Custom properties are used extensively throughout SOLIDWORKS parts, assemblies, and drawings.
They are simply text-based information that helps to describe a document and add extra information - they are sometimes known as metadata.
Properties can be used in many areas of SOLIDWORKS to populate Bills of Materials, build templates, and link information in drawing borders, but they also provide additional searchable information.
#1 - FILE PROPERTIES
The first and most commonly used way to create file properties is from the File > Properties menu.
In the pop-up dialog, use the drop-down menus to add the appropriate fields and values, or type in your own.
Customising this list is covered in the SOLIDWORKS Drawings training course, where you’ll also learn to set up and create drawing borders and templates.
You might also link a property to a standard value, such as SW-Mass or SW-Material so it automatically updates as you model.
Units of measurement can be added at the end of the Value/Text Expression field. The Evaluated field shows the output result of this cell.
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Learn More #2 - PROPERTY TAB BUILDER
Located within the Start Menu > SOLIDWORKS Tools 20XX*, you will find the Property Tab Builder.
*XX represents the year version of SOLIDWORKS.
This takes a form-based approach, and we can use it to produce an interactive field with intelligent controls from drop down lists to radio buttons.
This method ensures all properties required are presented to the user on the right-hand side of the Screen within the Task Pane.
Watch this tutorial to learn how to create your own custom property tab builders.
Within this interface you can still access the traditional file properties through the More properties… button at the bottom of the screen.
#3 – TASK AUTOMATION
The SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler allows us to update custom properties at a scheduled date and time based on a file or a folder.
We can then specify the properties we wish to update. One big time saving feature here is the fact you can process an entire folder of files, therefore automating what could be a very tedious task.
Solid Solutions’ own batch processor for SOLIDWORKS, SolidQ, can also be used to schedule tasks, update custom properties, and generate drawings automatically!
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Register Here #4 - SOLIDWORKS PDM DATA CARDS
When managing your files with SOLIDWORKS PDM, there are many ways of populating properties using Data Cards and file Variables.
These can be generated from lists, drop down menus, or automatically generated and entered during workflows and state changes.
Not securing your CAD files with PDM? Make sure you check out these 10 reasons why you should manage your data with SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard.
No matter the method used to create the properties in the first place, using them - particularly in SOLIDWORKS drawings - can automate some of the more tedious data entry tasks, meaning fewer mistakes and better consistency.