How to Make an Assembly Drawing in SOLIDWORKS

An assembly drawing communicates how parts fit together, which components are included, and how the assembly should be built or inspected. In SOLIDWORKS, start from a clean assembly, create drawing views, add a BOM, and use balloons or notes to identify the components.

Start from the assembly

Open the assembly and check that it rebuilds without errors. Suppressed or missing components can create confusing drawing views and incomplete BOM tables. Set the assembly to the configuration you want to document before creating the drawing.

Create the drawing

1. Choose File > Make Drawing from Assembly.
2. Select the drawing template and sheet size.
3. Place the main assembly view.
4. Add projected, section, detail, or exploded views as needed.
5. Set the view scale so the assembly is readable.

The first view should make the assembly easy to recognize. Use additional views only when they explain something important, such as internal parts, mounting details, or clearances.

Add a bill of materials

Use Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials to add a BOM. Choose the correct BOM type for the drawing. A top-level BOM lists main components and subassemblies, while an indented BOM can show the assembly structure in more detail.

Check part numbers, descriptions, quantities, and configuration-specific properties before releasing the drawing.

Add balloons and notes

Use balloons to connect items in the drawing view to the BOM. Automatic balloons can save time, but still review every item. Move balloons so leaders are clear and do not cross important geometry.

Add assembly notes for torque, adhesives, welds, alignment, press fits, lubrication, or inspection steps when those details are needed by the person building the assembly.

Use exploded views when helpful

An exploded view can make component order and placement much easier to understand. Create the exploded view in the assembly, then show it in the drawing. Add explode lines if they improve readability.

Final checks

Before release, confirm that the drawing references the correct assembly revision, configuration, and BOM. Check that hidden components, excluded BOM items, lightweight parts, and suppressed items are intentional.