The output bar is a resizable window located below the display canvas (modeling area). The available information within the output bar depends upon the type of model and the analysis type.
Contents of the Output Bar
- Solid Meshing tab: Click this tab to see the solid meshing results, when applicable. Results are provided for automatically generated solid meshes only, whether based on a CAD model or a hand-built surface mesh. Solid meshing results are not available for hand-built (structured) internal meshes.
The solid meshing results are also reachable using the Mesh
Mesh View Mesh Results ribbon command. The difference is that the results for all solid parts of an assembly are presented in one list within the output bar. Conversely, when using the View Mesh Results command, you specify the part to review, and you see the results one part at a time. In addition, the ribbon command provides surface meshing results, whereas the output bar does not. Note: By default, solid meshing is not performed at the time of 3D surface meshing. It is postponed until you analyze the model or perform a Check Model operation. - Details tab: Click this tab to see the following items. Choose which one to view by using the Analysis Information drop-down menu at the right end of the output bar.
- Analysis Log: View the analysis log file within the output bar (without having to select the analysis log from the Report environment browser). You can view the log file in any environment.
- Analysis Summary: View the analysis summary file within the output bar (without having to select the analysis summary from the Report environment browser). You can view the summary file in any environment.
- Convergence Plot tab: Graphically view the convergence behavior for nonlinear analyses. Click here for more information. In addition, view convergence history for Local Mesh Refinement in this tab.
Output Bar Display Options
By default, the output bar always remains visible within the FEA Editor, Results, and Report environments. The initial height only displays several lines of text. Use the scroll bar near the right end of the output bar or the mouse wheel to scroll through the text.
To Resize the Output Bar: Click the top edge of the output bar window and drag to increase or decrease the height. The display canvas above it resizes at the same time. To resize the window height, the output bar must be pinned open.
To Unpin/Pin the Output Bar: Click on the push-pin icon near the top right corner of the output bar to toggle the pinned state. The icon changes to indicate which state is in effect:
Pinned: The output bar always remains open, and the height can be resized. 
Unpinned: When the cursor is at the bottom of the screen, the output bar opens. When the cursor is moved away from the output bar, it closes (that is, it auto-hides). You cannot resize the window while it is unpinned. Temporarily repin the window to adjust the height. This feature is useful for maximizing the display canvas while also maintaining a taller than default output bar. A taller window improves the readability of the solid meshing results, analysis log, analysis summary, or convergence plot.