Introduction

SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties in Part Templates help engineers standardize model information, automate drawings, and reduce repetitive manual work. By defining custom properties once in a part template, you ensure that every new part follows the same data structure—ideal for ISO standards, BOM accuracy, and PDM integration.

This step-by-step guide explains how to create, edit, and reuse SOLIDWORKS custom properties in part templates for faster and error-free design workflows.

What Are SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties?

SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties are metadata fields that store essential part information and automatically link it to drawings and BOMs.

Commonly used properties include:

• Drawn By

• Material

• Weight

• Part Number

• Revision

• Description

These properties improve consistency and eliminate repeated data entry across multiple files.

Why Use Custom Properties in SOLIDWORKS Part Templates?

Using custom properties in templates provides several advantages:

• Consistent part information across projects

• Automatic population of drawing title blocks

• Faster BOM creation

• Reduced manual errors

• Better compatibility with PDM systems

• Compliance with ISO and company standards

Step-by-Step: SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties Setup

Step 1: Create or Open a Part Template

• Click New from the Standard Toolbar

• Or go to File > New

• Select Part or an existing custom part template

This file will be used to define reusable properties.

Step 2: Open File Properties

• Go to File > Properties

• Or click the File Properties icon

You will see two tabs:

• Custom – for general properties

• Configuration Specific – for configuration-level data

Step 3: Add Custom Properties

In the Custom tab:

1. Property Name

   • Select from the dropdown (e.g., Drawn By)

2. Type

   • Choose Text, Number, or Date

3. Value / Text Expression

   • Enter the required value (e.g., designer name)

4. Evaluated Value

   • Displays the final resolved value

Click OK to save the property.

Auto-Populating Properties in SOLIDWORKS

Some properties can update automatically based on the model:

• Material

• Mass

• Weight

Use the Value / Text Expression dropdown to link these properties so they update whenever the model changes.

ISO-Standard Custom Properties Example

Many ISO-standard companies commonly use:

• Drawn By

• Checked By

• Approved By

• Material

• Weight

• Revision

Adding these properties ensures professional and standardized documentation.

Editing the Custom Properties List

Method 1: Edit List Option

• Click Edit List in the File Properties window

• Add, delete, or reorder property names

Method 2: Edit Using Notepad

1. Go to Tools > Options

2. Select System Options > File Locations

3. Choose Custom Property Files

4. Open properties.txt using Notepad

5. Modify the list and save

This method is useful for company-wide standardization.

Save the File as a Part Template

Once properties are added:

• Go to File > Save As

• Select Part Template (*.prtdot)

• Save it in your templates folder

All new parts created using this template will automatically include the predefined custom properties.

Benefits of Using SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties in Templates

• Faster part creation

• Automated drawing title blocks

• Accurate BOM data

• Reduced design rework

• Standardized engineering documentation

Conclusion

Using SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties in Part Templates is a best practice for improving productivity and maintaining data consistency. Once set up, templates save time, reduce errors, and support professional engineering standards across all projects.

About the Author

Sakthivel A is an Application Engineer at EGS Computers India Pvt Ltd, with over 3 years of experience delivering customized SOLIDWORKS solutions and supporting customers across various industries.