Creating a drawing from part or assembly in Solidworks - Mechanics & Internals

Overview - Creating a drawing from part or assembly

What is it?

Creating a drawing from a part or assembly in SolidWorks means making a 2D document that shows the details of your 3D model. This drawing includes views like front, top, side, and sometimes sections or details. It helps communicate how the part or assembly should be made or inspected. The drawing is linked to the 3D model, so changes update automatically.

Why it matters

Without drawings, it would be hard to explain how to build or check a part or assembly. Drawings provide clear instructions with measurements and notes that everyone can understand. They reduce mistakes and save time in manufacturing and quality control. Without this, production would be slower, more error-prone, and costly.

Where it fits

Before this, you should know how to create and edit parts and assemblies in SolidWorks. After learning drawing creation, you can explore advanced drawing techniques like custom templates, ballooning, and automated BOMs. This skill fits into the larger process of product design and manufacturing documentation.

Mental Model

Core Idea

A drawing is a 2D snapshot that clearly communicates the shape, size, and details of a 3D part or assembly for manufacturing and inspection.

Think of it like...

It's like taking photos of a sculpture from different angles and adding notes so a sculptor can recreate it exactly.

┌───────────────┐
│ 3D Model File │
└──────┬────────┘
       │
       ▼
┌─────────────────────┐
│ Drawing Document     │
│ ┌───────────────┐   │
│ │ Views: Front   │   │
│ │        Top    │   │
│ │        Side   │   │
│ │ Dimensions   │   │
│ │ Annotations  │   │
│ └───────────────┘   │
└─────────────────────┘

Build-Up - 7 Steps

1

Foundation

Understanding 3D Models Basics

Concept: Learn what parts and assemblies are in SolidWorks and how they represent objects.

A part is a single 3D object you design, like a bolt or bracket. An assembly is a group of parts put together, like a gearbox. Each has geometry and features that define its shape. You create these first before making drawings.

Result

You can open or create parts and assemblies in SolidWorks and see their 3D shapes.

Knowing the difference between parts and assemblies helps you decide what kind of drawing you need.

2

Foundation

What is a Drawing Document?

Concept: Introduce the drawing file type and its purpose in SolidWorks.

A drawing document is a special file that shows 2D views of your 3D model. It contains views like front, top, side, and can include dimensions and notes. It is linked to the 3D model so updates happen automatically.

Result

You understand that drawings are separate files but connected to parts or assemblies.

Recognizing drawings as communication tools clarifies why they are essential in design workflows.

3

Intermediate

Creating a Drawing from a Part

🤔Before reading on: Do you think you must create views manually or does SolidWorks help automate this? Commit to your answer.

Concept: Learn how to start a drawing from a part and add standard views.

In SolidWorks, you start a new drawing and select the part file. The software offers standard views like front, top, and side automatically. You place these views on the sheet and add dimensions using smart tools.

Result

You get a drawing sheet with multiple views of your part, ready for detailing.

Knowing that SolidWorks automates view creation saves time and reduces errors in drawing setup.

4

Intermediate

Creating a Drawing from an Assembly

🤔Before reading on: Will assembly drawings show all parts individually or as a combined view? Commit to your answer.

Concept: Learn how to create drawings that show assemblies with multiple parts and their relationships.

When creating a drawing from an assembly, SolidWorks lets you place views showing the whole assembly or exploded views. You can add balloons to label parts and include a Bill of Materials (BOM) table automatically.

Result

You have a drawing that clearly shows how parts fit together and lists them.

Understanding assembly drawings helps communicate complex products clearly to manufacturers.

5

Intermediate

Adding Dimensions and Annotations

🤔Before reading on: Do you think dimensions must be drawn manually or can SolidWorks suggest them? Commit to your answer.

Concept: Learn how to add measurements and notes that explain size and features on drawings.

SolidWorks provides tools to add dimensions automatically based on model geometry. You can also add text notes, symbols, and geometric tolerances to clarify manufacturing requirements.

Result

Your drawing becomes a complete instruction sheet with all necessary details.

Knowing how to add clear dimensions ensures the drawing can be used effectively in production.

6

Advanced

Using Drawing Templates and Standards

🤔Before reading on: Do you think every drawing needs to be created from scratch or can templates help? Commit to your answer.

Concept: Learn how to use templates to maintain consistency and speed up drawing creation.

Templates include predefined sheet sizes, title blocks, and standard notes. Using them ensures all drawings follow company or industry standards. You can customize templates to include logos and default settings.

Result

Drawings look professional and consistent, saving time on setup.

Using templates enforces quality and reduces repetitive work in drawing creation.

7

Expert

Managing Drawing Updates and References

🤔Before reading on: Do you think drawings update automatically when models change or require manual refresh? Commit to your answer.

Concept: Understand how drawings stay linked to models and how to manage updates and broken references.

Drawings are linked to parts or assemblies. When the model changes, the drawing updates views and dimensions automatically. However, if files move or rename, links can break, requiring repair. Managing references carefully avoids errors.

Result

You maintain accurate drawings that reflect current designs without errors.

Knowing how to manage drawing-model links prevents costly mistakes and rework in production.

Under the Hood

SolidWorks stores drawings as separate files that reference the 3D model files. When you place views, the software extracts 2D projections from the 3D geometry in real time. Dimensions link to model features, so changes in the model propagate to the drawing. The software uses a parametric engine to maintain these relationships.

Why designed this way?

Separating drawings from models allows multiple drawings from one model and keeps files manageable. Linking views dynamically ensures drawings always reflect the latest design, reducing errors. Early CAD systems used static drawings, which caused version mismatches. This dynamic linking was a major improvement.

┌───────────────┐       ┌───────────────┐
│ 3D Model File │──────▶│ Drawing File  │
│ (Part/Assembly)│       │ (Views, Notes)│
└───────────────┘       └───────────────┘
         ▲                      │
         │                      ▼
   Model changes          Drawing updates
   trigger view refresh  and dimension update

Myth Busters - 4 Common Misconceptions

Quick: Do you think a drawing is just a picture and not linked to the 3D model? Commit yes or no.

Common Belief: A drawing is just a static image or sketch separate from the 3D model.

Reality: Drawings in SolidWorks are dynamically linked to the 3D model, updating automatically when the model changes.

Why it matters: Treating drawings as static can cause outdated or incorrect drawings, leading to manufacturing errors.

Quick: Do you think you must manually create every view in a drawing? Commit yes or no.

Common Belief: You have to draw each view manually in the drawing document.

Reality: SolidWorks automatically generates standard views from the 3D model, saving time and ensuring accuracy.

Why it matters: Manual view creation wastes time and risks inaccuracies that cause confusion downstream.

Quick: Do you think assembly drawings only show the combined shape without part details? Commit yes or no.

Common Belief: Assembly drawings only show the whole assembly shape without individual part labels or lists.

Reality: Assembly drawings can show exploded views, part balloons, and a Bill of Materials to detail each component.

Why it matters: Ignoring these features reduces clarity and makes assembly instructions harder to follow.

Quick: Do you think moving or renaming model files won't affect drawings? Commit yes or no.

Common Belief: Drawings remain linked even if the original model files are moved or renamed.

Reality: Moving or renaming model files breaks the link, causing drawing views to lose reference and show errors.

Why it matters: Broken links cause delays and confusion, requiring time-consuming fixes.

Expert Zone

1

Drawing views can be customized with display states and configurations to show different model details without creating multiple files.

2

Using layers and annotation views in drawings helps organize complex information and control visibility for different audiences.

3

Advanced users automate drawing creation with macros or API scripts to handle repetitive tasks and enforce standards.

When NOT to use

For very simple parts or quick prototypes, detailed drawings may be unnecessary; digital 3D models alone can suffice. Also, for highly iterative designs, constantly updating drawings can slow down the process. In these cases, using 3D PDF or model-based definition (MBD) approaches might be better.

Production Patterns

In production, drawings are often combined with revision control systems to track changes. Companies use standardized templates and automated ballooning for assemblies. Drawings are integrated into PLM systems to ensure everyone accesses the latest version.

Connections

Model-Based Definition (MBD)

Builds-on

Understanding traditional drawings helps grasp MBD, which embeds all manufacturing info directly in 3D models, reducing reliance on separate drawings.

Technical Writing

Similar pattern

Both require clear, precise communication of complex information to diverse audiences, emphasizing clarity and standardization.

Photography Composition

Opposite approach

While photography captures real-world objects visually, drawings abstract and dimensionally define objects for manufacturing, showing how visual communication adapts to purpose.

Common Pitfalls

#1 Creating a drawing without linking to the correct model version.

Wrong approach:

Starting a drawing and importing an outdated or wrong part file without verifying its version.

Correct approach:

Always open the latest model file and create the drawing directly from it to ensure accuracy.

Root cause:

Misunderstanding the importance of file version control and dynamic linking.

#2 Manually drawing views instead of using automated view creation.

Wrong approach:

Drawing each view by hand using sketch tools instead of inserting standard views from the model.

Correct approach:

Use the 'Model View' tool to insert front, top, side views automatically from the 3D model.

Root cause:

Lack of familiarity with SolidWorks drawing tools and automation features.

#3 Ignoring broken references after moving model files.

Wrong approach:

Moving or renaming model files without updating drawing links, causing views to show errors.

Correct approach:

Use SolidWorks 'Find References' tool before moving files and update drawing links if needed.

Root cause:

Not understanding how SolidWorks manages file references and dependencies.

Key Takeaways

Drawings are essential 2D documents that communicate how to make or inspect 3D parts and assemblies.

SolidWorks automates drawing creation by linking views and dimensions directly to the 3D model, ensuring accuracy.

Assembly drawings include exploded views, balloons, and BOMs to clearly show complex products.

Using templates and managing file references carefully improves drawing quality and reduces errors.

Understanding drawing workflows bridges design and manufacturing, making product development smoother and more reliable.

Practice

1. What is the first step when creating a drawing from a part or assembly in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Add dimensions to the drawing before selecting views.

B. Export the part as a PDF before creating the drawing.

C. Save the drawing file without selecting a template.

D. Open the part or assembly file and select 'Make Drawing from Part/Assembly'.

Solution

1. Step 1: Open the part or assembly file

   You must first open the part or assembly you want to create a drawing from in SolidWorks.

2. Step 2: Select 'Make Drawing from Part/Assembly'

   Use the menu option to start a new drawing based on the opened file.

3. Final Answer:

   Open the part or assembly file and select 'Make Drawing from Part/Assembly'. -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Starting from the part file = Open the part or assembly file and select 'Make Drawing from Part/Assembly'. [OK]

Hint: Always start from the part or assembly file first [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to add dimensions before creating views
• Skipping template selection
• Exporting before drawing creation

2. Which of the following is the correct way to insert a standard view into a drawing in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Right-click on the drawing sheet and select 'Insert Standard 3D View'.

B. Select 'Insert' > 'Model View' and choose the desired view orientation.

C. Drag the part file directly onto the drawing sheet.

D. Use the 'View Layout' tab and click 'Standard 3 Views'.

Solution

1. Step 1: Open the drawing and go to Insert menu

   In SolidWorks, to add views, you use the 'Insert' menu and select 'Model View'.

2. Step 2: Choose the part or assembly and view orientation

   After selecting 'Model View', pick the file and the view (front, top, side) to insert.

3. Final Answer:

   Select 'Insert' > 'Model View' and choose the desired view orientation. -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Insert > Model View = Select 'Insert' > 'Model View' and choose the desired view orientation. [OK]

Hint: Use Insert > Model View to add standard views [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to drag files onto the drawing sheet
• Looking for 'Insert Standard 3D View' which doesn't exist
• Using 'View Layout' tab incorrectly

3. Given a part drawing with a front view inserted, what happens if you select the front view and choose 'Projected View' and drag to the right?

medium

A. A section view is created automatically to the right of the front view.

B. A top view is created automatically to the right of the front view.

C. A side view is created automatically to the right of the front view.

D. Nothing happens until you manually select the view type.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Projected View behavior

   When you create a projected view from a front view and drag right, SolidWorks creates the right side view.

2. Step 2: Confirm view placement

   The projected view aligns with the front view and shows the side profile automatically.

3. Final Answer:

   A side view is created automatically to the right of the front view. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Projected view right = side view [OK]

Hint: Projected view direction matches standard view orientation [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing top and side views
• Expecting section view from projected view
• Thinking manual selection is needed

4. You try to insert a drawing view but get an error saying 'Model not found'. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The part or assembly file was moved or renamed after creating the drawing.

B. You forgot to save the drawing file before inserting views.

C. The drawing template is corrupted.

D. You selected the wrong sheet size in the drawing.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify cause of 'Model not found' error

   This error usually means SolidWorks cannot locate the original part or assembly file linked to the drawing.

2. Step 2: Check file location and name

   If the part or assembly was moved or renamed after the drawing was created, the link breaks causing this error.

3. Final Answer:

   The part or assembly file was moved or renamed after creating the drawing. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Model not found = moved/renamed file [OK]

Hint: Keep part files in original location to avoid link errors [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming saving drawing fixes model link
• Blaming template corruption
• Changing sheet size unrelated to model link

5. You need to create a detailed drawing of an assembly showing exploded views and balloon annotations for each part. Which sequence of actions is correct?

hard

A. Create drawing from assembly, insert exploded view, then add balloons linked to BOM.

B. Create drawing from assembly, add balloons first, then insert exploded view.

C. Create drawing from assembly, export exploded view as image, then add balloons manually.

D. Create drawing from assembly, insert section views, then add balloons.

Solution

1. Step 1: Create drawing from assembly

   Start by opening the assembly and creating a new drawing from it.

2. Step 2: Insert exploded view

   Use the drawing tools to insert the exploded view of the assembly to show parts separated clearly.

3. Step 3: Add balloons linked to BOM

   Add balloon annotations that automatically link to the Bill of Materials for clear part identification.

4. Final Answer:

   Create drawing from assembly, insert exploded view, then add balloons linked to BOM. -> Option A

5. Quick Check:

   Exploded view then balloons linked to BOM = Create drawing from assembly, insert exploded view, then add balloons linked to BOM. [OK]

Hint: Insert exploded view before adding balloons for clarity [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Adding balloons before exploded view
• Exporting exploded view as image instead of native view
• Confusing section views with exploded views