For instance, for selecting multiple bodies, edges, features, etc. you have to hit Ctrl and left click. In NX, you just left click, and keep clicking. If you need to deselect, however, you have to Shift-Left click, so that might be a wash. But if you're left hand is busy picking your nose, you can still deselect all in NX with a toolbar icon.

Also, in SW, to complete a command, most of the time you have to click the Check/Confirm with the mouse, or hit Enter. In NX, to complete the command, or move on to the next step, you just middle-click.

In NX, middle-click will rotate, just like SW, but left-middle will zoom, right-middle will pan. Zoom fit or Zoom extents is either right-click->fit, or simply hold right click and use the quick shortcut. Once you get good, a flick of the wrist and you're back to fit. Again, F in SW is just as fast (ok that didn't sound good), but you won't have your left hand free to down that Diet Vanilla Coke or talk on the phone that angry customer.

I may be wrong on all counts on these, since I haven't played with 2009, and I may just be a loser, so if someone knows how to do these things in SW, I'd appreciate a good schooling.

So, after you create your dimension in the model, box select the dims you don't want to show up, right-click and deselect “Marked for Drawing”

If you have Instant3D turned on, you can get the dims to show up when you click on the feature. You can then select each dim and deselect “Mark for Drawing”.

After that, when you “Insert Model Items” you can select just the “Marked for Drawing” items and go from there. Also, you can drag-and-drop dimensions from view to view or copy them by holding down “CTRL”.

Hope this gives you a little more ammo for working with drawings!

I don't have any issues with seeing created dimensions in the drawing, it is showing the model dimensions that seems to be difficult. I don't like that I have to select the sketch to see the dimensions for a feature, if I select the feature it should show the dimensions for that feature (including the sketch dimensions).

I don't do many drawings, but the ones I end up doing seem to be a hassle. I've been using SW for 2 years, but I used ProE for 13 years prior. I have to say that PTC seems to have a better drawing package. At least that is my current experience.

I know… there's frustrating things about drawings. Being able to dim to curved edges and radii is one of my big hang-ups. Always have to add manual lines to show what dim to maintain.

What you say about NX has got me wondering… would love to see how you work or a comparison of what it is. I feel the same way when using acad actually. I don't know the shortcut keys as well, so I'm clicking a lot more, even though I do have my left hand up there for some shortcuts.

anyway, thanks for the comment man!

My favorite from that list is collapse items. I wish there were an expand all…

My biggest struggle is when a feature can't be defined the way it is to be dimensioned/shown in a drawing. Can't use insert model items for those. I prefer doing that all up front in the model. However, I have to admit that I haven't utilized Annotation Views to its full potential either.

Man, I need a SolidWorks project stat. I've been away long enough I feel a bit sketchy (no pun intended). I've been using NX, and I have to say, it seems like you can do a lot more with just the mouse. I find myself designing now, laid back in the chair, with my left arm chillin' on the armrest, and my right arm/hand clickity-click-clickn' away at the mouse. Seems kinda nice, but I don't think I'm exactly being more productive.

first , make sure that View, All Annotations is on.

second, if you've hidden them, you can show them with View, Hide/Show Annotations

hope this helps you out Eric!

That is very rough on large assemblies. This is one thing they need to steal from 3DVia Composer – the ability to quickly onion skin through a view and select components.

One of my gripes is with the “Hide Component” selection is that you have to know the exact part you need to hide. When you select the part, it does not highlight in the drawing view so you can see it.

Now your next task is to do a video showing all these items in action heh heh.