Can you hide a part in an assembly without deleting it in SolidWorks?
Short Answer
Yes — in SolidWorks, you can hide a part in an assembly without deleting it by using the Hide Component command, usually from the right-click context menu or the Component toolbar. This is the most common professional method to clean up assembly views while keeping the part fully loaded in the model. Hidden parts still affect assembly data unless suppressed.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Hiding a component in SolidWorks only changes its visibility; it does not remove mates, mass properties, or rebuild impact. A common mistake is hiding parts and assuming they no longer affect performance or interference checks.
How to Hide a Part in an Assembly
Command: Hide Component
Shortcut:
Tab(when the pointer is over the component)Quick Steps:
- In the assembly graphics area, move the pointer over the part you want to hide, then press
Tab, or right-click the component and choose Hide Component. - If needed, use the FeatureManager design tree, right-click the part name, and select Hide.
- Confirm the component is hidden; if you need it back later, use Show Hidden Components from the Heads-up View toolbar.
- In the assembly graphics area, move the pointer over the part you want to hide, then press
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Component Display State
Expert Setting: If you hide a part while working in a specific display state, the visibility change can be saved only to that display state rather than the entire assembly configuration. This is important when different team members use multiple visual setups.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): The part may be inside a subassembly, so you are trying to hide the wrong level of component instead of the actual nested part.
Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The component may be controlled by a display state or assembly configuration, causing it to reappear when you switch states or configurations.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The part was hidden instead of suppressed, so it still participates in mates, bom logic, and some assembly calculations, which can confuse users expecting a true temporary removal.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Right-click the component and use Hide Component for visibility only; if performance is the issue, use Suppress instead.
- Manager’s Verdict: Hide parts for presentation, selection clarity, and short-term visual cleanup. Use suppression when you need to reduce rebuild load or exclude components from active assembly behavior.
FAQ
Can I unhide a hidden part in SolidWorks?
Yes — use Show Hidden Components or right-click the component in the FeatureManager and choose Show.
Does hiding a part remove it from the BOM?
No, hiding only affects visibility; BOM behavior depends on component and configuration settings.
Is hiding the same as suppressing in SolidWorks?
No — hiding keeps the component loaded, while suppressing temporarily removes it from active assembly calculation.
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