# SOLIDWORKS **URL:** https://forum.cadmunity.com/c/solidworks/35.md [Latest](https://forum.cadmunity.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.cadmunity.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.cadmunity.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the SOLIDWORKS category](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/about-the-solidworks-category/38)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2025, 6:59pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/about-the-solidworks-category/38 "2025-05-01T18:59:01Z")
SolidWorks related discussions --- ## [BOM's, balloons, revisions](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/boms-balloons-revisions/5922)
**Author:** [@TRKemp](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/TRKemp)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2026, 12:47pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/boms-balloons-revisions/5922 "2026-11-12T12:47:54Z")
This seems like it should be easy, but I’m unsure of the right combination of BOM settings to acheive what I want. I’ve got custom properties linked to model data, displayed in a text string to display our bill of mater… --- ## [UK VAR Query / Investigation?](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/uk-var-query-investigation/6476)
**Author:** [@dave.laban](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/dave.laban)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2026, 9:43am UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/uk-var-query-investigation/6476 "2026-11-09T09:43:42Z")
My manager has been approached by a UK-based VAR (https://www.technia.com/en/) who are trying to get our business away from our current VAR (https://www.solidsolutions.co.uk/). Nothing too unusual about that. What was u… --- ## [R.I.P. PDM](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/r-i-p-pdm/6471)
**Author:** [@jcapriotti](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/jcapriotti)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/r-i-p-pdm/6471 "2026-11-07T14:41:04Z")
Looks my time with PDM comes to end as we have transitioned fully to Windchill. Definitely mixed feelings. PDM is better at managing SolidWorks CAD files. But Windchill does have some good PLM functions. --- ## [Curvature Evaluation Not working well](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/curvature-evaluation-not-working-well/6464)
**Author:** [@TK.421](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/TK.421)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/curvature-evaluation-not-working-well/6464 "2026-11-03T19:49:16Z")
i always use this tool to check fillets/radii on model, and most of the time it’s reliable. this morning, anything displayed in red wont show up on the screen next to the mouse pointer. doesnt matter the size, .005, .01,… --- ## [Solidworks 2021 Linking BOM CELL (item no) to NOTE](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/solidworks-2021-linking-bom-cell-item-no-to-note/3006)
**Author:** [@zwei](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/zwei)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2026, 8:16pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/solidworks-2021-linking-bom-cell-item-no-to-note/3006 "2026-10-25T20:16:40Z")
For some reason, i could not seem to link the bom cell to note in solidworks 2021 The cursor show a stop sign and nothing happens after clicking on the cell The functionality is working fine in solidworks 2022 Any… --- ## [IF-Else Statement for Note in Drawing](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/if-else-statement-for-note-in-drawing/2435)
**Author:** [@zwei](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/zwei)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/if-else-statement-for-note-in-drawing/2435 "2026-10-25T20:13:07Z")
Is it possible to have a drawing note driven by an IF-Else condition based on a drawing properties? Eg: IF \ = "LOREM" THEN NOTE-1 = "ABC" ELSEIF \ = "IPSUM" THEN NOTE-1 = "DEF" ELS… --- ## [Hiding and Showing Surfaces in a Virtual Assembly with SmarTeam?](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/hiding-and-showing-surfaces-in-a-virtual-assembly-with-smarteam/6460)
**Author:** [@JMOS4](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/JMOS4)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/hiding-and-showing-surfaces-in-a-virtual-assembly-with-smarteam/6460 "2026-10-20T14:36:13Z")
Hi all, We are using SW2020 SP4.0 and SMARTEAM® - Editor V5-6R2020 Service Pack 6. Ok I made a bunch or Wireway virtual assemblies and added a surface of the doors open so I can see interferences. All the files were s… --- ## [Heaven help us](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/heaven-help-us/6413)
**Author:** [@doobes](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/doobes)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2026, 6:41pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/heaven-help-us/6413 "2026-10-19T18:41:00Z")
Solidworks users spend “blue tokens” on AI drawings, insights and more Oh, boy… --- ## [Generate Virtual Documents from spreadsheet](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/generate-virtual-documents-from-spreadsheet/6442)
**Author:** [@Brian-M](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Brian-M)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2026, 3:55pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/generate-virtual-documents-from-spreadsheet/6442 "2026-10-16T15:55:26Z")
Hi, Does anyone have experience with bulk creating virtual documents (123.sldprt.cvd) from an Excel spreadsheet? Say 500 at a time, something like that. Any tips or tricks? Better to have the script use API and call … --- ## [Solid works Custom Properties and slow loading of the indented BOM](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/solid-works-custom-properties-and-slow-loading-of-the-indented-bom/6368)
**Author:** [@Smokes\_5](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Smokes_5)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/solid-works-custom-properties-and-slow-loading-of-the-indented-bom/6368 "2026-10-16T14:45:49Z")
Hi My part and assembly files have around 16 custom properties to help with purchasing and loading into the ERP system they would like to add another 2 properties which are category code and Category Description. The … --- ## [Multi sheet drawings](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/multi-sheet-drawings/6448)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_O](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Bryan_O)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/multi-sheet-drawings/6448 "2026-10-10T21:38:34Z")
Our company handles parts with multiple configurations 2 ways: a separate drawing for each configuration or single drawing with tabled dimensions. Our drawings are then saved as a pdf to a networked location. I’ve been t… --- ## [Export MBD Annotations](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/export-mbd-annotations/6445)
**Author:** [@TK.421](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/TK.421)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/export-mbd-annotations/6445 "2026-10-06T14:57:48Z")
apparently theres a license for mbd that I dont have. is there any work around known to export my gd&t annotations as a step file for the programmers/machinists to see? --- ## [Shelling 101](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/shelling-101/6443)
**Author:** [@Petertha](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Petertha)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/shelling-101/6443 "2026-10-06T14:56:50Z")
I dont use this function often so I suspect missing some nuances. I’ve got a basic shell going on by selecting the top surface & wall thickness. Still need to play with thickness amount, but anyway A) how would I now fil… --- ## [We have lost Daniel Ferrucci!](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/we-have-lost-daniel-ferrucci/6431)
**Author:** [@gupta9665](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/gupta9665)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/we-have-lost-daniel-ferrucci/6431 "2026-09-30T14:24:00Z")
Not sure if anyone is aware, but Daniel Ferrucci has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this weekend. Rest in peace my dear friend!! :folded\_hands: --- ## [Most efficient way to add axes to holes in curved parts](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/most-efficient-way-to-add-axes-to-holes-in-curved-parts/6434)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Gera](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Mike_Gera)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 10:59am UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/most-efficient-way-to-add-axes-to-holes-in-curved-parts/6434 "2026-09-28T10:59:10Z")
What is the most efficient way to add center axes to holes in curved parts? Please see the attached example. I would like to add center axes to the 9/32" dia. holes so that I can later mate bolts to the holes in an ups… --- ## [Searching with SW explorer utility](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/searching-with-sw-explorer-utility/6428)
**Author:** [@Petertha](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Petertha)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 6:59am UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/searching-with-sw-explorer-utility/6428 "2026-09-24T06:59:22Z")
(SW-2024 & Win-10). I’m confused how the right-click SW utility within Windows File Explorer is supposed to work. This is the popup where you can invoke Pack And Go etc. I thought there was a way I could right click on a… --- ## [Drafting Standards](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/drafting-standards/6432)
**Author:** [@SPerman](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/SPerman)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/drafting-standards/6432 "2026-09-21T14:26:10Z")
Has anyone ever seen a CB hole called out this way? Does this meet some obscure standard? The top is what our company uses (and refuses to move away from, despite most of the engineers asking for the ISO standard on th… --- ## [3DXW27 Top Ten List](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/3dxw27-top-ten-list/6433)
**Author:** [@dave.laban](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/dave.laban)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2026, 10:33am UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/3dxw27-top-ten-list/6433 "2026-09-21T10:33:55Z")
This years TTL is now live. On the plus side they’re not using the flakey idea submission form from years past, it just gets submitted like a regular idea on Swym. On the downside it’s submitted like a regular idea o… --- ## [HOLE WIZARD ERROR](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/hole-wizard-error/1424)
**Author:** [@Dalego](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Dalego)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 5:32pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/hole-wizard-error/1424 "2026-09-18T17:32:46Z")
So I always find it odd that SW can show you the preview of what you want and yet still spit an error at you. In todays example I am doing a simple grease zerk hole. Preview shows what I want and I still get a error code… --- ## [Dimension distance to jog](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/dimension-distance-to-jog/6430)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_O](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Bryan_O)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 2:11pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/dimension-distance-to-jog/6430 "2026-09-18T14:11:03Z")
How do I control this distance? --- ## [Sheetmetal—Compound Joint Relief?](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/sheetmetal-compound-joint-relief/6422)
**Author:** [@toomdog](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/toomdog)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/sheetmetal-compound-joint-relief/6422 "2026-09-17T13:52:28Z")
I figure since we’re kind of talking about formed sheetmetal parts, this might be a reasonable opportunity to ask this question, but at this point it’s purely for my curiosity—We will be farming this part out of house, w… --- ## [FREE SOLIDWORKS Certification Prep mini-workshop](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/free-solidworks-certification-prep-mini-workshop/6429)
**Author:** [@David\_Matula](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/David_Matula)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 8:24pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/free-solidworks-certification-prep-mini-workshop/6429 "2026-09-16T20:24:52Z")
📅 September 18, 2026 10:00 AM → September 18, 2026 12:00 PM (America/Chicago) link to the channel https://www.youtube.com/live/crUkYCdFyA0 details about the event. --- ## [Creating a Plane without it being visible?](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/creating-a-plane-without-it-being-visible/6426)
**Author:** [@JMOS4](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/JMOS4)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 1:56pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/creating-a-plane-without-it-being-visible/6426 "2026-09-16T13:56:37Z")
Hi, Maybe a dumb question or maybe a feature they need to add, but can you create a plane without it being visible? Gets old adding in planes and having to turn off the visibility of each one when you are adding mid-pl… --- ## [Determining if a point is inside or outside a Body2](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/determining-if-a-point-is-inside-or-outside-a-body2/6418)
**Author:** [@laukejas](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/laukejas)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 11:07am UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/determining-if-a-point-is-inside-or-outside-a-body2/6418 "2026-09-11T11:07:53Z")
Hi, I need to code a function that discretizes a solid body (Body2) into a 3D point cloud with a certain resolution. The algorithm would be like this: Determine the bounding box of the body; Create a 3D point cloud… --- ## [ComponentTree Macro for generate consolidated Bill of Materials (BOM)](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/componenttree-macro-for-generate-consolidated-bill-of-materials-bom/6424)
**Author:** [@Jtok](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Jtok)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 8:52am UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/componenttree-macro-for-generate-consolidated-bill-of-materials-bom/6424 "2026-09-11T08:52:04Z")
Generates a consolidated Bill of Materials (BOM) in Excel based on the currently open assembly. Weldment and sheet metal parts that contain cut lists and consist of multiple bodies are treated as assemblies. Data is po… --- ## [Save Assemblies as Parts for Performance in Drawings](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/save-assemblies-as-parts-for-performance-in-drawings/6376)
**Author:** [@toomdog](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/toomdog)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 1:13pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/save-assemblies-as-parts-for-performance-in-drawings/6376 "2026-09-10T13:13:07Z")
Hello there, Sorry if this has already been discussed; I can’t find the right terms to describe what I’m looking for that won’t also produce results about lightweight parts or saving as external surfaces. My company cr… --- ## [Configuration rename with design table](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/configuration-rename-with-design-table/6421)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_O](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/Bryan_O)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/configuration-rename-with-design-table/6421 "2026-09-08T19:13:48Z")
I have 100+ configuartions of an assembly with multiple sizes/option. Is there any way to RENAME multiple configurations quickly with a FIND/REPLACE type command? Am I doomed to F2 renaming each configuration indiviual? … --- ## [Stars on Cursor Icon when Adding Certain Components](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/stars-on-cursor-icon-when-adding-certain-components/6412)
**Author:** [@toomdog](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/toomdog)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 12:03pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/stars-on-cursor-icon-when-adding-certain-components/6412 "2026-09-08T12:03:41Z")
Hi folks, I’m running SW2025 SP5.0 and I just noticed a particular component is showing two little blue 4-pointed stars over the part icon by my cursor when I’m adding it to an assembly. I feel like I have stumbled upo… --- ## [SOLIDWORKS pet peeves](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/solidworks-pet-peeves/171)
**Author:** [@mike\_miller](https://forum.cadmunity.com/u/mike_miller)\ **Replies:** 360\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.cadmunity.com/t/solidworks-pet-peeves/171 "2026-08-31T15:34:45Z")
AKA “What do your co-workers do with SWX that makes your blood boil?” The number one worst offense that makes me steam…overriding dimensions on drawings! Vicious circular references (a mate to an edge that is de… [Next page](https://forum.cadmunity.com/c/solidworks/35.md?page=1)