Problem

This article describes the process of creating a pattern in SOLIDWORKS with an increasing numerical value. This can be useful when trying to add many numbers into a model. The steps below can be used with any pattern type.

Note: The following process does not work in SOLIDWORKS 2023 and SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP0.1, due to the bug BR10000360821 - The option Instances to vary and increment in the Linear Pattern feature is not working using custom properties to specify the starting number. This bug is resolved in SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP1.

Solution

1. Start a sketch and create the base for the sketch text. When using construction lines to position the text, use dimensions to constrain them.

2. Add an additional construction line into the sketch, or anywhere out in the space, and dimension it to the value that will be the first number. Note: The units do not matter here.

   

3. With the sketch still active, go to File > Properties. Add a property and name it. 

4. Link the value of this property to the dimension of that construction line by clicking on the dimension in the viewport. This property value will be used as the driving property of the sketch text feature.

   

5. Add the sketch text and select the option to link to a property. Note: The font and size can be set here.

   

6. If the number comes in with trailing zeroes, go to Tools > Options > Document Properties > Dimensions

7. Select the option to remove trailing zeroes from properties

   

8. Create any extrude or cut feature using the sketch text as needed in order to create the pattern seed.

   

9. Pattern the extrude feature with a patterning command such as Feature > Linear Pattern
10. Check on the option for "Instance to Vary" at the bottom of the PropertyManager.

11. Select the dimension set as the initial sketch text value and then choose an increment. Note: Because the sketch text value is linked to this dimension, it will update in every instance. For a bidirectional linear pattern, the second direction can be incremented here as well.

    

12. Select the green check mark to complete the pattern feature. Each instance should now be increasing by the increment set in the last step.
    

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