How to Rotate Text in SOLIDWORKS

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You can rotate text in SOLIDWORKS sketches and drawings by editing the text or note properties. The exact controls depend on whether you are rotating sketch text, drawing notes, dimensions, or annotation text.

For sketch text that becomes geometry, use the sketch text settings. For drawing notes, use note formatting and rotation options.

Text selected in SOLIDWORKS — Select the text or note you want to rotate.

Rotate sketch text

Edit the sketch that contains the text.
Select the sketch text.
Open the text PropertyManager.
Change the text angle, alignment, or path settings.
Rebuild the sketch and check the result.

Sketch text settings in SOLIDWORKS — Sketch text can be rotated through its text properties or controlled by a path.

Rotate drawing notes

For drawing notes, select the note and review the formatting options in the PropertyManager. Depending on the note type and version, you can set rotation, alignment, or attach the note to another entity.

Rotating a note in a SOLIDWORKS drawing — Drawing notes use annotation formatting controls.

Use construction geometry for angled text

If sketch text needs to follow a specific angle, create a construction line or sketch path first. This gives you a stable reference and makes future edits easier.

Troubleshooting rotated text

The text flips upside down: adjust alignment or reverse the sketch path.
The note does not rotate: confirm it is a note, not a dimension or table item.
The text cuts incorrectly: check sketch contours and font thickness.
The drawing is hard to read: keep annotation text horizontal unless rotation is necessary.