How to Add a Decal in SOLIDWORKS

Contents

A decal in SOLIDWORKS is a 2D image applied to a model face or surface. Decals are useful for logos, labels, nameplates, warning stickers, product graphics, control panels, packaging mockups, and presentation renders.

Unlike a sketch or emboss feature, a decal is mainly a visual item. It helps the model look correct for reviews and renders, but it does not usually create raised or cut geometry unless you model that separately.

SOLIDWORKS model prepared for a decal — Use a decal when you need an image or label on the model surface.

Prepare the decal image

Start with a clean image file such as PNG, JPG, BMP, or TIFF. PNG is often a good choice when you need transparency around a logo or label. Crop the image before importing it so you are not fighting extra blank space in the decal mapping controls.

Use a high enough resolution for close-up renders.
Crop the image tightly around the actual artwork.
Use transparency if the background should disappear.
Keep a copy of the source image with the project files.

Add the decal

Open the part or assembly.
Open the DisplayManager.
Go to the decals area, or open the Appearances, Scenes, and Decals tools from the Task Pane.
Choose or browse to the decal image.
Select the model face where the decal should appear.
Adjust the mapping, size, position, and rotation.
Accept the decal and save the file.

Adding a decal in SOLIDWORKS — The decal controls let you choose the image and place it on the model.

Position and scale the decal

After the image is added, use the mapping controls to move, rotate, and scale it. For flat labels, planar mapping is usually easiest. For curved or cylindrical parts, you may need to test projection or mapping options until the decal follows the surface correctly.

If the decal looks stretched, check the image aspect ratio and mapping size. If it appears on the wrong side, edit the selected face or flip the mapping direction where available.

Decal positioned on a SOLIDWORKS model — Adjust scale and rotation until the decal sits naturally on the selected face.

Make the decal visible in renders

If you are preparing a render, check the decal in the display style and render environment you plan to use. Decals can look different depending on lighting, material reflectivity, transparency, and render settings.

For presentation work, also check your hardware and display setup. The guides to monitors for SOLIDWORKS and rendering in SOLIDWORKS can help when visual quality is the main goal.

Troubleshooting decal problems

The decal is not visible: confirm decals are enabled in the display settings and the correct face is selected.
The decal is stretched: adjust the aspect ratio, mapping type, or image crop.
The background is visible: use a PNG with transparency or edit the image background.
The decal moves unexpectedly: check whether the selected face changed after a feature edit.
The render looks dull: review lighting, material, and decal illumination settings.

Reference: SOLIDWORKS Help describes decals as 2D images applied to model surfaces and managed through the decal/display tools.