Editing BOM Descriptions in SOLIDWORKS

Video tutorial on how to avoid severing parametric links to edit BOM descriptions.

In the tutorial video below, we’re going to take a look how to edit the description field in a Bill of Materials (BOM) table in a SOLIDWORKS drawing.

Trying to edit this field directly will prompt a warning that doing so will sever a parametric link. This may occur because description fields in a BOM table are linked to properties of parts and assemblies. To change the description, these properties must be changed.

In the tutorial video above, we’re shown an example of how to edit the custom properties of a particular part.

To do this, open the part associated with the description entry in the BOM that you want to change. To access its custom properties, enter the “File” dropdown menu and select “Properties.” A “Custom Properties” window should appear.

Two types of custom properties are available in their own unique tabs within this window. “Custom” properties are applied at the part level, while “Configuration Specific” are specific to particular configurations of a part.

For the purpose of editing our BOM, we need to edit a part level property, so enter the Custom tab. Here, you may change the descriptions of a BOM. After editing, click OK and the changes will be shown accordingly in the BOM.

You can continue to develop your CAD, CAM & BIM skills by signing up for a free membership at http://www2.solidprofessor.com/engineeringfreetrial.

About the Author

Sam Sanchez is an Applications Engineer with SolidProfessor and a CSWP. Sanchez is an alumni of UC San Diego, and in her free time enjoys 3D printing and hanging out with her dog Ruby. You can see more training videos on a wide range of CAD, CAM& BIM topics at www.solidprofessor.com.