Problem

This article describes the process of creating Custom Appearances in SOLIDWORKS and adding them to the SOLIDWORKS Task Pane. Appearances are used to add color and texture to a model. Custom appearances can be created by editing an existing appearance or using an image file. 

Solution 1: Editing Existing Appearance

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open a Part file with an existing Appearance

2. In SOLIDWORKS 2026 or newer, go to Options > System Options > Display to change the Appearance Visualize Style to "Legacy Appearances" so we are working with legacy appearances, then click "OK"

   

3. Switch to the Display Manager tab

   

4. Right-click on the Appearance to select "Edit Appearance"

   

5. Select the "Advanced" tab. The Advanced tab includes the Illumination, Surface Finish, Color/Image, and Mapping tabs.

   

6. For information on how to apply Illumination, Surface Finishes, and Texture Mapping, please visit the SOLIDWORKS help page here. After the appearance has been customized using the available tabs, save the new appearance file by selecting "Save Appearance" under Appearance.

   

7. The appearance is saved as a .p2m file type to the specified location. If SOLIDWORKS is not pointing to this location, the following message will appear: "The folder .... where you have chosen to save this appearance is not currently visible in the Appearances folder of the task pane. Do you wish to make the folder visible?" 

   

8. Selecting "Yes" will add the location to the Custom-Appearances Locations, and the folder will be added to the Appearances Task Pane. 

   

9. Add the appearance like any other appearance using the task pane.

Solution 2: Adding images as Custom Appearances

Image files can also be used as custom appearances in SOLIDWORKS. Follow the steps below to turn an image into an Appearance:

1. Save the image file to a local location that is easily accessible

2. Open SOLIDWORKS and open a Part file with an existing Appearance

3. In SOLIDWORKS 2026 or newer, go to Options > System Options > Display to change the Appearance Visualize Style to "Legacy Appearances" so we are working with legacy appearances, then click "OK"

   

4. Navigate to the Appearance tab of the SOLIDWORKS Task Pane

   

5. Add the file location of the image folder by clicking the "Add file location" button at the top of the task pane

   

6. The image file will now be in the file locations and can be added like other appearances by dragging the file onto the SOLIDWORKS body or using other methods

   

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.