How to Create BOM from Assembly in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a BOM (Bill of Materials) from an assembly in SolidWorks, open your assembly file, then go to the Insert menu, select Tables, and choose Bill of Materials. Place the BOM table in your drawing or assembly, and customize it to show the parts and quantities automatically.

Syntax

Creating a BOM in SolidWorks involves these steps:

• Open Assembly: Load your assembly file.
• Insert BOM: Use Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials.
• Select BOM Type: Choose the BOM template or type (e.g., Top-level only, Parts only).
• Place Table: Click to place the BOM table in your drawing or assembly workspace.
• Customize: Adjust columns, properties, and formatting as needed.

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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 in SolidWorks.
2. Create a drawing from the assembly (File > Make Drawing from Assembly).
3. In the drawing, go to Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials.
4. Select the assembly view to link the BOM.
5. Choose BOM type (e.g., Top-level only) and click OK.
6. Place the BOM table on the drawing sheet.
7. Modify columns to show part numbers, descriptions, and quantities.

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1. Open assembly
2. File > Make Drawing from Assembly
3. Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials
4. Select assembly view
5. Choose BOM type
6. Place BOM table
7. Customize columns

Output

A BOM table appears on the drawing showing all parts with quantities and details.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating BOMs in SolidWorks include:

• Not linking the BOM to the correct assembly or drawing view, causing missing parts.
• Choosing the wrong BOM type, which can exclude sub-assemblies or parts.
• Forgetting to update the BOM after assembly changes, leading to outdated information.
• Not customizing columns, resulting in incomplete or unclear BOM data.

Always verify the BOM after creation and update it if the assembly changes.

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Wrong way:
Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials > Select wrong view

Right way:
Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials > Select correct assembly view and BOM type

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Open Assembly	Ensure assembly is fully resolved
2	Create Drawing from Assembly	Use File > Make Drawing from Assembly
3	Insert BOM Table	Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials
4	Select BOM Type	Choose Top-level or Parts only
5	Place BOM Table	Click on drawing sheet to place
6	Customize Columns	Add part number, description, quantity
7	Update BOM	Refresh after assembly changes

Key Takeaways

Use Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials to create a BOM from an assembly.

Always select the correct assembly view and BOM type for accurate data.

Place the BOM in a drawing for clear presentation and easy updates.

Customize BOM columns to show necessary part details and quantities.

Update the BOM whenever the assembly changes to keep data current.