SolidWorks 2012 introduces yet another utility to help you manage working with large assemblies: Large Design Review. This new functionality allows you to quickly open very large assemblies while still providing you with tools that can help you to review your assembly design thoroughly. In Large Design Review mode, you can: use the FeatureManager design tree, use the Measure tool, create cross sections, hide and show components, and work with walk-throughs.

This great new enhancement follows other large assembly management tools, such as Large Assembly mode, making use of lightweight components, and SpeedPak.  All of these tools, when used effectively, can make the user experience faster and more efficient.

One of the more interesting new tools available only with Large Design Review mode is the ability to take snapshots of the graphics area to create images that can be saved in the assembly file itself. Essentially, this is a screen capture that records the state and orientation of the assembly at the time of the snapshot so that you can return to it at a later time for further review. Snapshots can be created by going to View > Lights and Cameras > Take Snapshot, or by pressing Alt+Spacebar.  The snapshot will be saved on the DisplayManager tab of the Manager Pane.

The Large Design Review mode introduced in SolidWorks 2012 is just another example of how SolidWorks continually strives to save you time and effort so that you can focus on making your designs better!