How to Add Annotations in SolidWorks Drawing Quickly

To add annotations in a SolidWorks drawing, open the drawing file, go to the Annotations toolbar or tab, and select the type of annotation like Note, Dimension, or Balloon. Click on the drawing area where you want to place the annotation, then type or adjust the properties as needed.

Syntax

In SolidWorks drawing, annotations are added using the Annotations toolbar or the Insert menu. Common annotation types include:

• Note: Adds text notes.
• Dimension: Adds measurements.
• Balloon: Adds callouts for parts.

Basic steps:

1. Open your drawing file.
2. Click Annotations tab or toolbar.
3. Select the annotation type.
4. Click on the drawing to place it.
5. Enter text or adjust settings.

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Insert > Annotations > Note
Insert > Annotations > Dimension
Insert > Annotations > Balloon

Example

This example shows how to add a simple text note annotation to a SolidWorks drawing.

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1. Open your SolidWorks drawing file.
2. Go to the Annotations tab on the CommandManager.
3. Click Note.
4. Click anywhere on the drawing sheet.
5. Type your annotation text, e.g., "Check hole diameter".
6. Click outside the note to finish.
7. Adjust font or leader line if needed from the PropertyManager.

Output

A text note appears on the drawing sheet with the entered text "Check hole diameter".

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding annotations include:

• Placing annotations off the drawing sheet area, making them invisible when printed.
• Not selecting the correct annotation type for the needed information.
• Forgetting to save the drawing after adding annotations.
• Overlapping annotations that clutter the drawing.

Always preview your drawing before finalizing.

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Wrong: Placing note outside drawing boundary
Right: Click inside drawing sheet area to place note

Quick Reference

Annotation Type	Purpose	How to Add
Note	Add text comments or instructions	Annotations tab > Note > Click on drawing > Type text
Dimension	Show measurements between features	Annotations tab > Smart Dimension > Select edges > Place dimension
Balloon	Label parts or components	Annotations tab > Balloon > Click part > Place balloon

Key Takeaways

Use the Annotations tab in SolidWorks drawing to add notes, dimensions, and balloons.

Always click inside the drawing sheet area to place annotations visibly.

Adjust annotation properties like font and leader lines in the PropertyManager.

Avoid overlapping annotations to keep drawings clear and readable.

Save your drawing after adding annotations to preserve changes.