Changing the existing drawing template in SolidWorks is a task that many users may need to perform at some point. Whether you want to customize the default template or use a different template altogether, this article will guide you through the process. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Drawing Templates
When you create a new drawing in SolidWorks, it uses a predefined template that determines the layout, sheet size, units, and other settings. The default template is usually sufficient for most projects, but there may be instances where you need to make changes to better suit your needs.
Locating the Template Files
To modify or replace an existing drawing template, you first need to locate the template files on your computer. By default, SolidWorks stores its templates in a specific directory. The exact location may vary depending on your installation and operating system.
- Windows: C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks\SolidWorks version\templates
- Mac: /Library/Application Support/SolidWorks/SolidWorks version/templates
If you cannot find the templates folder in the specified location, you can search for “*.slddrt” files on your computer to locate them.
Modifying an Existing Template
To change an existing drawing template in SolidWorks, follow these steps:
- Locate the desired template file: Open the templates folder and find the .slddrt file that corresponds to the drawing size and format you want to modify.
- Edit the template: Right-click on the file and choose “Open With” from the context menu. Select a text editor such as Notepad or any HTML editor.
- Make your changes: Within the template file, you can modify various elements such as title block, sheet format, border, company logo, and other annotations. You can use HTML tags to format the text and add styling elements like bold, underline, or even italicize.
- Save the changes: After making the necessary modifications, save the template file and close the text editor.
Replacing the Default Template
If you want to replace the default drawing template with your modified version or a completely different template, follow these steps:
- Create a backup: Before replacing any files, it is always a good idea to create a backup of the original template. This way, you can revert back to it if needed.
- Rename or delete original template: Rename or delete the existing “sheet_format.slddrt” file in the templates folder. This ensures that SolidWorks uses your modified or new template instead.
- Add your modified/new template: Copy your modified or new “sheet_format.slddrt” file into the templates folder.
When you create a new drawing in SolidWorks now, it will use your customized template instead of the default one.
In Conclusion
Changing the existing drawing template in SolidWorks allows you to customize your drawings according to your specific requirements. By following these steps and using HTML styling elements like bold, underline, and proper subheaders, you can easily modify or replace drawing templates in SolidWorks. So go ahead and experiment with different layouts, designs, and annotations to create professional-looking drawings tailored to your needs!