Minimize SOLIDWORKS Drawing save time when working with Shaded With Edges display style

Starting in SOLIDWORKS 2020 is the ability to open drawings in Detailing Mode (File > Open > select the drawing > Mode > Detailing > Open) for high performance when loading and saving, without loading model data.

However, when loading in Resolved mode with views whose Display Style is set to Shaded with Edges, you may have noticed longer save times in the drawing.  This is because the model edge data from those views takes extra time to save when saving the data required to prepare for the next time you open in Detailing Mode.

Reduce drawing save time

To minimize the drawing save time, consider doing one of these options:

• change the Display Style to Shaded (without edges), or
• in SOLIDWORKS 2020 and 2021, disable System Options > Drawings > Performance > Include Detailing Mode data when saving

Model data save setting for SOLIDWORKS 2020 and 2021

• in SOLIDWORKS 2022, this setting is now file-specific; it is found in Document Properties > Performance and can be preset in your drawing template:

Model data save setting for SOLIDWORKS 2022

The drawing save time should now be dramatically improved.