Ever wondered how to add text directly onto your sketches in SolidWorks? Whether you’re labeling parts, personalizing projects, or preparing designs for engraving, knowing how to insert and work with text can transform your workflow.
This question matters because clear labeling and customization are key to professional, detailed designs. In this article, you’ll find simple steps for adding, editing, and positioning text in SolidWorks sketches, plus pro tips for getting the best results every time.
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How to Add and Use Text in a Sketch in SOLIDWORKS
Working with text in sketches is a common task in SOLIDWORKS, whether you’re designing logos, adding engraved part numbers, or creating patterns for manufacturing. The process may seem intimidating if you’ve never used the Sketch Text tool before. However, with a clear step-by-step approach, you’ll find adding and manipulating sketch text both flexible and straightforward.
This guide will answer your questions about how to add, modify, and use text in a sketch in SOLIDWORKS, and provide tips, best practices, and solutions to common challenges.
What Is Sketch Text in SOLIDWORKS?
Sketch Text is a feature in SOLIDWORKS that allows you to insert and customize text directly onto your 2D sketches. Once your text is placed in a sketch, you can use it for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Engraving or embossing words or numbers onto 3D models
- Creating custom cutouts or features
- Adding design details for branding
- Structuring identification markings directly into your CAD files
The Sketch Text tool is simple to use but offers a surprising amount of flexibility for designers and engineers.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Text to a Sketch in SOLIDWORKS
Let’s go through the process, start to finish:
1. Start a New Sketch
- Open your SOLIDWORKS part file.
- Select the face or plane where you want your text to appear.
- Click the “Sketch” icon to begin a new sketch.
2. Create a Reference (Optional, but Recommended)
- Draw a line, arc, or spline where you want the text to follow. For example, draw a horizontal line for straight text, or an arc for curved text.
- This reference geometry helps you control the orientation and path of your text.
3. Activate the Sketch Text Tool
- Locate and click the “Text” tool. This is usually found in the Sketch tab of the CommandManager toolbar, labeled “Text”.
4. Select the Reference Curve
- Click on the line, arc, or other curve you drew earlier. This anchors your text so it follows the reference geometry.
5. Enter and Format Your Text
- In the property manager (usually on the left), type your desired text.
- Choose your font family, style (bold/italic), and size.
- You can set the text to be regular, bold, or italic based on your needs.
Additional Formatting Options
- Alignment: Choose to align text left, center, or right along the path.
- Reverse Direction: Check this option to flip your text.
- Use Document Font: Uncheck if you want to specify a different font or size.
6. Position and Finalize Your Text
- Drag the text along the curve or adjust its start point as needed.
- Confirm placement by clicking the green check mark.
7. Use the Text for Features
You can now use your sketch containing text for:
- Extruded Boss/Base (to raise the text)
- Extruded Cut (to engrave the text)
- Wrap (to wrap text onto a curved surface)
- Other standard sketch-based features
Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices
Mastering sketch text goes beyond the basics. Here are some insights to ensure smooth, professional results:
Font Selection
- Use fonts with simple geometry for better compatibility with CNC and manufacturing processes.
- Avoid overly decorative fonts that may not translate well in engravings or cuts.
Text Along Curves
- If you want your text to follow a curve (for example, along the edge of a circle), draw an arc or spline as your path and select it before entering your text.
- Text automatically adjusts orientation to “sit” on top of the path; use the property manager to flip or position as needed.
Converting Text to Geometry
Sometimes, you need to manipulate individual letters:
- Right-click the sketch text and choose “Explode Text”. This converts text into sketch entities. Note that after this, you can’t edit the text as regular text.
- Exploded text is useful for unusual cutouts or when you want to apply more advanced sketch techniques to each letter.
Scaling and Positioning
- If your text appears too large or too small, modify the font size directly or scale the entire sketch.
- Use sketch constraints to fully define the position of your text and make your sketch robust against design changes.
Benefits of Using Sketch Text
Incorporating text into your models isn’t just about aesthetics. It also serves practical and functional purposes:
- Permanent Markings: Add engravings for part numbers, serials, or instructions directly onto parts.
- Branding: Create raised or recessed logos for clear company identification.
- Customization: Develop custom items with names or specific messages embedded in