Background document

 

 

 

 

Links/Videos:

 

This command allows to add a background document to a part or assembly document.

The background document can be considered as a support that allows you to design without having to include the document in the current file. For example, you can create a sketch in passing mode using the background document as a reference.

 

Creation Stages / Use:

 

Choose the command File > Add a background document... from the TopSolid button.

 

  1. Choose the document to add as background.

  2. Validate.

 

 

  • The documents available in the dropdown menu are the previously opened documents.

  • The Browse button allows you to select a document from the current project.

  • This document will be stored in the Backgrounds (classic mode) or Graphical Backgrounds (graphic mode) folder of the entities.

 

 

  • The document to be added as a background document is linked to the document in which it is inserted. Any modification of the background document has an effect on the document which uses it.

  • If the document used as Background documents is deleted, the document using it will become invalid.

 

 

Available options:

 

 

Corresponds to the management of the background document in versions 7.19 and earlier.

When this option is checked, performance improvements can be observed. However, it offers fewer capabilities than the classic mode (option unchecked).

When this option is unchecked (classic mode, which is the default mode), the background document can be considered similar to an inclusion (resulting in lower performance compared to the graphic mode, but offering more possibilities).

The classic mode offers many advantages, such as:

  • Modifying the attributes of elements in the background document (color, transparency, etc.).
  • Filtering elements of the background document.
  • Using the replacement assistant when creating a new version of the background document.
  • Showing/hiding elements of the background document.
  • Not inheriting the background document when creating in-place parts.
  • Projecting the background document into a drafting document.

See the comparison table below.

 

 

Option available only if graphic mode is enabled.

When this option is checked, all the shapes contained in the background document become transparent, and wireframe elements are displayed in a half-tone color.

It is also available in the context menu on the name of the background document within the Graphic Backgrounds folder in the entities tree.

 

Modifications / Additional information:

 

Background document modifications are available in a popup menu in the folder Backgrounds or Graphical Backgrounds in the entities tree.

This menu allows you to hide, open a background document or show  it in the project tree.

The Isolate command allows you to break the link with the background document.

You can also avoid any undesired hooking using the Selectable command which allows to forbid the selection of a background document elements.

 

 

Comparison between Graphic mode and Classic mode:

 

 

Graphical

Classic

Attributes management

Selectable

Properties filters

Replace wizard

Show / hide on sub assemblies / parts

Isolate

Performances

(performance identical to an inclusion)

Added to in place parts / sub assemblies

Direct drafting projection

Workspace manager compatibility

Synchronizable

Visible in bill of materials

Compatibility with IFC export