Creating a Drawing Template in SolidWorks
In SolidWorks, a drawing template is a file that contains predefined settings, such as sheet size, border, title block, and other annotations. By creating a drawing template, you can save time and ensure consistency in your drawings. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to create a drawing template in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Open SolidWorks
Before we begin, make sure you have SolidWorks installed on your computer. Launch the software by clicking on the SolidWorks icon or searching for it in your applications menu.
Step 2: Create a New Drawing
To create a new drawing template, start by opening a new drawing document. Go to the File menu and select New > Drawing or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N. This will open a blank drawing workspace.
Step 3: Set Sheet Size
The next step is to set the sheet size for your drawing template. Go to the Format menu and select Sheet Properties.
In the Sheet Properties dialog box, choose the desired sheet size from the drop-down menu. You can also specify other options like orientation and scale if needed.
Step 4: Add Borders and Title Blocks
To add borders and title blocks to your drawing template, go to the Insert menu and select Drawing View > Annotations > Border/Title Block. Choose from the available options or browse for custom border files if you have them saved on your computer. Position the border and title block on your sheet as desired.
Note:
If you don’t have a custom border or title block file, you can create one using SolidWorks tools such as lines, rectangles, text boxes, etc.
Step 5: Customize Annotations
Now that you have added a border and title block, you can customize the annotations to fit your needs. Use the Text tool to add information like company name, part number, revision, and any other relevant details. You can also use the Dimension tool to add dimensions to your drawing template.
Step 6: Save as Drawing Template
Once you have finished customizing your drawing template, it’s time to save it. Go to the File menu and select Save As > Drawing Templates (*.drwdot).
Choose a name for your template and select a location where you want to save it. Click Save.
Step 7: Apply Drawing Template
To apply your newly created drawing template to a new drawing document, go to the File menu and select New > Drawing or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N. In the New SolidWorks Document dialog box, choose the desired template from the Templates tab. Click OK, and your new drawing will open with all the predefined settings from your template.
Conclusion
Creating a drawing template in SolidWorks allows you to streamline your design process and maintain consistency in your drawings. By following these steps, you can easily create a customized drawing template that suits your specific requirements.
- Step 1: Open SolidWorks
- Step 2: Create a New Drawing
- Step 3: Set Sheet Size
- Step 4: Add Borders and Title Blocks
- Step 5: Customize Annotations
- Step 6: Save as Drawing Template
- Step 7: Apply Drawing Template
Now that you know how to create a drawing template in SolidWorks, you can save time and improve efficiency in your design process. Experiment with different settings and layouts to create a template that works best for your needs.