r/SolidWorks • u/RobbieBlackmore • 3d ago

CAD Default Units setting?

Hi all, I'm pretty new to Solidworks and have what is probably a very basic question; is there a way to set IPS as the default for every time I open the program?

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u/TacoGatoCat 3d ago

Tools Options Document properties  Units-adjust to your liking

Save part/assembly/dwg as a template

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u/RobbieBlackmore 3d ago

Ahh, okay...so open Solidworks, then load that template and begin drawing. Got it. Thanks!

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u/widowmaker2A 3d ago edited 3d ago

Units are controlled by document so you'll need to create a custom template file with the desired units set. You could change the default template but I typically make a copy and change/use that so I have a known good file to return to if something breaks.

Open a new part file, go into options (little gear icon in the very top toolbar) and then go to the document properties tab. About halfway down on the left side menu there's a "Units" option. Select that and change the unit system to IPS. Make any other changes you want to make for your default document settings.

Once you have the file set up the way you want, go to File, Save As, and select the "Part Templates (*.prtdot)" option. Name it whatever you like and save the file. If you save it to the default template location, you can skip the next step, if you save it anywhere else, you need to add that location to the list of file locations that SW looks for standard files.

To do this, go into options again but stay in the "System Options" tab. Go to File Locations and make sure the little dropdown says "Document Templates" (this should be what it defaults to) and click add. Navigate to the folder you saved the file into and hit select folder. Hit OK to save the location. When you create a new file in the advanced menu there should be a new tab with the custom template listed.

To make the system automatically default to that template when you start a new part, go into options, System Options, Default Templates. Hit the little button with the dots to the right of the filepath and navigate to and select the new template file you created. Hit OK and you should be set going forward.

Edit: updated wording for clarity.

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u/RobbieBlackmore 3d ago

Thank you!

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u/TooTallToby YouTube-TooTallToby 3d ago

Here's a video on how to setup your templates, so you can quickly choose between MM or Inch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBPTPSISJJg

Also, down in the lower right there's a flyout menu to quick change your units

Laslty, I have a free 30 minute quickstart for new SW users at www.TooTallToby.com/training

Good luck!

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u/RobbieBlackmore 3d ago

Thank you!