What determines the "appearance" of a model in Solid Edge?

The appearance of a model in Solid Edge is primarily influenced by the selection of materials and the applied finishes. When modeling in Solid Edge, various materials can be assigned to different parts of a model, and each material has specific properties that affect how it looks, such as color, texture, and reflectivity. Additionally, finishes such as gloss, matte, or transparency can be applied to enhance the visual representation of materials, further affecting how the model is perceived.

The structural integrity of a model relates to how well it can withstand physical forces and is not directly associated with its visual elements. The level of detail in the modeling environment can enhance realism in rendering, but does not inherently change the model’s appearance unless specific materials and finishes are applied. While complexity can play a role in overall detailing, it does not dictate the fundamental aesthetics of how a model looks in terms of surface finishes and materials used. Hence, the choice that best defines the appearance of a model is indeed based on the selection of materials and applied finishes.