Modifying Sheet Size in SolidWorks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Need for Sheet Size Adjustment
When working on drawings in SolidWorks, it is essential to select the appropriate sheet size for your project requirements. Whether you are preparing a schematic for presentation or detailing technical specifications, adjusting the sheet size ensures that all elements are well-displayed and legible.
Accessing the Template File
Open SolidWorks: Launch the application on your computer.
Navigate to Open File: Click on ‘File’ in the top menu, then select ‘Open’.
Change File Type: In the Open dialog box, locate the file type drop-down menu. Change it from the default (likely ‘Part’ or ‘Assembly’) to ‘Template’.
- Select a Template: You can choose to open an existing drawing template or a previous .slddrw file that you want to modify.
Creating or Modifying a Sheet Size
Open the Drawing Sheet: If you have selected an existing template, open it to see the current sheet setup.
Verify Current Sheet Size: Check the existing size of the sheet; this information is typically found at the bottom of the drawing window.
Change Sheet Size:
- Right-click on the sheet tab at the bottom where it displays the sheet name or on the blank area of the drawing.
- Select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
- In the ‘Sheet Properties’ dialog box that appears, find the option for ‘Sheet Size’.
- Select the desired size from the predefined options listed or enter custom dimensions as needed.
- Adjust Sheet Format: After changing the sheet size, you may also need to adjust the sheet format. Ensure the format aligns with the new dimensions by modifying the format settings accordingly:
- Look for an option labeled ‘Sheet Format’.
- Choose the correct format file that corresponds to your new sheet size.
Saving Your Changes
Save As Template: Once the sheet size is adjusted and the format is updated, save your configuration:
- Click ‘File’ and select ‘Save As’.
- Choose the file type as a template (.sldt or .dwt).
- Name your template and select a saving location.
- Modify Template Location (Optional): If you wish to change where your templates are stored for ease of access in the future, you can do so by navigating to SolidWorks Options:
- Go to ‘Tools’, then select ‘Options’.
- Under the ‘System Options’ tab, click on ‘File Locations’ and find the section for ‘Document Templates’. From here, adjust the path as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I ensure my custom sheet size appears in the template options?
Make sure to save your modified template in a location recognized by SolidWorks. You can set this location under the ‘Tools > Options > File Locations’ menu. This way, your template will be available whenever you start a new drawing.
2. What happens if I select a sheet size that’s not compatible with my printer?
If the chosen sheet size does not match the settings of your printer, you might encounter scaling issues during printing. To avoid this, adjust the paper settings in your printer options to match the sheet size in SolidWorks before printing.
3. Can I change the sheet size after starting a drawing?
Yes, you can change the sheet size of an existing drawing even after it has been started. Just access the ‘Properties’ dialog through the sheet tab or area, modify the dimensions, and save the changes.
