Dimension placement and annotation in Solidworks - Real Business Scenario

Scenario Mode

👤 Your Role: You are a design engineer working with SolidWorks drawings.

📋 Request: Your manager wants a clear and professional drawing with properly placed dimensions and annotations to communicate design intent effectively.

📊 Data: You have a 2D part drawing with several features like holes, slots, and edges that need dimensioning and annotation.

🎯 Deliverable: A SolidWorks drawing file with all necessary dimensions placed correctly and annotations added for clarity.

Sample Data

Feature	Type	Size	Location
Hole A	Circle	10 mm diameter	50 mm from left edge, 30 mm from bottom edge
Slot B	Slot	20 mm length, 5 mm width	80 mm from left edge, 40 mm from bottom edge
Edge C	Line	100 mm length	Bottom edge of the part
Edge D	Line	60 mm length	Right edge of the part

1

Step 1: Open the SolidWorks drawing file and select the 'Smart Dimension' tool.

No formula needed; use the Smart Dimension tool from the toolbar.

Expected Result

The Smart Dimension cursor is active and ready to place dimensions.

2

Step 2: Place a diameter dimension for Hole A by clicking on the circular edge of the hole.

Select the circular edge of Hole A, then click to place the dimension outside the hole.

Expected Result

A 10 mm diameter dimension appears clearly outside Hole A.

3

Step 3: Add horizontal and vertical distance dimensions from Hole A center to the left and bottom edges respectively.

Select the center point of Hole A and the left edge, place horizontal dimension; then select center point and bottom edge, place vertical dimension.

Expected Result

Dimensions showing 50 mm horizontally and 30 mm vertically from Hole A center to edges are visible and not overlapping other elements.

4

Step 4: Dimension Slot B by placing length and width dimensions using the Smart Dimension tool.

Select the slot edges for length and width, place dimensions outside the slot area for clarity.

Expected Result

Dimensions of 20 mm length and 5 mm width are clearly visible near Slot B.

5

Step 5: Add location dimensions for Slot B from the left and bottom edges of the part.

Select Slot B center or reference edge and the part edges, place horizontal and vertical dimensions.

Expected Result

Dimensions showing 80 mm from left edge and 40 mm from bottom edge to Slot B are placed without clutter.

6

Step 6: Dimension Edge C and Edge D lengths by selecting their lines and placing linear dimensions.

Select Edge C line, place 100 mm dimension; select Edge D line, place 60 mm dimension.

Expected Result

Linear dimensions for Edge C (100 mm) and Edge D (60 mm) are visible and placed outside the part outline.

7

Step 7: Add annotations to clarify any special notes, such as tolerances or surface finishes, near the relevant features.

Use the 'Note' tool to add text annotations near Hole A and Slot B describing tolerances or finishes.

Expected Result

Annotations appear near features without overlapping dimensions or drawing views.

8

Step 8: Review the drawing for dimension clarity, ensuring no overlapping dimensions or annotations and that all are readable.

Manually check and adjust dimension placement by dragging dimensions if needed.

Expected Result

The drawing is clean, with all dimensions and annotations clearly visible and easy to read.

Final Result

-----------------------------
|        Part Drawing        |
|                           |
|  O (Hole A)               |
|   ⌀10 mm                 |
| 50 mm -> |                |
|  ↑ 30 mm                 |
|                           |
|  ┌─────────────┐           |
|  | Slot B      |           |
|  | 20x5 mm     |           |
| 80 mm -> |                 |
|  ↑ 40 mm                 |
|                           |
| 100 mm ────────── Edge C   |
|                           |
| 60 mm │ Edge D             |
|                           |
| Notes:                    |
| Hole A tolerance ±0.1 mm  |
| Slot B surface finish Ra3 |
-----------------------------

Bonus Challenge

Create a dimension scheme that uses baseline dimensioning instead of chain dimensioning for Hole A and Slot B locations.

Show Hint

Use the baseline dimension tool in SolidWorks to dimension all features from a single reference edge to reduce cumulative tolerance.

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