Problem

This article goes over how to adjust Decal Settings in SOLIDWORKS. Decal settings can be edited by right-clicking the decal and selecting "Edit Decal". 

In the Property Manager, there are three tabs with different settings. These tabs are:

• Image
• Mapping
• Illumination 

Solution 1: Image

The Image tab is where the Decal Preview settings can be adjusted, Mask Image settings can be adjusted, and Display State settings can be adjusted. 

The Decal Preview section shows a preview of the decal; the file path to the image file can be adjusted, and a decal .p2d file can be saved.

The Mask Image section is where we can set a mask for the image file or note. An example of this would be to use the "Selective color mask" option to remove the white background so the background is just transparent. Another option is to create a mask file to be the background of the decal; this video has an example of that: SOLIDWORKS - Creating an Image Mask File for Your Decals
 

The Display States section is where we can set a display state to apply decal settings. By default, it will apply the same settings for the decal to all display states.

Solution 2: Mapping

The Mapping tab is where we can adjust the placement, size, and orientation of the decal. 

The Selected Geometry section is where we can control what geometry the decal is applied to. We have a choice of Faces, Surfaces, Bodies, and selected Features.

The Mapping section is where we can set the Mapping type and position for the label, which includes:

• Label: Also known as UV mapping, this applies decals to model faces, including connected, nonplanar surfaces, like placing an adhesive label on a real part, without stretching or shrinking.
• Projection: Maps all points to a specified plane, then projects the decal onto the reference entity.
• Spherical: Maps onto a sphere
• Cylindrical: Maps onto a cylinder

The Size/Orientation section is where the size and orientation of the label can be adjusted, as well as a few settings related to aspect ratio and mirroring the label. Any size changes can be reset here by clicking the "Reset Scale" button.

Solution 3: Illumination

The Illumination tab is where different lighting-related settings can be adjusted, which control how the decal responds to lighting. Most of the time, these don't need to be adjusted except when doing rendering. 

• Dynamic Help: Displays pop-up tooltips for each property.
• Use Underlying Appearance: Applies the illumination settings from the appearance under the decal to the decal. When cleared, this option sets the illumination for the decal directly and enables the remaining options in this property manager.
• Diffuse Amount: Controls the intensity of light on a surface. A higher value makes the surface appear brighter.
• Specular Amount: Controls the intensity of highlights, making the surface appear shinier. A lower value reduces highlights. Dependencies: Specular Spread must be greater than 0. At least one directional, spot, or point light must illuminate the model and be enabled.
• Specular Color: Controls the color of reflected highlights within the specular component. Double-click to select color. Dependencies: Specular Spread and Specular Amount must be greater than 0. At least one directional, spot, or point light must illuminate the model and be enabled.
• Specular Spread: Controls the blurriness of reflections on a surface, making the surface appear rough or smooth. Higher values make highlights larger and softer. Dependencies: Specular Amount must be greater than 0. Specular Color must not be black. At least one directional, spot, or point light must illuminate the model and be enabled. When Blurry Reflections is disabled, it affects reflections of physical lights only. When Blurry Reflections is enabled, it includes environmental and self-reflections.
• Reflection Amount: Controls the reflectivity of a surface, on a scale of 0 to 1. If set to 0, no reflections are visible. If set to 1, the surface simulates a perfect mirror.
• Blurry Reflections: Enables blurring of reflections on surfaces. The level of blurring is controlled by Specular Spread. When Specular Spread is 0, no blurring occurs. Dependencies: Specular Spread and Reflection Amount must be greater than 0.
• Transparent Amount: Controls the degree to which light can pass through a surface. Lower values increase the opacity; 0 is completely opaque. Higher values increase the transparency; 100 is completely transparent.

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