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 77.5, or “Coloring nodes or elements in the Visualization module,” Section 77.6.
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 in the Color Code 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 77.8, for a description of the options provided for changing the colors assigned to individual objects.
To apply a color mapping using the toolbar list:
Locate the list of color mappings.
The list resides immediately to the right of the tool in the Color Code toolbar.
Select a color mapping from the list.
Abaqus/CAE color codes the geometry and mesh settings according to the colors displayed in the Color Code dialog box.
To apply a color mapping using the Color Code dialog box:
Click the tool in the Color Code toolbar.
Abaqus/CAE displays the Color Code dialog box, which displays the default color mappings for the current module.
If you are color coding geometry or mesh elements, select a color mapping from the Color Code by list. (If you are performing a different color coding operation, refer to either “Coloring all geometry in the Visualization module,” Section 77.5, or “Coloring nodes or elements in the Visualization module,” Section 77.6.)
Abaqus/CAE displays the selected color mapping in the Color Mapping portion of the dialog box.
Click Apply.
Abaqus/CAE color codes the current viewport according to the colors displayed in the Color Code dialog box.
