How to Adjust Annotation Formatting and Spacing
Sometimes the default annotation numbering or spacing and text formatting may require adjustment to meet your specific needs. SOLIDWORKS makes it easy to adjust formatting settings as well as save the formatted annotation to the Design Library to drag-and-drop onto another drawing, saving you time and ensuring consistency across drawings.
For example, the image below shows an annotation with a large space between the number and text. The text formatting and indent spacing can be changed using the Formatting toolbar and Paragraph Settings dialog as described in this article.
How to Adjust the Annotation Format
The Formatting toolbar will display automatically by double-clicking the text in an annotation. The toolbar has options to change the font type, size, color, and style as well as alignment. In addition, on the far-right side of the toolbar, options are available to adjust bullets and numbering. The options are like what you would find in a word processing software, such as Microsoft Word.
Note, changes made using the Formatting toolbar applies to the selected text only. For example, if you only want to modify the format for a single line of text, then only highlight that specific line.
How to Adjust the Annotation Spacing
The last icon on the Formatting toolbar opens the ‘Paragraph Properties’ dialog where various spacing can be adjusted. You can also open the Paragraph Properties dialog by highlighting text and then right-clicking to access the command in the menu.
Note, changes made using the Paragraph Properties dialog applies to the selected text only. For example, if you only want to modify the spacing for a single line of text, then only highlight that specific line.
- Indentation: adjust the line indent.
- Formatting: adjust the paragraph and line spacing.
- Bullets and Numbering: adjust the order, starting number/type, and format.
- Preview: updates the selected text with a preview of the changes.
The example below has the Indent changed from 20 to 10 to decrease the spacing after the numbering.
Save the formatted annotation to the Design Library
Any annotation can be saved to the SOLIDWORKS Design Library by right-clicking the annotation and then selecting ‘Add to Library’ from the menu. Add a file name, select a location, and click the green check to save the annotation.
The saved annotation can then be added to a drawing using drag-and-drop from the Design Library.
Technical Support
If you have any questions regarding the SOLIDWORKS search routine or missing file references when opening files, feel free to reach out to MLC CAD Systems technical support. MLC CAD Systems can also provide services to assist with reviewing and possibly repairing/recovering larger data sets if file references are incorrect or missing.