Part V: Creating Drawings
Layers in imported 2D data
When you import data through DXF (Data eXchange Format) or DWG format files, the layers that
exist in the original data are brought forward into SolidWorks, and you can use them in a similar
way to the original AutoCAD usage. For example, you can select and deselect layers (visible or
hidden), and you can change layer names, descriptions, color, line thickness, and line style.The way you intend to use the imported data determines how you should open the file. If you only
intend to view and print the drawing, then I would suggest using DWG Editor, which is installed
with SolidWorks and enables you to do almost anything you can do with basic AutoCAD. It also
has the advantage of having a familiar interface for the AutoCAD user. DWG editor is available
from the Start menu, by choosing Programs ➪ SolidWorks ➪ DWGeditor.If you need to integrate data from the imported document into a native SolidWorks drawing, you
can open the DWG file from the normal Open dialog box in SolidWorks.Tip
If you want to make a 3D part from the 2D data in the DWG file, you may want to import the drawing into the
part sketch environment. This usually leads to some speed issues. If you prefer, sketch entities can also be
copied from the drawing to the model sketch. You can even copy entities from DWG Editor to the SolidWorks
sketch. The sketch needs to be open in order to paste the sketch entities. In the case where imported 2D data is
brought into the model sketch, you lose all the layer information because part and assembly documents do not
allow layers. n
The colors assigned to layers in data coming from AutoCAD are often based on a black background,
and so they can be difficult to see on a white background. The two ways of dealing with this are to
change the SolidWorks drawing sheet color to something dark or to change the individual layer
colors to something dark. Either method is easy, although if you have to send the 2D data back to
its source, it may be best to temporarily change the drawing sheet color.Figure 25.1 shows the layer interface with an imported drawing in the background. To open the
Layers dialog box, click the Layer Properties button, which is found on both the Layer and Line
Format toolbars.Be aware that many items in an imported drawing may come into SolidWorks as blocks. These
items may need to be exploded before you can work with them. This is often the case with the
drawing border, title block, or format.Layers on the sheet format
One of the most obvious uses of layers is for the drawing border sketch lines on the sheet format.
The sketch lines used to create the border often have a heavier line weight and a different color
that easily distinguishes them from model geometry.