SolidWorks UsingGlobalVariableAcrossPartsAndInAssemblies

You can link parts in SolidWorks together using a variety of techniques, including in-context part creation using top-down design. However, you might find it easier to link dimensions in parts via global variables and equations based on global variables, which can be saved in a text file and imported into each part.

You can also define global variables in an assembly -- either directly or by importing into the equation editor -- and assign them to individual parts that you have brought into the assembly or that you create in the context of the assembly. You can't use the global variable when you are creating the new part in a sketch, but you can give each dimension a value and then close the part. Now by double-clicking on the part, you can then edit the dimension using the equal sign and selecting the Global Variable from the drop-down.

I had a question about adding variables to the text file and then linking them to a part or assembly. That can be done, but you have to be careful not to re-import all the variables that are already in that part or assembly. You can select just the new ones. You also have to check the box for that new variable in the column between "evaluates to" and "comments" that is identified with an icon that looks like a notepad and for some reason doesn't display a roll-over. That will cause it to link back to the text file and update your part. No need to unlink all global variable. All of the variable you want linked should have that box checked off.

[JohnLotfi]

Hello Dan, This was my first time having your video and it is very good. I am trying to get your videos as much as I can, now that I have few days off, I would like to learn more about the equation and all there is about SolidWorks. Thanks and I will try to follow you. Have a geat day.

[srenstrmandersen]

Thanks for the great video Dan. This helped me alot with a project i'm working on 😊

[TheTecnicamente]

Hi Dan I'm a self taught user and I never took teachings in the field, just figured stuff out on my own. I was wondering, you mentioned top down design in 13:05, how does that differ from this workflow, have you any videos on it ? I'm really interested! Thanks!

[kalpitkatpara]

Great Explanation! Thank you for the video

[Cherubm]

thank you so much . this video was very helpful

[jvwMUSIC]

i took an advanced cad course so i know good modeling practices but it was all in Creo so I don't know some of these Solidworks specific tips. Solidworks is the thing i had my first class on and what i actually work with so i have a good foundation. I've been going through and learning things like hotkeys just recently.

[enderkasim]

Thank you for the video. I used this to a and it is great...but I have troubles when making copies of an assembly. Once a the file is linked, even if you save as with references file reference stays the same. Is there a wa to go around this?

[eidurorn]

Hello Dan, I'm pretty sure that you can't access the Global variables while in the sketch is because SolidWorks needs to "save" the "part" in memory before you can use Global variables in it. Technically as you are in a new sketch and have not exited it for SolidWorks to do that. If you exit out of the sketch and then edit it you can use Global variables, you do not need to create a dimension and create a feature in the sketch before.
Just exit the sketch and edit it again and then you have access to the Global variables :)
Keep up the good work in these videos

[oneart]

Hi Dan, thank you for making this video. I have been teaching myself how to use SolidWorks for the purpose of fine hardwood furniture design and construction. I’m working on a maple workbench assembly file that I made using a top-down approach. You mentioned this being cumbersome. I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to discuss design philosophy with you as there are not many knowledgeable people to turn to for help on this subject. Please let me know if this is something you may be open to, I’m also local to your region.

[mtzmechengr]

Can I share a table in one part to another part. The equation editor is a bit annoying to use.

[joshuahixon]

Thanks for the video! I have a couple questions.

You can make Global variables available in only the assebly ans set part variables equal to these once the part is loaded in the assembly. Opening the part file the dimention shows up as a read only. Is doing this accepable practice?

If I set up my gobal variable text file, import the file in to the parts and then realizes I want another variable how do I link it? It does not seem to do this automatically is there a way to make it update this automatically?


Thanks!