how do you set the default color?

Hi,

maybe you can locate the part in the catia installation that is used as template when you select File/new.

when you've located it open it in catia and change the color and then save.

hopefully this will help you

otherwise you can create a "start part" with the color you like and then use "new from..."

/Akesson

If you have admin priviledges, you can create or modify a standard.

Otherwise you can change the graphic properties of the geometric set (or part body) that you are working in.

For all the capabilities of V5, I'm surprised that Dassault hasn't provided the capability to use the graphics toolbar to pre-set defaults. :-( V4 can do it

What level did you apply the color?
If color is applied to a Body the solid features should take that color. In the case of color applied to an Open Body the surface features should inherit that color.
As far as I can tell Sketches and Wireframe elements don't take on the color of it's parent (white until you change the color). And transparency is the only graphic option available for the Part.
I couldn't find anything under Tools, Options to set defaults may there's something in a xml file.

Hi again,

I've tried to locate the template files that Catia use to create new parts, products etc but couldn't find them. Doesn't Catia use template parts similar to Solid Works or ProE?

Does anyone know how a new part is created in Catia when I use the command File/New?

Anyway I think that the most common way to create new parts is to create a "Start Part" that contains all you standard parameters, colors, planes and publications (always use published reference planes when making constraints in assembly mode to make replace component easier).
Then you use "File/New From..." and point at you “Start Part” every time you want to create a new part.
Maybe you even should consider a "Start Product" if you use some kind of skeleton methodology with a reference part in the Product.

/Akesson

Start Catia with admin mode.

Select Tools - Standards. Category: General, File: CATStdMechanicalDesign.xml
Locate the branch Solid - Mesh - Color. There you can set the desired default color for new Parts.

Thanks!

How do I start Catia in admin mode?

/Akesson

Thanks again eklunja,

your tip solved the problem,

I managed to start catia in adminstration mode.

/Akesson