How Do You Insert a Symbol in SolidWorks?

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How Do You Insert a Symbol in SolidWorks?

When working with SolidWorks, there may be instances where you need to insert symbols into your designs. Symbols can range from mathematical notations to special characters that are not readily available on your keyboard. In this tutorial, we will explore the various methods you can use to insert symbols in SolidWorks.

Method 1: Using the Insert Symbol Tool

If you need to insert a symbol that is not commonly used or easily accessible, the Insert Symbol tool in SolidWorks is your go-to option. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the location where you want to insert the symbol. This could be within a sketch or a note on a drawing.
  2. Navigate to the menu bar and click on Insert.
  3. Hover over Note, then click on Symbol.
  4. A dialog box will appear, presenting you with a wide range of symbols to choose from. Use the scroll bar or search function to find the desired symbol.
  5. Select the symbol by clicking on it, then click on the OK button.
  6. The selected symbol will now appear at your chosen location.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Common Symbols

If you frequently use certain symbols that have keyboard shortcuts associated with them, using these shortcuts can save you time and effort. Here are some commonly used symbols and their respective keyboard shortcuts:

  • The degree symbol (°) – Press and hold ALT, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
  • The plus-minus symbol (±) – Press and hold ALT, then type 0177 on the numeric keypad.
  • The diameter symbol (Ø) – Press and hold ALT, then type 0216 on the numeric keypad.
  • The copyright symbol (©) – Press and hold ALT, then type 0169 on the numeric keypad.

Note: These keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on your operating system and keyboard configuration.

Method 3: Copying and Pasting Symbols from Other Sources

If you already have access to symbols in other applications or online sources, you can easily copy and paste them into SolidWorks. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the symbol in the external source.
  2. Copy the symbol. You can use either the right-click context menu or press CTRL+C.
  3. Navigate to SolidWorks.
  4. Select the location where you want to insert the symbol within your design.
  5. Paste the symbol. You can use either the right-click context menu or press CTRL+V.
  6. The copied symbol will now appear at your chosen location in SolidWorks.

In conclusion, inserting symbols in SolidWorks can be done using various methods such as using the Insert Symbol tool, utilizing keyboard shortcuts for common symbols, or copying and pasting symbols from external sources. Choose the method that suits your needs and enhances your design documentation.

Now that you have learned these techniques, you can easily incorporate symbols into your SolidWorks designs, adding clarity and precision to your work.