SOLIDWORKS Automation – How To Work With Custom Properties (and Cut Lists)

Custom Properties in SOLIDWORKS are text entries stored within your model file that define various variables associated with the model. These variables can include details such as descriptions, part numbers, materials, model mass, creators, revisions, and more. While many predefined variables are available, you can create additional ones, leaving your options nearly limitless.

Accessing the Custom Properties

Once you open the File Properties, you'll find the Summary Information section, which consists of four tabs:

1. Summary: This tab displays file properties that are readable by Windows.
2. Custom: This tab contains all Custom Properties for your model.
3. Configuration Properties (Parts & Assemblies only): As the name suggests, these Custom Properties are tailored for each specific configuration.

Important: Avoid adding properties in both the Custom and Configuration Specific tabs. While the software allows this, it can confuse SOLIDWORKS and mislead users with inaccurate information.

Properties Summary: This tab properties summary for the Configuration Properties. When using Configuration properties, each property will show in this window to preview the overall properties in all configurations.

Custom Properties Layout

The Custom Properties are organized in four columns:

Property Name

You’ll find predefined options in the dropdown list. These self-explanatory choices create properties named according to the selected option.

Type

• This column indicates the type of data being entered for each property. The available data types include:
  1. Text: A generic text field allowing up to 1,023 characters.
  2. Date: A date field based on the entered date. It’s best to use this cautiously, as formats may vary by system language and can lead to inaccuracies.
  3. Number: This includes whole numbers, commas, and decimals.
  4. Yes / No: A straightforward Yes or No field.
  5. Equation: This can enter custom equations or sync equations from the model.

• Value / Text Expression

• This field can accept various inputs:

• • Custom values: Any text can be entered here, linking it to the property name and displaying as the “Evaluated Value.”
  • SOLIDWORKS Values/Variables: You can select from a dropdown menu containing numerous variables linked to model properties (e.g., Mass, Material, Density), Global Variables, or Units. When a SOLIDWORKS variable is selected, the value will change to call out text (ex: SW-Mass@...).

Evaluated Value

• This field shows the value linked to the Property Name. What you see here will appear in your drawing when you view the Custom Properties.

Linked Property

These check boxes allow properties to be directly linked to the model, or broken links which the user can override/correct if needed.

Using Cut List Properties

Cut List Summary

After creating a Weldment, you can utilize the “Cut List Summary” tab similarly to the Custom tab in Custom Properties. To access this, right-click a cut list item within the feature tree and select “Properties”:

Here, you can enter the Property Name, Type, Value / Text Expression, and see the Evaluated Value. These properties are specific to each item and can vary among the weldment parts.

Displaying Custom Properties in a Drawing

Custom Properties within Bill of Materials & Cut List

Custom Property values for all components in a drawing can be displayed in the Bill of Materials (BOM). To do this, click the column header above the BOM, then click the “Column Property” button:

Select the Column Type and Property Name you want to populate in that column.

A cut list table functions similarly to a BOM. You can edit columns to show the desired properties by selecting the column header and adjusting the properties from the Property Manager panel.

Custom Properties within Notes

You can also link Custom Properties to notes. After creating a Note, click the “Link to Property” button, then select the source location for the Custom Properties and choose the desired Custom Property:

In summary, Custom Properties enhance model data management by allowing users to define and store a wide range of attributes, while Cut Lists facilitate the organization of specific properties for weldments. Together, they streamline the presentation of vital information in drawings, improving clarity and accessibility for users.