How Do You Turn Off Auto Dimension in SolidWorks?

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Are you tired of SolidWorks automatically adding dimensions to your designs? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Many users find this feature to be more of a hindrance than a help. Luckily, turning off auto dimension in SolidWorks is a simple process that can save you time and frustration.

Why Turn Off Auto Dimension?

If you’re new to SolidWorks, you may wonder why anyone would want to turn off auto dimension. After all, isn’t it supposed to make our lives easier?

While auto dimension can be useful in some cases, it can also be a nuisance when working on complex designs or when precision is key. Manually adding dimensions allows for more control over your design and ensures that each dimension is placed exactly where you want it.

How to Turn Off Auto Dimension

Luckily, SolidWorks provides an option to turn off auto dimensioning for both new sketches and existing sketches. Here’s how:

For New Sketches:

  1. Create a new sketch: Start by selecting the plane or face where you want to create the sketch.
  2. Access the Sketch toolbar: Go to the CommandManager and click on “Sketch” or use the keyboard shortcut “S” to access the Sketch toolbar.
  3. Select the “Options” button: Within the Sketch toolbar, locate the Options button (represented by a gear icon).
  4. Disable “Auto Dimension”: In the Options dialog box, uncheck the box next to “Auto Dimension.”
  5. Click OK: Once you’ve disabled auto dimensioning, click OK to apply the changes.

For Existing Sketches:

  1. Open the sketch: Open the sketch you want to disable auto dimensioning for.
  2. Access the Sketch toolbar: Go to the CommandManager and click on “Sketch” or use the keyboard shortcut “S” to access the Sketch toolbar.
  3. Select the “Smart Dimension” tool: Within the Sketch toolbar, locate and click on the “Smart Dimension” tool.
  4. Disable “Auto Dimension”: In the PropertyManager, uncheck the box next to “Auto Dimension.”
  5. Click OK: Once you’ve disabled auto dimensioning, click OK to apply the changes.

Benefits of Manually Adding Dimensions

Now that you know how to turn off auto dimension in SolidWorks, let’s explore why manually adding dimensions can be beneficial:

  • Precision Control: By manually adding dimensions, you have complete control over where each dimension is placed. This ensures that your design meets your exact specifications.
  • Clear Communication: Manually added dimensions help communicate your design intent to other team members or clients. It provides them with a clear understanding of how each component should be measured and manufactured.
  • Simplified Design: Disabling auto dimensioning can simplify complex designs by allowing you to focus on specific areas without unnecessary dimensions cluttering your workspace.

In Conclusion

If you find SolidWorks’ auto dimension feature more of a hindrance than a help, turning it off can greatly improve your design process. By following a few simple steps, you can disable auto dimension for both new and existing sketches.

With manual control over dimensions, you’ll achieve greater precision and clarity in your designs. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the benefits for yourself!