Dimension placement and annotation in Solidworks - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This table shows dimensions of two features in a SolidWorks part: Base and Cutout, with their length, width, and height in millimeters.

Cell	Value
A1	Feature
B1	Length (mm)
C1	Width (mm)
D1	Height (mm)
A2	Base
B2	100
C2	50
D2	20
A3	Cutout
B3	40
C3	20
D3	10

Formula Trace

PlaceDimension(Feature='Base', Dimension='Length', Position=(10,10))

Step 1: Identify feature 'Base' in data

Step 2: Select 'Length' dimension of 'Base'

Step 3: Place dimension annotation at position (10,10)

Cell Reference Map

    A       B       C       D
1 |Feature|Length |Width  |Height 
2 | Base  |  100  |  50   |  20   
3 | Cutout|  40   |  20   |  10   

Arrow: Feature 'Base' -> Length 100 used for dimension placement

The formula references the 'Base' feature in row 2 and its Length value in column B to place the dimension.

Result

Drawing Sheet:

+-----------------------------+
|                             |
|  [Base Length = 100 mm]     |  <- Dimension annotation placed at (10,10)
|                             |
+-----------------------------+

The dimension annotation showing 'Length = 100 mm' for the Base feature is placed at the specified position on the drawing sheet.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

Which feature's dimension is used in the formula?

A Base

B Cutout

C Height

D Width

Key Result

PlaceDimension selects a feature and dimension, then positions the annotation at given coordinates.

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