A few years ago, Dassault Systèmes reached out to me to showcase a video of the iconic car I created using their SolidWorks software. While this recognition was an incredible milestone, it also highlighted a gap in my skill set: I had focused so much on mastering modeling, surfacing, and rendering that I had overlooked the power of animation. In today’s digital world, animation is a critical tool for effective communication and marketing. Determined to bridge this gap, I immersed myself in learning through videos and books. Now, I’m excited to share a practical guide to creating a captivating 360-degree animation using SolidWorks Motion Study.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!

What is Motion Study in SOLIDWORKS?

Motion Study in SOLIDWORKS is a powerful tool not only for simulating motion but also for creating stunning animations that showcase your designs. Available in SOLIDWORKS Premium and Simulation packages, this tool enables you to animate assemblies by incorporating elements such as forces, springs, friction, and more. These animations can help you visualize your design’s motion and interactions in a dynamic way.

With Motion Study, you can:

• Animate movements using a timeline with precise control over camera paths and object motion.
• Adjust parameters like material properties, mass, and inertia to simulate realistic movements.
• Easily plot and analyze simulation results to refine your animations for smoother transitions and more impactful visual presentations.

To start creating an animation, simply activate the SOLIDWORKS Motion add-in via Tools > Add-Ins.

This feature allows you to take your design to the next level by turning your models into interactive visual presentations, perfect for demonstrations, marketing, or presentation purposes.

Creating Path for the Camera

When you open the main “Model” workspace in SolidWorks, switch to the “Motion Study” tab to begin your animation journey. Motion Study allows you to animate your models by leveraging features like camera paths, lighting effects, and timelines.

To start, visualize how your camera will move around the object. As an example, let’s create a circular path at the mid-level of a Mustang model:

• Draw a simple circle using the Top Plane.
• Use the Point Command to place points on the circle’s quadrants for easier snapping.

In the “Motion Study 1” panel, you’ll see various tools like Directional Lighting and Camera options. The blue diamond shapes along the motion timeline are known as “Keys,” which mark specific moments in the animation process.

Setting Up the Camera

To add a camera:

1. Double-click the key in front of “Camera” in the timeline.
2. The workspace will split into two views:
   • Left View: An isometric perspective of the camera’s position relative to the object.
   • Right View: A preview of what the camera will capture.

There are a few important key configurations that we need to make:

First is the Camera Position, as you can see in the right screen the front of car is being captured in the camera. So, to create that angle I have selected the point which is exactly in the quadrant of the circle.

Second is Target Point which should be selected as a center point of the object where the camera will focus.

Now to Zoom in/out you can drag the plane which has blue and pink outlines.

Positioning the Camera

To create a smooth animation:

1. Drag the timeline to the 4-second mark.
2. Right-click in front of “Camera” and select “Place Key.”
3. Move the camera to another quadrant of the circle for a side view.
4. Adjust the Target Point to maintain a centered focus on the object.

Repeat these steps at 4-second intervals to capture multiple views (e.g., front, sides, and rear). By the 16-second mark, you should have five distinct camera positions showcasing the object from all angles.

Running the Animation

To preview your animation:

1. Return to the 0-second mark on the timeline.
2. Right-click the Camera button and select “Camera View.”
3. Press the Run button to watch your animation in action.

This step allows you to fine-tune any transitions or camera movements before finalizing the animation.

Saving the Animation

Once you’re satisfied with the animation:

1. Right-click on “Orientation and Camera Views” and select “Disable Playback of View Keys” to ensure smooth transitions.
2. Click the Save Animation button.
3. In the dialogue box, choose the file format, resolution, and frame rate (FPS) for your video.  Tip: Check the “Fixed Aspect Ratio” option to prevent stretching or distortion in your final video.Exporting the animation may take time, depending on the resolution and FPS settings. Once complete, you’ll have a professional-grade 360-degree animation ready for presentation or marketing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

During the animation process, you may encounter challenges. Here are a few tips:

• Jerky Transitions: Ensure that keys are evenly spaced along the timeline for smoother movements.
• Camera Drift: Double-check the Target Point settings to keep the camera focused on the object.
• Rendering Delays: Lower the resolution or FPS settings for faster export times, especially during test runs.

Conclusion

Animation is a powerful tool that elevates your designs, making them more dynamic and engaging. This guide has walked you through the essential steps to create a 360-degree animation using SolidWorks Motion Study, from setting up the camera path to exporting the final video. By mastering these techniques, you can showcase your models with cinematic precision, capturing the attention of your audience and enhancing your design portfolio.

Take the leap into animation and unlock a new dimension of creativity with SolidWorks Motion Study!

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Jalaj Kaushik

I'm Jalaj Kaushik from India. A curiosity driven soul who is passionate about CAD, creating models that inspire and fuel innovation.

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