How to Link Text in SolidWorks Drawing?

Understanding $PRP for Linking Text in SOLIDWORKS Drawings

To link text effectively in SOLIDWORKS drawings, the $PRP system plays a crucial role. This system allows you to connect custom properties from your models directly into your drawings. By utilizing $PRP, you can ensure that key information, such as descriptions, part numbers, and other custom properties, are dynamically linked and updated in your title blocks and annotations without manual updates every time a change is made.

Step 1: Creating Custom Properties in Your Models

Before linking properties in your drawings, you must set up custom properties within your part or assembly files. To do this:

1. Open your part or assembly file in SOLIDWORKS.
2. Access the Custom Properties manager by right-clicking on the file name in the FeatureManager and selecting “Properties.”
3. Select “Custom” from the tabs in the dialog box.
4. Add new properties by entering a name (e.g., “Description”) and a corresponding value, such as the part description. Click “Add” and then “OK” to finish.

Step 2: Using $PRP Links in Drawings

With your custom properties created, the next step is to link them within your drawing. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the drawing file where you want to insert the linked property.
2. When you’re ready to place a text box or edit your title block, click on the location where you want to insert the linked property.
3. Type the dollar sign ($) followed by PRP and the property name in curly braces. For example, for the Description property, type {$PRP:”Description”}.
4. Press Enter, and the current value of the property will be inserted into the text box or title block.

Step 3: Updating Linked Properties Automatically

One of the significant advantages of using $PRP links is that they auto-update whenever the underlying property is changed. This means if you modify the Description in your model file:

1. Go back to your part or assembly and change the value of the property.
2. Save the changes and return to your drawing.
3. To refresh the drawing and see the updated property, right-click in the graphics area and select “Rebuild” or use the shortcut Ctrl + B.

Step 4: Verifying Links and Property Display

After linking properties, it’s crucial to verify that they display correctly:

1. Check the linked text or title block to ensure it is showing the expected value that corresponds to your custom property.
2. If the linked text does not update properly, confirm that the property name is correctly referenced and that the correct model file is linked to the drawing.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Should you encounter issues while linking text in SOLIDWORKS drawings, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure the property names are exact, including capitalization and punctuation.
• Check that the base model where the properties are defined is saved and up-to-date.
• Verify that your drawing is correctly linked to the model. You can do this in the drawing’s properties settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of properties can I link using $PRP?

You can link various types of properties such as descriptions, part numbers, material properties, and any custom properties you have created in your SOLIDWORKS parts or assemblies.

Do I need to do anything special if I change property names in my model?

If you change property names in your model after establishing links, you’ll need to update the references in your drawings to match the new property names. The $PRP links are case-sensitive and exact.

Can I create multiple linked properties in the same text box?

Yes, you can combine multiple $PRP links in one text box. Simply type each link in the desired format and use appropriate punctuation (e.g., commas or line breaks) to separate them.