Solidworks

How to Unhide Text in SolidWorks Drawing

Understanding the Process of Unhiding Text in SolidWorks Drawings

SolidWorks is a powerful CAD software used for creating detailed engineering designs. At times, users may find specific annotations or text hidden from view in their drawings. Unhiding these elements is essential for effective communication and clarity in documentation. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively unhide text in your SolidWorks drawings.

Step 1: Access the Annotation Toolbar

Begin by opening your drawing file in SolidWorks. Locate the Annotation toolbar on your workspace. If this toolbar is not visible, you can activate it by going to the top menu and selecting "View," then navigating to "Toolbars," where you can check the box next to "Annotations."

Step 2: Identify Hidden Annotations

Hidden annotations are typically displayed in a grayed-out format, making them identifiable. You may notice these faint elements in your drawing; however, they won’t be fully visible to interact with.

Step 3: Use the Hide/Show Features

To restore hidden annotations or texts, click on "View" in the main menu at the top of the screen. From the drop-down menu, hover over the "Hide/Show" option, and select "Annotations." This action will allow all displayed annotations to revert to their normal appearance.

Step 4: Manual Selection of Annotations

If you want to unhide specific annotations or texts, use the selection tool to click individually on the fainted items. As you click on these annotations, ensure they become fully visible. You can also right-click on selected annotations to bring up a shortcut menu that will allow you to choose "Show" to unhide them.

Step 5: Confirm Visibility Settings

Sometimes, an entire category of annotations may be hidden due to viewport settings. To check this, right-click in the blank area of the drawing. From the context menu, select "Show Hidden Annotations." This action will review all elements that are currently hidden and make them available for viewing by clicking on them.

Step 6: Adjusting Drawing Properties

For additional settings, right-click on the drawing view itself, then choose "Properties." In the properties dialog box, navigate to the "Annotations" tab and ensure that the relevant checkboxes are selected for visibility settings to bring any annotations back into view.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I hide dimensions in SolidWorks drawings again?

To hide dimensions, right-click on the dimension you want to conceal and select "Hide" from the context menu. This action removes the dimension from the drawing view but retains it in the model.

What do I do if dimensions are still not visible after trying to unhide them?

If dimensions do not appear even after attempting to unhide, check if the "Show Feature Dimensions" option is selected under the Annotation folder in the Feature Manager Design Tree. If it is unchecked, dimensions will not be visible.

Is it possible to permanently disable certain annotations?

Yes, by right-clicking on any specific equation or annotation in the drawing and selecting "Disable," you can remove it from view. This action does not delete the annotation but hides it, allowing you to keep your drawing organized without permanent removal.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.