What are parts, assemblies, and drawings?

SOLIDWORKS files fall into three distinctive categories: parts, assemblies, and drawings. Each file type corresponds to a certain deliverable when we're making a product. By deliverable, we mean whether we need to deliver a 3D part file, a 3D assembly file, or a 2D engineering drawing that's delivering parts or an assembly. To illustrate these three file types, let's break down the simple cylindrical box shown in the following diagram:

From the preceding diagram, we can see that there are three distinctive categories:

• Parts: Parts are the smallest elements that make up an artifact. They are the first step in building any product in SOLIDWORKS. Since SOLIDWORKS is used to create 3D software, all of its parts are 3D. Also, each part can be assigned to one type of material. Our cylindrical box contains two parts: the main Cylindrical container and the Cap, as shown in the following diagram:

After creating the two parts separately in two different part files, they can be put together into an assembly file. 

• Assemblies: SOLIDWORKS assemblies are where you will be able to mix more than one part together to make an assembly. Most of the artifacts we use in our everyday life contain more than one part, linked together. Some examples include cars, phones, water bottles, tables, and more. In our cylindrical box example, the assembly will look as follows: 

The main purpose of SOLIDWORKS assemblies is to check how different parts—which are often created separately—interact with each other. This will help us evaluate whether or not the parts fit together correctly. It also helps the design and engineering teams evaluate the look of the product as a whole. In addition, through SOLIDWORKS assemblies, we can simulate the movements of mechanical products.

• Drawings: SOLIDWORKS drawings allow you to create 2D engineering drawings out of your parts or assemblies. Engineering drawings are the most common way to communicate designs on paper. They often show dimensions, tolerances, materials, costs, parts IDs, and so on. Engineering drawings are often required when designs need to be reviewed by certain parties. Also, they are often required if you wish to talk about your designs with clients or manufacturing/prototyping establishments. For our Cylindrical Box, an engineering drawing may look as follows:

All three types of files—parts, assemblies, and drawings—are essential to SOLIDWORKS users. This is because they are all necessary for the creation of products.

Now that we understand what parts, assemblies, and drawings are, let's look at how we can open them in SOLIDWORKS.