In a Solid Edge modeling document, two environments coexist for creating model features. The two environments are synchronous and ordered. You create synchronous features in the synchronous modeling environment. You create ordered features in the ordered modeling environment. A model can contain only synchronous features, only ordered features, or a combination of both feature types.
A synchronous feature is a collection of faces that define the feature shape. There is no history retained of how a synchronous feature was created. You can edit the faces of a synchronous feature.
An ordered feature is history based. You can edit an ordered feature by returning to any step used in the feature creation process. You do not edit faces of an ordered feature.
The Solid Edge Options→Helpers page provides a setting for the modeling environment to use when a new document opens. The default setting is Synchronous modeling.
If an existing modeling document contains only synchronous elements, the document opens in the synchronous environment.
If an existing modeling document contains only ordered elements or a combination of ordered and synchronous elements, the document opens in the ordered environment.
You can switch between environments at any time during the modeling process.
Right-click in PathFinder or the graphics window to activate the shortcut menu, and then choose either Transition to Synchronous or Transition to Ordered, depending on the environment that is active.
If a model contains both synchronous and ordered features, click the Ordered environment bar or the Synchronous environment bar in PathFinder.
On the ribbon, from the Tools tab→Model group, choose the modeling environment to transition to.
Note:
Each environment presents its own set of modeling commands.
In the ordered modeling environment, ordered and synchronous features appear.
In the synchronous modeling environment, only synchronous features appear.
In ordered modeling, selecting an ordered feature displays the Edit Feature command bar for ordered editing.
In ordered or synchronous modeling, selecting a synchronous body face displays the steering wheel for synchronous editing.