How to Modify the Symbol Library in Solidworks

[CADGemini]

Hi There,

Those of you that have used soldiworks symbol library probably came across the same problem as I did. I want to be able to modify the numbered circles that are in there so that they will not overlap onto text that runs below it. Has anyone looked into modifying these? If so I would like to know how. I know that I could just double space so that they don't overlap but this just doesn't look correct. Maybe I should suggest an enhancement request to solidworks. I think on the next upgrade they should do a re-work to the 2D end of solidworks. It still lacks in many areas.

 

[SBaugh]

You can't modify the symbols, they are hard coded into the SW... to my knowledge. You will have to add your own by using blocks.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

If you are in the SW Forum Check out the FAQ section

To make the Best of Eng-Tips Forums FAQ731-376

 

[CADGemini]

Scott,

Thanks for your input. Sounds like this would be a good enhancement request. Now I just need alot of people to put in the request so that it makes it in the next release.

Can you paste blocks within a note dialog box? If so, then my problem can be solved.

 

[SBaugh]

No I don't think you can do that either.

You could however make your note with sketch entities in a block. Then you can then make the note editable by tagging the note with an Attribute.

This would be in reverse, of the way your thinking, but it would work.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

If you are in the SW Forum Check out the FAQ section

To make the Best of Eng-Tips Forums FAQ731-376

 

[Roller1]

You can add symbols in the gtol.sym file in the lang/eng folder.

 

[SBaugh]

Thanks for pointing that out Roller1. That's good information!

Do you mind if I put that in this FAQ - faq559-995 - You get the credit.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

If you are in the SW Forum Check out the FAQ section

To make the Best of Eng-Tips Forums FAQ731-376

 

[Roller1]

No worries Scott, please do.

I am sorry that I can't offer any more help than that. Adding symbols and modifying existing symbols in this file is not an easy task unfortunately. It really is just a 'suck it and see' process of trial and error.

I don't suppose anyone knows if there is a help file or guide for editing the gtol.sym file? The only guide I could find is at the solidworks.cad.de site, but unfortunately this is in german.

 

[meintsi]

Roller,

Layout you symbol within SolidWorks sketch. Get it to look how you want, and then scale it to fit within a 1x1 square. Using the dimension tool will then get you the x-y coordinates you need to use to create the geometry within the gtol file.

One note about customizing the gtol.sym file. In order for others to be able to see your customized symbols, everyone must have a copy of the same file on their local machine. When we create a new symbol, we need to replace the existing file with a copy of the new one.

Good Luck......



Remember...
"If you don't use your head,
your going to have to use your feet."

 

[J-C]

If you are using 2005, you could:

1. Decrease the text height for just the symbol so that it doesn't overlap.

2. Create a block for your numbered circles. Place them with your note in position, highlight both, right click and select group. You can even still edit them while they are grouped (May have to use filters to select the block to edit)

Jason Capriotti
Smith & Nephew, Inc.

 

[CADGemini]

Thanks Everyone for your informative posts. I am sorry I have not replied sooner to all the posts I have been away from the compputer for a few days.

All posts have been very helpful in doing what I wanted to do.

Thanks Again!

Jon