Although SolidWorks primarily focusses on the creation of 3D models, 2D drawings are still an important aspect of engineering and product development. After a 3D model has been completed a 2D drawing of it is often created to assist in manufacturing or for record keeping. These drawings can be made from single parts or entire assemblies and can range from simple overviews of the models all the way up to complex, multi-sheet drawings that contain section views, detail break-outs and other notes.

Figure 4.1: An example SolidWorks drawing

The detailed creation of drawings is beyond the scope of this book but as a quick refresher drawings can be created by going to File | New… and then selecting Drawing.

Various views can then be added to the drawing sheet and dimensions and other notes can be added. When complete, SolidWorks drawings can be exported as PDF files so that they can be shared with non-SolidWorks users.