Problem

The SOLIDWORKS Symbol Library file contains the symbols that SOLIDWORKS uses.  This article goes over how to create a custom symbol.

Solution

1. Locate the Symbol Library file from Options > System Options > File Locations > Symbol Library File. By default, the symbol library file is located in C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS XXXX\lang\english\gtol.sym

   

2. Open the gtol.sym file in Notepad
3. The syntax to create a new symbol can be found at the top of the file.  It has been copied below as well:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

;; Format:
;;
;; #<Name of library>,<Description of library>
;; *<Name of symbol>,<Description of symbol>
;; A,LINE xStart,yStart,xEnd,yEnd
;; A,CIRCLE xCenter,yCenter,radius
;; A,ARC xCenter,yCenter,radius,startAngle,endAngle
;; A,SARC xCenter,yCenter,radius,startAngle,endAngle
;; A,TEXT xLowerLeft,yLowerLeft,<letter(s)>
;; A,POLY x1,y1,x2,y2,x3,y3
;; A,BOUND x1,x2
;;
;; Units:
;;
;; All x, y, and radius values are in the symbols grid space (0.0 to 1.0),
;; where 0,0 is the lower left corner and 1,1 is the upper right corner.
;; The grid space is considered to be the height of a character squared.
;; All angle values are in degrees.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Create the new symbols as desired and save the file
5. When using multiple computers with the same drawings, copy the changed symbol library file to the other machines

Note: If a custom symbol is used in a file, anyone who opens the file without the symbols library file will only see the syntax. One common example of this is when SolidWorks is upgraded and instead of a diameter symbol, they see "<MOD-DIAM>" instead.

This syntax references the "MOD" library and the "DIAM" symbol within that library. If a symbol exists there, then it will replace the syntax. Otherwise, only the syntax will appear. If syntax is showing up instead of the expected symbol, please refer to the article Drawing Dimension Does Not Display Any Dimension Symbols

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.