Copying a custom property in SolidWorks can be a useful time-saving technique when you want to reuse information across different parts or assemblies. Custom properties allow you to add additional information to your designs, such as part numbers, descriptions, or any other relevant data. In this tutorial, we will explore how to copy custom properties in SolidWorks and make your design process more efficient.
Step 1: Open the File Properties
To begin copying a custom property in SolidWorks, you need to open the file properties dialog box. There are two ways to access this dialog box:
- Method 1: Right-click on the part, assembly, or drawing file in the SolidWorks Explorer or Windows Explorer and select “Properties” from the context menu. This will open the file properties dialog box.
- Method 2: Open SolidWorks and go to “File” > “Properties” from the menu bar. This will also open the file properties dialog box.
Step 2: Select and Copy Custom Property
Once you have opened the file properties dialog box, you will see a list of custom properties associated with the file. To copy a specific custom property:
- Select the desired custom property by clicking on it. The selected property will be highlighted.
- Copy the selected custom property by either right-clicking on it and selecting “Copy” from the context menu or pressing “Ctrl + C” on your keyboard.
Step 3: Paste Custom Property
After copying the custom property, you can paste it into another part, assembly, or drawing file. To paste the custom property:
- Select the Target file where you want to paste the custom property.
- Open the file properties dialog box for the Target file using one of the methods mentioned in Step 1.
- Paste the copied custom property by either right-clicking in an empty space within the file properties dialog box and selecting “Paste” from the context menu or pressing “Ctrl + V” on your keyboard.
- Note: Make sure to select a custom property field before pasting if you want to paste it into a specific field. Otherwise, it will be pasted as a new custom property at the bottom of the list.
Step 4: Modify Pasted Custom Property (Optional)
If you want to modify the pasted custom property in the Target file, you can do so by:
- Select the pasted custom property in the file properties dialog box.
- Edit: Make any necessary changes to the selected custom property directly in its field.
- You can also change its name by clicking on it and typing a new name.
Note: You can modify other attributes of a custom property like type, value, etc., using their respective fields in SolidWorks.
Congratulations! You have successfully copied a custom property in SolidWorks.
This technique can be incredibly useful when working with multiple parts or assemblies that share common information. By copying and pasting custom properties, you can save time and ensure data consistency throughout your design.
Remember to experiment and explore other SolidWorks features to enhance your design workflow further. Happy designing!