How to Troubleshoot Graphical Issues
How to Troubleshoot Graphical Issues
If you are encountering unexpected graphical artifacts or behaviors with appearances, particularly if you are unable to replicate the behavior on other computers, you may be dealing with graphics card or driver issues. There are a few of quick tests you can perform to determine whether your graphics card or driver is causing problems which can help to determine the best long-term solution.
Confirm whether you have a certified graphics card and driver
The SOLIDWORKS Rx tool is invaluable in isolating the root cause of a performance or stability issue with SOLIDWORKS. For more detailed information on this application, please see this article.
- Open the SOLIDWORKS Rx application
- Select the ‘Diagnostics’ tab
- Click the link to the Hardware Certification page and use the information provided by Rx to determine the following:
- Is your graphics card model certified?
- Are you using the same or newer (higher version number) version of the indicated graphics card driver?
Disable ‘Enhanced Graphics Performance’
The Enhanced Graphics Performance option improves the smoothness of the model area when you are moving or rotating models in SOLIDWORKS. There are some compatibility issues with some certified graphics cards and drivers that can cause unpredictable graphics behavior, so disabling this option is a low-impact way to eliminate this setting as a possible cause for your issues.
- Open ‘System Options’ by clicking on the gear icon on the title bar or go to ‘Tools->System Options’
- Select the ‘Performance’ node in the left side of the options window
- Uncheck the ‘Enhanced Graphics Performance’ option
- Click ‘OK’
- Close and re-open SOLIDWORKS to apply this setting
Open SOLIDWORKS in Software OpenGL mode
You can also use the SOLIDWORKS Rx application to open SOLIDWORKS in a special mode that bypasses the graphics card and driver altogether. This can impact performance so this should not be used on a regular basis, but it is a good way to determine possible causes of unwanted behavior.
- Close all instances of SOLIDWORKS if any are open
- Open the ‘SOLIDWORKS Rx’ application
- On the ‘Home’ tab, click on the link named ‘Click here to launch SOLIDWORKS in Software OpenGL Mode’
If the issue is resolved by running SOLIDWORKS in Software OpenGL mode, then you should work with your IT support team to troubleshoot your graphics card and driver. If the card and driver are certified you should check for firmware or BIOS updates for your computer system, and if the issue persists you may need to contact the graphics card manufacturer to determine whether there is a hardware issue.
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