Default Templates Options

You can specify the default templates to use for creating new part, drawing, and assembly documents.

The default templates are used when you create new documents from one of the following dialog boxes:
  • New SOLIDWORKS Document (Novice page)
  • Welcome
The default templates are also used during operations where the SOLIDWORKS application creates a new document without prompting you for a template, such as:
  • Creating a derived part
  • Creating a mirrored part
  • Importing a file from another application
  • Opening a SOLIDWORKS future version file
  • Splitting a part and saving the bodies as parts
To prepare a document template for use as a default, create the template, add it to a template tab, and specify the template location.

To change the default template:

  1. Click Options or Tools > Options.
  2. Select Default Templates.
  3. Click the appropriate browse button (Parts, Assemblies, or Drawings).
  4. In the New SOLIDWORKS Document dialog box, select the template you prepared and click OK.
  5. Select one of the following:
    • Always use these default document templates
    • Prompt user to select document template
  6. Click OK.
Click Reset to restore factory defaults for all system options or only for options on this page.
When there are issues with your default template not being available for parts, assemblies, or drawings, the Default template not available dialog box appears. This may happen when you upgrade your version of SOLIDWORKS and have issues with the default templates, such as incorrect paths.

  • Use a blank template. Creates a default template.
  • Select a template. Opens the New SOLIDWORKS Document dialog box where you can select a template to use.
  • Add the selection as the default template check box. Applies the selected template to all files that you are opening. When you select this option, the Default template not available dialog box no longer appears for files that you open in the future that have issues with their default templates. Those files use the default templates that you specify here.