Solidworks 2008 Feature Tree Enhancements...

The feature tree in Solidworks is really the hub of information for a model.  I find myself going to it to look for features, see which ones have errors, and to perform other tasks.  In SW 2008, some enhancements make navigating the feature tree easier.  Here are an example of a few:

If you take a look at the attached picture, you will see the new additional menu that pops up when you left click a feature in the tree (note its a left, and not right click).  This instant menu allows you to do one of the following six tasks: edit the feature, edit the sketch, suppress the feature, rollback to it, zoom to it, make your view normal to it, or change the appearance of it.  While this menu isn't configurable, we can only hope it will be in a future service pack.

One of the first things I like to do in a new version is go thru the Tools>Settings options to see what functionality SW has now allowed me to control.  In CAD, most users fight for screen space, and like to be able to do away with icons and other stuff that they don't need to see.  Over the past few releases, the top of the feature tree has continued to grow with 'stock' items some people simply don't use.

Well in 2008, you will now have the ability to turn most of that stuff off.  This makes the initial length of the feature tree much shorter, therefor negating the need to constantly scroll up and down where possible.  While a very simple enhancement, none the less a step in the right direction.

Take a look at the attached picture.  While not the longest tree you have seen, its a few screen lengths long.  In the tree is a mirror feature you want to modify.  Well to make it easier, SW 2008 now has a search function inside the feature tree that will filter the tree by what you type in.

Now look what happens when you type the letters 'mi' into the search box, SW filters out everything except what starts with the letters 'mi'.

So these are a few of the enhancements new to Solidworks 2008.  You can certainly start to get the feel that the direction of Solidworks is to make it easier for designers to focus on their design, and not their CAD interface.