How Do You Display Dimensions in SolidWorks?

by

In SolidWorks, displaying dimensions is an essential part of creating accurate and precise 3D models. Dimensions help us understand the size and position of various features in our design. In this tutorial, we will explore different ways to display dimensions in SolidWorks using various tools and techniques.

1. Smart Dimension Tool

The Smart Dimension tool is the most common method used to display dimensions in SolidWorks.

It allows you to add dimensions to lines, arcs, circles, and other sketch entities. To use the Smart Dimension tool:

  1. Select the Smart Dimension tool from the Dimensions/Relations toolbar or from the CommandManager.
  2. Select the entity or entities you want to dimension.
  3. Click on the desired location to place the dimension.
  4. The dimension value will appear next to the dimension line.

Tips:

  • Hold Shift: Holding down the Shift key while selecting entities allows you to add multiple dimensions at once.
  • Ctrl+Drag: Holding down Ctrl while dragging a dimension allows you to create a copy of that dimension.

2. Displaying Dimensions in Drawing Views

In SolidWorks, it’s also possible to display dimensions directly on drawing views.

This can be useful when creating detailed drawings for manufacturing or assembly instructions. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Create a drawing view of your model by selecting Model View from the Drawing toolbar or by going to Insert > Drawing View > Model View.
  2. Select the drawing view and click on Annotations > Model Items from the CommandManager.
  3. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose which dimensions to display.
  4. Select the desired dimensions and click OK.

Tips:

  • Model Items: The Model Items dialog box also allows you to add other annotations like geometric tolerances, hole callouts, and center marks.
  • Automatic Updates: If your model changes, the dimensions in the drawing view will update automatically if you have enabled automatic updates.

3. Displaying Dimensions in 3D Views

SolidWorks provides various tools to display dimensions in 3D views.

These tools are particularly useful when working with complex assemblies or when creating exploded views. Here are a few methods:

Section View:

The Section View tool allows you to create a sliced view of your model, exposing internal features and dimensions. To create a section view:

  1. Select Section View from the View Layout toolbar or from Insert > Drawing View > Section.
  2. Select the desired plane or sketch entity to define the cutting plane.
  3. Adjust the section depth and orientation as needed.
  4. The dimensions will be displayed on the sectioned view.

Exploded View:

An exploded view is used to show how different parts of an assembly fit together. You can add dimensions directly to exploded views by following these steps:

  1. Create an exploded view by going to Insert > Exploded View > Create Exploded View.
  2. Select the components you want to move and specify their translation direction and distance.
  3. In the ConfigurationManager, right-click on the exploded view and select Properties.
  4. In the Exploded View PropertyManager, check the ‘Show in exploded view’ checkbox for the desired dimensions.

Tips:

  • Ctrl+Drag: Holding down Ctrl while dragging a dimension allows you to create a copy of that dimension in the exploded view.
  • Automatic Updates: If your exploded view changes, the dimensions will update automatically if you have enabled automatic updates.

By using these methods, you can effectively display dimensions in SolidWorks and communicate crucial design information to others. Experiment with different tools and techniques to find the best way to present your dimensions in your specific project requirements.