Entering Parameters in a Design Table

When used in a design table, the names of dimensions, features, components, and configurations must match the name in the model. To ensure an exact match, you can copy and paste the name from the Properties dialog box for the selected item.

See Summary of Design Table Parameters for a list of valid parameters and associated values.
When you use design tables in SOLIDWORKS, it is important to format the tables properly.

To copy and paste a dimension, feature, component, or configuration name:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • Click a dimension.
    • Right-click a feature and click Feature Properties.
    • Right-click a component and click Component Properties.
  2. In the dialog box or PropertyManager, copy the item name. For components, copy the Full name.
  3. Paste the name into the appropriate column header cell.

    Parameter specifications:

    • Some parameter specifications that appear in the column header cells include a keyword, such as $CONFIGURATION. The parameter keywords are not case-sensitive.
    • Some parameters (suppression state or referenced configuration of a component) also include a component name and instance number. These parameters use this syntax:

      $KEYWORD@component<instance>

      where component is the component name, and instance is the instance number in angle brackets.

      For example, the column labeled $CONFIGURATION@gear<2> controls the referenced configuration of the second instance of the component named gear.

      Values that are not item names (Yes, Suppress) are not case-sensitive. The syntax and legal values for each parameter type are described in other topics.

    Multiple instances:

    You can specify multiple instances of a component in a single column header cell. Use the following syntax for the instance numbers:
    • <*> all instances
    • <1-4> range of instances
    • <1,3,6> nonconsecutive instances, separated by commas
    • <1,3-6,8> combination, separated by commas

    This is an example of a design table that creates three configurations, adds a comment for each one, suppresses a feature, and controls a dimension.

    Do not include any rows or columns with blank headers in the middle of the design table. SOLIDWORKS stops evaluating the data when it reaches a row or column that has an empty header cell. Data that appears in or after a row or column with an empty header is ignored.