How to Create Manufacturing Drawings in SOLIDWORKS: Views, GD&T, BOM & Detailing
Step-by-step SOLIDWORKS 2D detailing guide: standard orthographic views, section and detail cuts, model item annotations, GD&T symbols, and automated Bill of Materials tables.
⚡ Quick Answer / Key Takeaway
To create a manufacturing drawing in SOLIDWORKS: Open your 3D part or assembly, click File > Make Drawing from Part/Assembly, select a drawing template (e.g. ISO A2 or ANSI B), drag standard views from the View Palette, use 'Model Items' to auto-import driving dimensions, and add GD&T tolerances.
Step-by-Step Instructions & Commands
Step 1: Selecting Sheet Format & View Layout
Choose File > Make Drawing from Part/Assembly. Select your company drawing template with pre-configured title block, projection angle (First Angle for ISO/Europe, Third Angle for ANSI/US), and sheet scale. Drag the Front View from the View Palette onto the sheet; projected Top and Right views follow automatically.
Step 2: Section, Detail & Auxiliary Views
From the View Layout tab, select Section View to cut through internal cavities, bore holes, and O-ring grooves. Use Detail View to create an enlarged circular callout (e.g., 2:1 or 4:1 scale) of intricate thread reliefs and chamfers. Add an isometric shaded view in the upper-right corner for visual clarity.
Step 3: Model Items vs. Smart Dimensions
Click Model Items on the Annotation tab to import dimensions directly from the 3D parametric sketches. These driving dimensions automatically update whenever 3D part geometry changes. Use Smart Dimension for reference dimensions, noting them with parentheses (e.g., (50.0)).
Step 4: GD&T, Surface Finish & Weld Symbols
Apply Datum Feature symbols to primary locating faces. Use the Geometric Tolerance tool to specify position, flatness, perpendicularity, and runout controls with appropriate material condition modifiers (MMC/LMC) per ASME Y14.5 or ISO 1101 standards.
Step 5: Bill of Materials (BOM) & Auto Ballooning
For assemblies, go to Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials. Choose Parts-only or Indented BOM. SOLIDWORKS generates a live table linked to custom part properties (Part Number, Material, Description). Click Auto Balloon to label every item number cleanly.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting Guide
| Common Failure / Problem | Root Cause & Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Dimensions turn olive green or dangling (yellow) | The edge or vertex that the dimension was referencing was modified or deleted in the 3D model. Reattach the dangling dimension by dragging its attachment handle to the new valid edge or face. |
| Title block text is uneditable | Title blocks are stored in the Sheet Format layer. Right-click anywhere on the drawing sheet and select Edit Sheet Format. Modify title block text and revision blocks, then right-click > 'Edit Sheet' to return. |
| Drawing views display coarse or faceted circles | Go to Tools > Options > Document Properties > Image Quality. Increase the 'Shaded and draft quality' slider to High for smooth circular geometry. |
Cross-CAD Compatibility & Alternatives
SOLIDWORKS drawing sheets (.SLDDRW) can be batch-exported to DWG/DXF for legacy CAM or to vector PDF with embedded 3D layers for vendor quoting.
Engineering Best Practices Checklist
- Store company title blocks and border parameters in standardized .SLDDRT sheet formats.
- Always link title block fields (Author, Material, Mass, Date) to 3D model custom properties.
- Maintain strict GD&T standards (ASME Y14.5M / ISO 1101) to eliminate ambiguous manufacturing tolerances.
- Perform a drawing check against model revisions prior to PDF release.