How to Set Units in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To set units in SolidWorks, go to the Options menu, select Document Properties, then Units. Choose your preferred unit system like MMGS or IPS and click OK to apply.

Syntax

In SolidWorks, setting units is done through the user interface, not code. The main steps are:

• Options: Access the settings menu.
• Document Properties: Where document-specific settings are found.
• Units: Section to select unit system and unit types.
• Apply/OK: Save and apply the changes.

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1. Click Tools > Options
2. Select Document Properties tab
3. Click Units
4. Choose unit system (e.g., MMGS, IPS)
5. Click OK

Example

This example shows how to change the units from millimeters to inches in a SolidWorks part document.

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1. Open your part in SolidWorks.
2. Click on <strong>Tools</strong> in the top menu.
3. Select <strong>Options</strong> from the dropdown.
4. In the <strong>Document Properties</strong> tab, click <strong>Units</strong> on the left panel.
5. Under <strong>Unit system</strong>, select <strong>IPS (inch, pound, second)</strong>.
6. Click <strong>OK</strong> to apply the changes.
7. Your model units are now set to inches.

Output

Units changed to IPS (inch, pound, second). Dimensions now display in inches.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when setting units in SolidWorks include:

• Changing units in System Options instead of Document Properties, which affects all documents globally.
• Not applying changes before closing the dialog, so units remain unchanged.
• Forgetting to check if templates use the desired units, causing new files to default to old units.

Always set units in Document Properties for the current file or update your templates for consistent units.

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Wrong way:
1. Tools > Options > System Options > Units > Change units (affects all files)

Right way:
1. Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units > Change units (affects current file only)

Quick Reference

Step	Action
1	Open Tools > Options
2	Select Document Properties tab
3	Click Units
4	Choose unit system (e.g., MMGS, IPS)
5	Click OK to apply

Key Takeaways

Set units in Document Properties to affect only the current file.

Use Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units to change units.

Choose from preset unit systems like MMGS (millimeter) or IPS (inch).

Remember to apply changes by clicking OK before closing the dialog.

Update templates if you want new files to start with specific units.