Problem

This article goes over the different reasons why a Balloon is displaying an Asterisk (*) in a SOLIDWORKS Drawing using an Excel-based Bill of Materials (BOM). There are several possible causes:

1. The view is of a configuration with fewer components than another configuration
2. The BOM that is being referenced is set to a different option, e.g., "Parts only" versus "Top-level Assembly"
3. Balloons are added while another view is locked

Solution 1: Configuration Mismatch

The Excel-based BOM is linked to the configuration in that view. If that configuration has components suppressed compared to a different configuration, its BOM will be numbered differently than another view of a different configuration.

The best troubleshooting method is to create a BOM of the view to ensure the numbers are the same as the other view in question. The workaround here is to use hidden parts instead of suppressed parts. Otherwise, use the Drawing View Bill of Materials "link to BOM" option.

Solution 2: BOM and View type Mismatch

There may exist two views of the same configuration, and therefore, we would expect a balloon for either one of the views to show the same balloons. This is not always the case if an option such as "top assembly and parts" is selected for the BOM on one view. This is accessed by right-clicking on the BOM to select "Properties".

The other view will default to "parts only" even if a BOM has not been created. Therefore, the balloons may show different numbering. The workaround here is to add a BOM to the view in question and set it to the option of the other view. If the BOM is deleted, it should stay in the option that was chosen rather than defaulting back to parts only. However, it is recommended to leave the BOM on the drawing just off the printed page.

Another aspect to consider is that balloons added with the "parts only" option will not update when the BOM is changed to the "top-level assembly and parts" option until the drawing is closed and reopened.

Solution 3: Locked View

If a view of a configuration is locked and balloons are added to a different view of a different configuration, the balloons may follow the BOM of the original view rather than the BOM of that view.

The balloons must be deleted, followed by activating the correct view, and lastly, recreating the balloons.

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