Can you display the center of mass on a drawing view in SolidWorks?

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, you can display the center of mass on a drawing view by bringing in a model annotation created with Center of Mass. The most common professional method is to first show the center of mass in the part or assembly, then import that annotation into the drawing view. Limitation: it only works reliably when the model’s mass properties are valid.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If the part or assembly has open bodies, excluded components, or missing material data, the displayed center of mass can be wrong or unavailable. In assemblies, lightweight or unresolved components can also prevent accurate mass property calculation.

How to Display the Center of Mass on a Drawing View in SolidWorks

• Command: Center of Mass

• Shortcut: None by default

• Quick Steps:

  1. Open the part or assembly, then go to Insert > Reference Geometry > Center of Mass to create and display the center of mass point.
  2. Open the drawing, select the drawing view, and use Insert > Model Items or Annotations tab > Model Items.
  3. In the Model Items PropertyManager, import Annotations from the selected model and enable the option to import items into the chosen view, then confirm.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Tools > Evaluate > Mass Properties

• Expert Setting: Verify that the model returns valid mass properties before inserting the annotation. If material is missing, bodies are excluded, or assembly components are set incorrectly, the center of mass symbol may import but represent incorrect data.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): The model has no valid solid body mass, such as surface-only geometry or invalid bodies, so SolidWorks cannot calculate a center of mass.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The annotation may be placed on a hidden annotation state, hidden layer, or suppressed model item display in the drawing view.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users often try to create the center of mass directly in the drawing, but the common workflow requires creating it in the model first and then importing it.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: In the model, run Mass Properties first, then create the Center of Mass reference geometry and re-import it using Model Items into the drawing view.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use this method for inspection, balancing, and documentation when mass accuracy matters. Avoid relying on it in drawings until materials, component states, and excluded bodies are fully validated.

FAQ

Can you add a center of mass directly in a solidworks drawing?
No, the standard workflow is to create it in the model and import it into the drawing.

Why is the center of mass missing in my drawing view?
The annotation was likely not created in the model or was not imported through Model Items.

Does the center of mass update automatically?
Yes, if the model changes and the drawing rebuilds, the imported center of mass updates with the model.

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