What is a ʼCustom Propertyʼ in SolidWorks?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

A Custom Property in SolidWorks is metadata stored in a part, assembly, or drawing and commonly used for BOMs, title blocks, file naming, and PDM workflows. The standard professional method is through File Properties to create property names, values, and linked expressions. One limitation: inconsistent naming breaks downstream automation.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Custom Properties can exist at both file level and configuration level, and mixing them up is a common production error. If a bom or drawing note is linked to the wrong level, SolidWorks may show the wrong material, part number, or description.

How to Create and Edit a Custom Property

  • Command: Summary Information

  • Shortcut: None by default

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Open the part, assembly, or drawing, then go to File > Properties.
    2. In the Custom or Configuration Specific tab, add a property name, choose a Type such as Text or Number, and enter the value or link.
    3. Click OK, then verify the property in a note, BOM, or title block if it will be used downstream.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Custom vs Configuration Specific

  • Expert Setting: Use Custom for values shared by the entire file, and Configuration Specific for values that must change between configurations, such as part number, description, or weight. Choosing the wrong tab is one of the most common BOM data issues in SolidWorks.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Configuration-specific geometry changes can produce different mass or cut list results, but the property may still be stored at file level, causing inaccurate displayed values.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): In managed environments such as PDM, the file may be read-only or not checked out, so property edits do not save.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The property exists, but the drawing note, BOM, or template is linked to the wrong property name or wrong configuration scope.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Open File > Properties and move the value to the correct Custom or Configuration Specific tab, then rebuild the model and update the drawing or BOM.

  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Custom Properties for any data that must flow into BOMs, title blocks, and PDM. Standardize property names company-wide and avoid freehand naming if the files are used in automation.

FAQ

Can a Custom Property drive a drawing title block?
Yes, SolidWorks notes in title blocks can link directly to Custom Properties.

What is the difference between Custom and Configuration Specific properties?
Custom applies to the whole file, while Configuration Specific applies only to one configuration.

Can BOMs read Custom Properties in SolidWorks?
Yes, BOM columns commonly pull values from Custom or Configuration Specific properties.

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