This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on how to create smooth and professional animations in SOLIDWORKS Visualize, including model rotation, camera movement, exploded views, and final rendering.

1. Switch to Animation Mode

1. Open your project in SOLIDWORKS Visualize.

2. Click the Animation tab at the bottom of the screen.

3. The Timeline panel will appear.

The timeline is where you control motion using keyframes.

2. Understand the Timeline

• Timeline – Controls animation duration

• Keyframe – Stores position, rotation, or property at a specific time

• Tracks – Contain motion data for parts, cameras, lights, or appearances

To change animation length:
Right-click on the timeline → Select Set Animation Length.

3. Create a Simple Turntable Animation

A turntable animation rotates the product 360° and is commonly used for product presentations.

Steps:

1. Select the model in the Model Tree.

2. Move the timeline to 0 seconds → Click Add Keyframe.

3. Move the timeline to the end (for example, 10 seconds).

4. Rotate the model 360°.

5. Add another keyframe.

Your model will now rotate smoothly throughout the animation.

4. Create Camera Animation

Instead of rotating the model, you can move the camera for a more cinematic look.

Add a Camera:

1. Go to the Cameras tab.

2. Click Add Camera.

Animate the Camera:

1. At 0 seconds → Position the camera → Add keyframe.

2. Move timeline to 5 seconds.

3. Adjust camera angle or zoom.

4. Add another keyframe.

For a realistic effect, enable Depth of Field (DOF) and adjust focus distance.

5. Create Exploded View Animation

Exploded animations are useful for product assembly demonstrations.

Method 1 (Recommended):

1. Create an exploded view in SOLIDWORKS CAD.

2. Import the model into Visualize.

3. Animate the exploded slider over time.

Method 2 (Manual):

1. At 0 seconds → Set original position → Add keyframe.

2. Move timeline to 3 seconds.

3. Move parts outward.

4. Add another keyframe.

6. Add Fade In or Fade Out Effect

1. Select the object.

2. Add an Opacity Track.

3. Set:

   • 0 seconds = 0% opacity

   • 1 second = 100% opacity

This creates a smooth product reveal.

7. Animate Lighting

You can animate lighting to add dynamic reflections.

Examples:

• Rotate HDR environment slowly.

• Adjust brightness over time.

• Move spotlights across the model.

Subtle lighting movement can dramatically improve realism.

8. Render the Animation

1. Open Output Tools → Animation.

2. Select:

   • Resolution (1920×1080 or 4K recommended)

   • Frame rate (30 FPS recommended)

   • Format (MP4)

3. Click Render Animation.

Note: Animation rendering requires more time than still images.

Professional Animation Structure (Recommended)

0–2 seconds → Fade in
2–6 seconds → Slow camera movement
6–10 seconds → 360° turntable
10–12 seconds → Close-up detail shot

Keep animations short (10–15 seconds) for best engagement.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Use slow, smooth movements.

• Apply ease in and ease out transitions.

• Avoid excessive camera motion.

• Use subtle Depth of Field.

• Render in 4K and scale down for sharper video quality.