Dimension placement and annotation in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Dimension placement and annotation help you add measurements and notes to your SolidWorks drawings. This makes it easy to communicate sizes and details clearly to others.

When you need to show the exact size of a part in a drawing.

When you want to add notes explaining features or instructions on a drawing.

When you must create a detailed drawing for manufacturing or inspection.

When you want to highlight critical dimensions that affect assembly.

When you need to organize dimensions neatly to avoid clutter.

Steps

Step 1: Open your drawing file

- SolidWorks main window

Your drawing appears ready for editing

💡 Make sure the drawing view you want to dimension is visible

Step 2: Click the 'Smart Dimension' tool

- Dimensions/Annotations toolbar

Cursor changes to dimension mode

💡 You can also find this tool under the 'Annotations' tab

Step 3: Select the edges, points, or features to dimension

- Drawing view area

Dimension preview appears showing the measurement

💡 Click once to place the dimension line

Step 4: Click to place the dimension text in a clear spot

- Drawing view area

Dimension is added and visible on the drawing

💡 Drag the dimension text if you want to reposition it

Step 5: Add annotations by clicking 'Note' tool

- Annotations toolbar

Text box appears for typing notes

💡 Use notes to explain special instructions or details

Step 6: Type your annotation text and click outside the box

- Drawing view area

Annotation is placed on the drawing

💡 You can move or edit the note later by selecting it

Before vs After

Before

Drawing view shows a part with no measurements or notes

After

Drawing view shows clear dimensions on edges and notes explaining features

Settings Reference

Dimension Precision

📍 Tools > Options > Document Properties > Dimensions

Controls how many decimal places show in dimension values

Default: 2 decimal places

Dimension Font

📍 Tools > Options > Document Properties > Fonts

Sets the font style and size for dimension text

Default: Standard SolidWorks font

Annotation Layer

📍 Annotations toolbar > Layer dropdown

Organizes annotations on different layers for visibility control

Default: Default

Common Mistakes

Placing dimensions too close to each other

Makes the drawing cluttered and hard to read

Space out dimensions evenly and use alignment tools

Not using the correct dimension type (linear, angular, diameter)

Can cause confusion about what is being measured

Choose the dimension type that matches the feature shape

Adding annotations without clear reference

Notes may be unclear or disconnected from the relevant feature

Place annotations close to the feature and use leader lines if needed

Summary

Dimension placement and annotation add clear measurements and notes to drawings.

Use the Smart Dimension tool to measure edges and features accurately.

Keep dimensions spaced and use correct types to maintain clarity.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of placing dimensions on a SolidWorks drawing?

easy

A. To change the color of the drawing lines

B. To show exact sizes and measurements of parts

C. To add decorative elements to the drawing

D. To hide parts of the drawing

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of dimensions

   Dimensions provide exact sizes and measurements needed to make or inspect parts.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from other drawing elements

   Decorations or colors do not communicate size; dimensions do.

3. Final Answer:

   To show exact sizes and measurements of parts -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Dimensions = Exact sizes [OK]

Hint: Dimensions always show sizes, not decoration or color [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing dimensions with decorative drawing elements
• Thinking dimensions change drawing colors
• Assuming dimensions hide parts

2. Which of the following is the correct way to place a dimension in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Place a text box anywhere on the drawing

B. Draw a freehand line and write the size manually

C. Use the paint tool to highlight the size

D. Click the dimension tool, select two points, then place the dimension line

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the correct dimension placement method

   In SolidWorks, you use the dimension tool to select points or edges to measure.

2. Step 2: Understand why other options are incorrect

   Freehand lines, paint tools, or text boxes do not create accurate dimensions.

3. Final Answer:

   Click the dimension tool, select two points, then place the dimension line -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Dimension tool + points = correct placement [OK]

Hint: Always use the dimension tool, not freehand or text [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to draw dimensions manually
• Using paint or text tools for dimensions
• Not selecting points before placing dimension

3. Given a rectangular part with length 100 mm and width 50 mm, what will the dimension annotation show if you select the two opposite corners along the length?

medium

A. 50 mm

B. Length can't be measured between corners

C. 100 mm

D. 150 mm

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the points selected

   Two opposite corners along the length measure the full length of the rectangle.

2. Step 2: Recall the length value

   The length is given as 100 mm, so the dimension will show 100 mm.

3. Final Answer:

   100 mm -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Opposite corners length = 100 mm [OK]

Hint: Measure between opposite corners for full length [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing length with width
• Adding length and width by mistake
• Thinking corners can't be measured

4. You placed a dimension but it shows an incorrect value. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. You selected the wrong points or edges for the dimension

B. The drawing color is incorrect

C. The annotation font size is too small

D. The part is hidden in the drawing

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze why dimension value is wrong

   Dimension values depend on the points or edges selected; wrong selection causes wrong values.

2. Step 2: Exclude unrelated causes

   Color, font size, or hidden parts do not affect dimension values directly.

3. Final Answer:

   You selected the wrong points or edges for the dimension -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Wrong points = wrong dimension [OK]

Hint: Check points selected if dimension value looks wrong [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Blaming color or font for wrong dimension
• Ignoring point selection errors
• Assuming hidden parts cause wrong dimension

5. You need to add an annotation explaining a special surface finish on a part. Where should you place this annotation for best clarity?

hard

A. Near the surface it describes, without overlapping dimensions

B. Anywhere on the drawing, even if it covers dimensions

C. Only in the title block of the drawing

D. Inside the part model, hidden from view

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand annotation placement principles

   Annotations should be close to the feature they describe and not block important information.

2. Step 2: Evaluate options for clarity

   Placing annotations near the surface and avoiding overlap keeps the drawing clear and readable.

3. Final Answer:

   Near the surface it describes, without overlapping dimensions -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Clear, close, no overlap = best annotation placement [OK]

Hint: Place annotations close and clear, avoid covering dimensions [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Placing annotations randomly over dimensions
• Putting annotations only in title block
• Hiding annotations inside the model