How to Do a Hole Callout in SOLIDWORKS

A Hole Callout in SOLIDWORKS adds manufacturing information for holes in a drawing, including diameter, depth, thread, counterbore, countersink, and quantity details. It works best when the hole was created with Hole Wizard or contains proper hole feature data.

Add a Hole Callout

1. Open the drawing.
2. Go to Annotations > Hole Callout.
3. Select the hole edge or hole feature in the drawing view.
4. Place the callout where it is easy to read.
5. Review the generated text before releasing the drawing.

Check the generated information

Do not assume the callout is correct just because SOLIDWORKS created it. Confirm the hole size, depth, thread, end condition, and quantity. If the model feature is wrong, the drawing callout will also be wrong.

For patterned holes, confirm whether the callout quantity matches the drawing view and your company standard. Sometimes a note such as 4X is clearer than repeating the same callout on every hole.

Edit callout format

You can edit the callout text if your drawing standard requires a different format. Keep manual edits minimal. If the hole feature changes later, heavily edited callouts can become harder to trust.

When possible, fix the feature or callout format instead of typing over generated values. Manual overrides can hide model problems and may not update when the design changes.

Use callouts for threaded holes

For Hole Wizard threaded holes, Hole Callout can include the thread size and depth. Check that cosmetic threads and drawing display settings support the view you are showing.

Threaded hole callouts should include enough information for manufacturing or inspection. Review thread size, pitch, depth, and whether the hole is through or blind.

Place callouts clearly

Place the leader where it points to the correct circular edge without crossing important geometry. If the drawing has several similar holes, use one clear callout with a quantity note instead of cluttering the view with repeated leaders.

Troubleshooting

If the callout is missing details, inspect the part feature. Holes made with simple cuts may not carry the same callout information as Hole Wizard holes. For custom holes, use a clear drawing note with the required size and process information.

If the callout attaches to the wrong edge, delete it and place it again on the correct circular edge. A clean leader location makes the drawing much easier to read.

Before release, compare the callout against the model and any shop standard. Hole callouts are small notes, but they carry important manufacturing information.