How to Add Bill of Materials in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To add a Bill of Materials (BOM) in SolidWorks, open your assembly document, go to the Insert menu, select Tables, then Bill of Materials. Choose the desired table template and position it on your drawing or assembly sheet to display part details automatically.

Syntax

Adding a Bill of Materials in SolidWorks follows this pattern:

• Open Assembly: Your assembly file must be open.
• Insert Menu: Navigate to Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials.
• Select Template: Choose a BOM template or create a custom one.
• Placement: Click on the drawing or assembly sheet to place the BOM table.

This process automatically lists all components with quantities and properties.

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Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials

Example

This example shows how to add a BOM to an assembly drawing:

1. Open your assembly file in SolidWorks.
2. Switch to the drawing view of the assembly.
3. Click Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials.
4. In the dialog, select the BOM template (e.g., Default).
5. Click on the drawing sheet where you want the BOM to appear.
6. The BOM table will list all parts with columns like Item No., Part Number, and Quantity.

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1. Open assembly
2. Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials
3. Select template
4. Place BOM on drawing

Output

A table appears on the drawing listing all assembly components with quantities and part info.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding a BOM include:

• Trying to add a BOM in a part file instead of an assembly or drawing.
• Not having an active drawing view linked to the assembly.
• Choosing the wrong BOM template that doesn't show needed columns.
• Forgetting to update the BOM after changing assembly components.

Always ensure your assembly is fully saved and updated before inserting the BOM.

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Wrong way:
- Insert BOM in a part file (no assembly data)

Right way:
- Open assembly or drawing linked to assembly
- Insert BOM from Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Open Assembly or Drawing	BOM works only with assemblies or their drawings
2	Go to Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials	Access BOM insertion menu
3	Select BOM Template	Choose default or custom template
4	Place BOM on Sheet	Click to position the BOM table
5	Update BOM as Needed	Right-click BOM > Update Table to refresh

Key Takeaways

Add BOM only in assembly or drawing files, not in part files.

Use Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials to add a BOM.

Choose the correct BOM template to display needed information.

Place the BOM table clearly on your drawing or assembly sheet.

Always update the BOM after modifying assembly components.