- The background (title block, page size, related properties) is set up once and reused: that’s the first time-saver.
- The View Palette places the three standard views in 30 seconds.
- List only what is used for manufacturing and quality control—not everything you see.
A drawing SOLIDWORKS is done from the part or open assembly: File → Create a drawing from the part, select the background (format and title block), then insert the standard views from the Range of Views, we add cross-sections and details, and we dimension them with Smart Quotation or by importing the model's dimensions, and we finish by defining tolerances, surface finishes, and the bill of materials. Quality comes from the drawing background and functional dimensioning, not from the number of views.
The 7 Steps
- Create the drawing : Open part → File → Create a drawing from the part/assembly. Select the drawing background (A4/A3, your company's title block).
- Placing Views : View palette (right pane) → drag the front view, then project it onto the top or side. Scale: leave it set to «Use sheet scale,» then adjust.
- Cuts and Details : tool Cross-sectional view (draw the line, choose the direction), Detail view (circle around the area, scale ×2 or ×5).
- Quote : Smart Quotation on the edges, or Insert → Model Objects → Dimensions to retrieve the design dimensions. Align, space (Align Dimensions tool), and avoid duplicate dimensions.
- Tolerances and Surface Finishes : in the dimension → Tolerance/Accuracy (bilateral, ISO fit H7/g6); Annotations → Surface finish; Geometric tolerances with reference frame.
- Bill of Materials (Assembly) : Insert → Tables → Bill of Materials; then Automatic bubbles in the exploded view or the main view.
- Cartridge and Properties : Enter the part's custom properties (description, material, mass, designer): The title block fills in automatically if the drawing background is linked to the properties.
The Pitfall to Watch Out For
Drafting directly from sketch dimensions imported «as-is» results in a cluttered and non-functional drawing. We import them to save time, and then we deletes any parts not used in manufacturing, and we add the functional dimensions (center-to-center distances, drill hole positions relative to machining reference points).
FAQ
Frequently asked Questions
How do I change the format or the title block after the fact?
Right-click on the sheet → Properties → Change sheet format. The background reloads, but the views remain.
Why doesn't the drawing update when I modify the part?
Verify that the drawing is linked to the correct file (File → Find References) and that the rebuild is not paused. Ctrl+Q forces a full rebuild.
Further Reading : Find All of our SOLIDWORKS tutorials and the SOLIDWORKS Training by Ohmytraining. In our knowledge base: drafting standards and hidden edges displayed as solid lines instead of dashed lines.
