What's New?

This section describes the new and enhanced functionality in Composer.

New Functionality

Support of MP4 Format for Animations
Previously, it was possible to save animations in AVI (.avi) video format. Now, it is also possible to save videos in FLV, MKV, and MP4 formats. See Video Workshop and File Menu.
Inlaid Text for Linear Arrows
A new property is available to display text inside linear arrows. See Markup Properties.
360° Capture
When creating technical illustrations and high resolution images, you can now capture a defined number of images of the model along a vertical axis performing a 360° clockwise rotation. See Multiple Tab and Multiple Tab.
Read-Only Mode Enhancement for Animation Library Templates
With the new MakeAngleAxisDistPtEditable parameter available for Animation Library XML templates, you can now make the angle, axis, and distance properties of animated actors editable in the Animation Library workshop when property values are set to read-only (i.e. not modifiable). See Custom Animation XML Example.
Exponent Shape for Callouts
A new callout property, Exponent Shape, is now available to display a callout's quantity exponent with a colored circular background. See Annotation Properties.
BOM ID Callouts
A new BOM table property is available to display BOM table entries only for geometry actors with visible callouts displaying the BOM ID. See BOM Table Properties.
Basic Attach Type for Annotations
A basic attach type is now available for annotations. See Annotation Properties.
Importing Exploded, Saved, and Named Views from SOLIDWORKS Files

You can import exploded views, saved views, and named views that you created in SOLIDWORKS files. See Advanced Properties

Importing Appearances from SOLIDWORKS Files
You have the option to import appearances from SOLIDWORKS files. Previously, Composer silently imported all appearances whether you wanted them or not. See Advanced Properties

Enhanced Functionality

Warning Message Before Breaking External Assembly Links

A warning message is now displayed before launching an operation that will break external assembly links in a Composer project (*.SmgProj files) or in a fully-shattered product structure (*.SmgXml files), prompting you to confirm the operation. See Breaking of External Assembly Links.