Opening a model in Drawing mode means creating a 2D technical drawing from your 3D part or assembly

In SolidWorks, you work in two main spaces: Part mode (where you build the 3D object) and Drawing mode (where you create the 2D views that manufacturers and engineers actually use). Opening a model in Drawing mode does not change your 3D file — it creates a separate drawing document that references your part and lets you add dimensions, notes, and multiple views on a flat page.

The fastest way is to open your part file first, then create a new drawing document from it. SolidWorks will automatically pull in your 3D geometry and let you arrange views, add dimensions, and prepare the file for printing or sharing with a shop.

Key Takeaways

  • A drawing document is separate from your part file and references it, so changes to the part update the drawing automatically.
  • You create a new drawing by going to File > New, selecting Drawing, and choosing your part file as the model to draw from.
  • SolidWorks will prompt you to select a sheet template, which controls the page size, title block, and border.
  • Once the drawing opens, you drag views from the View Palette onto the page and add dimensions and notes as needed.

The step-by-step process to create a new drawing

Start with your part file open in SolidWorks. Click File in the menu bar, then select New. A dialog box will appear with three options: Part, Assembly, and Drawing. Click Drawing.

SolidWorks will open a sheet template selection window. The template controls your page size (A, B, C, or custom), the title block layout, and the border. For most work, the default A-size or B-size template is fine. Select one and click OK. A blank drawing page will open with a View Palette panel on the right side showing your part's geometry ready to place.

If you already have a drawing open and want to add views from a different part, you can also go to Insert > Model and browse to the part file you want to reference. This lets you work with multiple parts on one drawing sheet.

Placing views on your drawing sheet

The View Palette on the right shows standard views of your part: Front, Top, Right, Isometric, and others. Click and drag any view onto the blank page. SolidWorks will snap it into place. You can drag multiple views — typically Front, Top, and Right are arranged in a standard layout, with Isometric in a corner for clarity.

Once a view is placed, you can move it by clicking and dragging, or resize it by dragging the corner handles. If you need a section view (a slice through the part to show internal features), go to Insert > Drawing View > Section, then draw a line across the view you want to section.

Right-click any view to access options like changing the scale, hiding certain edges, or switching to a different view type. These changes affect only the drawing — your 3D part stays unchanged.

Adding dimensions and notes to your drawing

Dimensions in a drawing are usually linked to your 3D model, so they update if the part changes. To add a dimension, click Insert > Dimensions > Smart Dimension, then click the edge or face you want to dimension. Type the value and click OK. The dimension appears on the drawing with a leader line pointing to the feature.

You can also drag dimensions directly from the model into the drawing view. In the View Palette, expand the part name to see all dimensions you created in the 3D model, then drag them onto the drawing. This is faster than re-dimensioning and keeps your intent clear.

To add a note (text that is not a dimension), click Insert > Text, click where you want the note, and type. Notes are useful for material callouts, finish specifications, or assembly instructions.

Saving and managing your drawing file

Your drawing file is separate from your part file. When you save, SolidWorks will ask where to save it and what to name it. A common naming convention is to use the part name plus "DWG" — for example, if your part is "Bracket.sldprt", the drawing might be "Bracket_DWG.slddrw".

The drawing file contains a link to your part file, so if you move or rename the part, SolidWorks will ask you to find it. Keep your part and drawing files in the same folder or a linked folder structure to avoid broken references.

If you need to print or share the drawing, go to File > Print or File > Save As and choose PDF. PDF preserves the layout and dimensions without requiring SolidWorks on the receiving end.

Common reasons a drawing will not open or update

If you open a drawing and the views appear blank or show an error, the part file is likely missing or in a different location. SolidWorks will prompt you to locate the file. Browse to the correct folder and select the part. Once found, the views will rebuild.

If you edit the part and the drawing does not update, right-click the view and select Update. In rare cases, you may need to close and reopen the drawing. If dimensions in the drawing show question marks or "?" instead of values, the model dimensions may have been deleted or the link was broken — you can re-add them manually or restore from a backup.

When to use Drawing mode versus Part mode

Use Part mode when you are designing and building the 3D geometry. Use Drawing mode when you need to communicate the design to others — manufacturers, machinists, assemblers, or inspectors. A drawing is a formal document with a title block, revision history, and precise dimensions. A part file is your working design file.

Many teams keep both files in version control (like Dropbox or a shared drive) so that when the part changes, everyone can see the updated drawing. Some companies lock drawings once they are released, so changes to the part require a new drawing revision number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a drawing without the original part file?

No. A SolidWorks drawing is a reference document — it needs the part file to display views and update dimensions. If the part is missing, SolidWorks will ask you to locate it. You can view a drawing as a PDF without the part, but you cannot edit it in SolidWorks.

What is the difference between a drawing view and a part view?

A part view is what you see when you open a part file in Part mode — you are looking at and editing the 3D geometry directly. A drawing view is a 2D representation of that part placed on a sheet. Multiple drawing views can show the same part from different angles on one page.

Can I have multiple parts on one drawing?

Yes. Go to Insert > Model and select a second part file. SolidWorks will add it to the View Palette, and you can place views of both parts on the same sheet. This is common for assembly drawings that show how multiple parts fit together.

Do I have to use a template for the sheet?

No, but templates save time. They include a title block (company name, part number, revision), border, and standard page size. You can create your own template or use SolidWorks defaults. If you skip the template, you get a blank sheet and must add a title block manually.

What happens if I delete a dimension from the drawing?

The dimension disappears from the drawing but does not affect the 3D part. If you need it back, you can drag the dimension from the View Palette again, or re-add it manually. If you delete a dimension from the part itself, it will no longer appear in the drawing.