How to Create Custom Drawing Template in SolidWorks Quickly

To create a custom drawing template in SolidWorks, open a new drawing, set your desired sheet format, units, and views, then save it using Save As with the file type Drawing Template (*.drwdot). This template can be reused for consistent drawing setups.

Syntax

Creating a custom drawing template in SolidWorks involves these steps:

• Open a new drawing: Start with a blank drawing file.
• Set sheet format and size: Choose or customize the sheet format (title block, borders).
• Adjust units and options: Set measurement units and other drawing preferences.
• Save as template: Use File > Save As and select Drawing Template (*.drwdot) as the file type.

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File > New > Drawing
Set sheet format and size
Adjust units and options
File > Save As > Save as type: Drawing Template (*.drwdot)

Example

This example shows how to create a custom drawing template with a specific sheet size and units:

1. Open SolidWorks and select File > New > Drawing.
2. Choose a sheet size, for example, A3.
3. Right-click the sheet and select Properties to set units to millimeters.
4. Add or edit the title block and borders as needed.
5. Go to File > Save As, select Drawing Template (*.drwdot), name it Custom_A3_Metric.drwdot, and save.

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1. File > New > Drawing
2. Select A3 sheet size
3. Right-click sheet > Properties > Set units to mm
4. Customize title block and borders
5. File > Save As > Drawing Template (*.drwdot) > Name: Custom_A3_Metric.drwdot

Output

Custom drawing template 'Custom_A3_Metric.drwdot' saved and ready for reuse.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating custom drawing templates include:

• Not saving the file as a .drwdot template, which prevents reuse.
• Forgetting to set the correct units, causing scale issues in drawings.
• Not customizing the sheet format separately, leading to missing title blocks or borders.
• Overwriting default templates unintentionally.

Always save templates in a dedicated folder and verify settings before saving.

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Wrong way:
File > Save As > Drawing (*.slddrw)  // Saves as drawing, not template

Right way:
File > Save As > Drawing Template (*.drwdot)  // Saves as reusable template

Quick Reference

Summary tips for creating custom drawing templates in SolidWorks:

• Always start with a new drawing file.
• Set sheet size and units before adding content.
• Customize title blocks and borders in the sheet format.
• Save as .drwdot to create a reusable template.
• Store templates in a dedicated folder for easy access.

Key Takeaways

Save your drawing as a .drwdot file to create a reusable template.

Set sheet size and units before customizing the template.

Customize the sheet format separately for title blocks and borders.

Store templates in a dedicated folder to avoid overwriting defaults.

Verify all settings before saving to ensure consistent drawings.