SOLIDWORKS Composer imports SOLIDWORKS models so users can create graphical content and share projects with a wider audience. However, sometimes Actors or Components are missing from model import, usually due to loading components in Lightweight mode in SOLIDWORKS or import settings in Composer excluding surface bodies.
light mode
Lightweight Mode (available in SOLIDWORKS Assemblies) reduces file load times and helps open large files. By default, for assemblies containing more than 500 components, Lightweight mode is on (separation that can be modified).
A feathered icon next to a component in the FeatureManager design tree indicates that lightweight mode is active and only a portion of the model information is loaded into RAM for that particular component. Composer uses SOLIDWORKS even if only Composer is runningLoad the file, which means that Composer will not see the entire file if it is lightweight.
Lightweight mode is turned on in Large Assembly mode and Large Design Review mode. Global settings for large assemblies and large design checks can be adjusted in System Options > Assemblies. It is recommended to turn off these features when importing into composer.
The Large Assemblies setting should also be turned off in the Command Manager when the Assemblies tab is selected. We recomment opening and saving files after making these changes.
missing surface
Did you turn off lightweight mode, but the cast is still missing? Models may contain surface bodies. These are not imported into the composer by default, but fear not! We can change this with a simple checkbox.
Go to File > Open in Composer and select Import Free Surfaces under Import Options named Custom Default Import Profile, or change the Import Profile to SOLIDWORKS (default ) . Both methods will import surface bodies.
