The SolidWorks interface has been improved to decrease mouse travel and increase the screen real estate available for design. A new CommandManager layout, embedded view display menus, and customizable pop-up toolbars increase efficiency and workflow. Getting to commonly used commands and customizing the layout will be easier than ever and will benefit new and existing users alike.

Prior to SolidWorks SWIFT technology, users were forced to spend significant time mastering the system to recognize the benefits of 3D CAD. SWIFT lets any SolidWorks user realize the benefits of 3D CAD without having to learn special techniques. In SolidWorks 2008, Instant3D helps any user design like an expert by providing them with onscreen real-time editing of their designs. Instant3D provides a new level of design visualization while dramatically reducing the steps needed to complete design tasks. New drag handles are presented as a user selects an area of design that allow for real-time editing and creation of designs. There are no dialogs or input fields, users simply select faces, drag, and snap them to onscreen rulers to get exact values. Instant3D really lets the user focus on their designs, not the CAD system.

DimXpert allows a user to automatically dimension 3D models for manufacturing. DimXpert looks at a design for manufacturing features and applies the appropriate dimensioning schemes. Users get feedback as to whether the design is completely dimensioned for manufacturing. DimXpert also allows users to automate the process of complete and accurate 2D drawing creation. The DimXpert supports geometric dimensions and tolerances according to the ASME Y14.41-2003 3D specification.

SolidWorks Search will locate any SolidWorks or DWG file whether in the Design Library, on the network, in PDMWorks, or in 3D ContentCentral on the web. This search is not just filename based, but also searchable in metadata (like notes in drawings or custom properties). Bottom line -- users find what they are looking for the first time. New in SolidWorks 2008, Design Clipart allows users to reuse views, blocks, tables, and even images from AutoCAD files as well as sketches and features from SolidWorks parts and assemblies. Design Clipart automatically dissects AutoCAD and SolidWorks files and extracts data so it is reusable in new SolidWorks designs. Users no longer have to spend time setting up libraries for reuse. The ability to automatically extract portions of existing DWG data will help 2D users leverage their designs in SolidWorks more efficiently than ever.

DriveWorksXpress allows SolidWorks users to automate repetitive design tasks and free up valuable time that can then be refocused on high value activities like designing great products. DriveWorksXpress is a design automation tool that automatically generates parts, assemblies and drawings. It allows a company to capture knowledge and design best practices that can then be used to create new products and product variants. With DriveWorksXpress users simply enter design variables and let the software generate the required models and drawings over and over again.

TolAnalyst is a tolerance analysis tool that determines the effect that tolerances have on parts and assemblies. TolAnalyst allows users to perform worst case tolerance stack up analysis on parts and assemblies by informing the user which tolerances contribute the most to potential design failure. Tolerances that do not impact the design goal can be loosened to lower the manufacturing cost. TolAnalyst helps ensure that designs meet proper fit and function requirements while lowering costs.

DFMXpress is an up front validation tool used to identify geometry that is difficult, expensive, or impossible to manufacture by conventional machining operations. DFMXpress can help reduce the time it takes to consult with manufacturing specialists by identifying to the designer geometry that may contribute significantly to manufacturing problems.

COSMOSWorks Design Insight allows the user to easily identify the areas of a design that contribute most to structural integrity. Once these critical areas are identified, the designer can make informed decisions with respect to removing unnecessary material or exploring other design alternatives. Design Insight is an intuitive way to identify over-engineering and reduce material costs in product designs.

The new MotionManager consolidates Dynamic Assembly Motion, Physical Simulation, Animation, and COSMOSMotion into a single, easy-to-use interface. The new MotionManager has a key frame-based timeline and controls motors, gravity, and springs based on time. With a single setup, users can now see how an assembly moves and how components interact, create presentations, and obtain component velocities and accelerations for validation purposes.