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Creating custom symbols in SolidWorks 1

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PDMAdmin

Mechanical
Joined
Apr 21, 2004
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488
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US
Does anyone know a way (or a work-around) to create custom symbols in SolidWorks? In particular, I want to create a filled circle and a filled square that can be used as symbols. I tried creating the geometry alone, but that was an exercise in frustration. SolidWorks drawing mode is WYSIRWYG (What You See Is Rarely What You Get), and I don't want 30+ users descending upon me just because of that.

Thanks for the help!
 
see thread559-42918
I found this using keyword search w/ keywords "Custom" & "Symbols"

One of the problems with changing the symbol library is that everyone needs to have that library for the symbols to show up correctly.

Also, you might want to see if the symbol is available as a font character, already. Use the Windows character map to explore. Some characters have handy shortcuts:
• = alt 0149 (don't skip the zero)
Ø = alt 0250
± = alt 0177
° = alt 0176

I started using these instead of SW symbols where possible. It helps prevent font issues with translation and printing.

¯? copied from character map (Arial font)

[bat]Due to illness, the part of The Tick will be played by... The Tick.[bat]
 
You can use "Character Map" to add symbols to your Notes. Then make those notes into a block. The symbols have to match the font that is being used in your notes though.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP [bdaycandle] to me

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

To make the Best of Eng-Tips Forums FAQ731-376
 
Oops... I guess I didn't go back far enough on the date in my keyword search. Sorry about that...

The "gtol.sym" approach looks like the best way to go for me. Propagating it to every user is no problem, since we use logon scripts on every machine. It would be nice if SolidWorks had the ability to create these in a more user-friendly environment, but how bloated will the program become before users start revolting? A typical SW2004 install is now north of 1 GB. Yikes...

Thanks for the help, guys! I really appreciate it!
 
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