing.

In an assy, it's quite common to have some parts in there, and then desire
to have another instance of something that's already in there. No problem,
just hold the Ctrl key, and drag and drop into the graphics area. It will
then add the new copy of the part at the bottom of the FT and you do
whatever you want with it. Nothing new there.

What I just found was that you can Ctrl drag and drop in the FT, as in grab
the part that you want to copy that might be half way up the tree, and you
want the new instance of the part to be right under the existing one, then
just drop it there. The new instance will then be in the proper place in
the tree and then you go to the graphics area and move/mate, etc.

So the question then is whether it be better to place in the graphics area
and move in the FT, or place in the FT and move in the graphics area. Only
you can decide, but at least now you know you have an option.

Ok, Muggs/Ed, here's your chance.

WT

 

Well, I can't speak for Ed, but I appalled that someone of Wayne's
stature in the SolidWorks community would not know something as
elementary as dragging and dropping within the Feature Manager.

Just kidding of course (before someone flames me). I know that I have
done this before, but there's SO MUCH that I don't know (just ask Wayne)
that I'm never sure if it's "always been that way" or I've discovered
something new.

Muggs

 

It's not the fact that you can drag and drop in the tree, the point is that
you can drag and drop AND create a copy of the part at the same time. My
mindset has always been to drop the new copy of the part where I want it in
the graphics area so I don't have to "go find it" to put it where it
belongs. But then after that, I have to drag and drop it in the FT where I
want it. Now I realize I have a choice. (Nice you noticed the bait here.)
)

WT

 

Somewhat along the same lines - how do you move a part in the feature
tree to a point just below an assembly? I can't get around the function
where the sysmbol to add to the assembly appears. The same happens when
trying to move an assembly just below another assembly. The purpose of
my move is just to keep things in order

I'm probably missing something really basic.
SW2006

Gary

 

A well hidden sleight of hand - hold the alt key.

WT

 

You know, there's something to the fact of being here in the wild, wild
west. Sometimes dangerous, but learn how to protect yourself, wear a thick
skin and hunt for the gold nuggets. I think I'll stick around here.

WT

 

Thanks! I had a feeling it was simple. Glad to hear you're staying
with this forum.

Gary

 

Actually, I should have explained "dangerous" - one danger is that sometimes
you even get mugged..........

WT

 

Here's an update that points out a practical difference here. If you
highlight more than one part and try to drag and drop into the graphics
area, all you get is the part that you actually pulled on. If you do the
same thing in the FT, you get a copy of all the highlighted parts.

WT

 

Not here in SW2006 SP5.1 or in SW2007 SP2.0!?!

Muggs

 

Sorry! disregard. I misread your post.
You are correct.

Muggs

 

Dang, almost got mugged, but then he saw the light from above. )))))

WT

 

Danged good hints & tips. This forum is the best.

There is just not enough time to study & explore everything. Work
calls.

Bo