A lightweight model is a three dimensional graphical representation of a model that looks like any other model in the viewport. However, lightweight models use less memory because they do not include detailed information or meta data.Creo Elements/Direct Model Manager is required to fully support lightweight models. Please see Creo Elements/Direct Model Manager online help for detailed information.
Lightweight models look identical to a normal part, except they
• Include only the 3D representation of the geometry data, the 3D labels, and the 3D annotation associated with a part.
• Are identified with the tool tip prefix "Lightweight" when you hover over them in the viewport.
• Are identified with a special browser icon: . Assemblies with lightweight models are identified by the partial loaded assembly icon: .
You can save a part or assembly that includes a lightweight model as a package or bundle file.
If you load an assembly as a light weight model and you decide to modify a part, Creo Elements/Direct Modeling will automatically reload that part's full geometry from Creo Elements/Direct Model Manager. You can modify the part as usual.
Settings
To minimize the memory footprint when loading large assemblies, you can control lightweight models' load mode. See
Lightweight Model Settings. You can load the model Without Edges, Without Vertices & Labels or without both.
• You cannot select, nor will Creo Elements/Direct Modeling display, model edges, vertices, and labels when you check their corresponding lightweight model setting.
• If you check Without Edges, Creo Elements/Direct Modeling cannot highlight parts during selection.
Limitations
• Data stored as the contents of a part is not loaded, such as a container, coordinate system, or feature attached to a part.
. Assemblies with lightweight models are identified by the partial loaded assembly icon: 
.