This section describes how to apply color coding to geometry and mesh elements from any module other than the Visualization module. If you want to apply color coding in the Visualization module, see either “Coloring all geometry in the Visualization module,” Section 51.4, or “Coloring nodes or elements in the Visualization module,” Section 51.5.

ABAQUS/CAE applies color coding to the current viewport according to color mappings for specific types of objects, such as part instances, materials, sections, or display groups. This section describes how to examine the assignments in a particular color mapping and how to apply the assignments in a color mapping to the current viewport.

ABAQUS/CAE provides two methods that you can use to apply color coding to predefined object types in the current viewport. You can quickly select a color mapping by choosing its name from the list immediately to the right of the tool at the right end of the toolbar. ABAQUS/CAE refreshes the current viewport with the color coding specified in that color mapping. Alternatively, you can select the color mapping from the Color Code dialog box. You must use the dialog box if you want to customize the color mapping. See “Customizing the display color of individual objects,” Section 51.6, for a description of the options provided for changing the colors assigned to individual objects.