How to link a revision number to a custom property

In SolidWorks, you can link a revision number directly to a custom property so that when the revision updates, the property updates automatically. This is done through the Summary Information dialog and custom property fields. The process involves creating a custom property, then referencing the revision field within it using SolidWorks' property linking syntax.

The most common approach is to create a custom property that pulls the revision value from the document's built-in revision field. This keeps your drawings and models synchronized without manual updates each time you increment the revision.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom properties in SolidWorks can reference the built-in revision field using the syntax $PRP:"SW-Revision" or similar field references depending on your document type.
  • You access custom properties through File > Properties > Custom tab, where you can create new property names and assign them values that pull from system fields.
  • Once linked, the custom property updates automatically whenever the revision number changes in the document's revision table or summary information.
  • Property links work in drawing templates, part files, and assembly files, making them useful for automating revision display across multiple document types.
  • If the link does not work, verify the exact field name by checking your document's built-in properties and ensure the syntax matches SolidWorks' property reference format.

Opening the custom properties dialog

Start by opening the document where you want to link the revision number. Go to File in the menu bar, then select Properties. A dialog box will open with several tabs at the top.

Click the Custom tab. This is where you create and manage custom properties that can reference other fields in your document. If you have not created custom properties before, this tab will be mostly empty except for a table with columns for Property Name, Type, and Value.

Creating a new custom property

In the Custom tab, look for an empty row in the property table or a button to add a new property (the exact interface varies by SolidWorks version). Click in the Property Name column and type a name for your custom property—for example, Revision, Rev Number, or Current Revision.

Press Tab or click in the Type column and select Text from the dropdown menu. Text is the most flexible type for revision properties since revisions can be numbers, letters, or combinations.

Linking to the revision field

Click in the Value column for the property you just created. Instead of typing a static value, you will enter a reference to SolidWorks' built-in revision field. The syntax depends on your SolidWorks version and document type, but the most common format is $PRP:"SW-Revision".

Type this reference exactly as shown, including the dollar sign, quotation marks, and hyphens. When you click outside the field or press Enter, SolidWorks will interpret this as a link to the system revision property rather than literal text.

If that syntax does not work, try $PRP:"Revision" or check your document's Summary tab to see the exact name SolidWorks uses for the revision field in your setup. Some configurations use different naming conventions.

Verifying the link is working

After you enter the property link, click OK to close the Properties dialog. The custom property is now created and linked. To verify it is working, open the Properties dialog again and go to the Custom tab. The Value column should now display the current revision number from your document.

If the value shows as blank or displays the literal text $PRP:"SW-Revision" instead of a number, the link did not resolve. This usually means the field name does not match what SolidWorks recognizes. Check the Summary tab in the same Properties dialog to see what revision information is stored there, and adjust your property reference accordingly.

Using the linked property in drawings and templates

Once the custom property is linked, you can insert it into your drawing or model using SolidWorks' note and text tools. In a drawing, go to Insert > Note, then click where you want the revision to appear. Type a note that references your custom property using the syntax <Property Name>—for example, Rev: <Revision>.

When you update the document's revision number, the note will automatically display the new revision. This is especially useful in drawing templates, where you want the revision to update across all new drawings created from that template without manual editing.

You can also use linked properties in title blocks and revision tables. If your title block is a block inserted into the drawing, you can edit the block and add property references the same way.

Troubleshooting property links

If your linked property is not updating when you change the revision, first check that you are actually changing the revision in the correct location. In drawings, revision changes are often made in the revision table itself, not in the document properties. Make sure your revision table is configured to update the document's revision field.

If the property still shows no value, open File > Properties > Summary tab and look at what fields are populated there. The revision field might be named differently than you expected, or it might not be set at all. Once you confirm the exact field name and that it contains a value, update your custom property reference to match.

Some older SolidWorks versions or non-standard configurations may use different property syntax. If standard references do not work, consult your company's SolidWorks administrator or documentation to learn what property names and syntax your installation supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a revision number to a property in a part file, or only in drawings?

You can link revision properties in part files, assembly files, and drawings. The process is identical—create a custom property and reference the revision field. Part and assembly files maintain their own revision information separately from drawings, so you can track revisions at the component level if needed.

What happens to the custom property if I change the revision number?

The custom property updates automatically. Because it is linked to the revision field rather than containing a static value, any change to the document's revision number is immediately reflected in the custom property and anywhere that property is displayed.

Can I use a linked property in a formula or calculation?

Linked properties can be referenced in notes and text fields, but they cannot be used directly in mathematical formulas within SolidWorks. If you need to perform calculations based on revision, you would need to create a separate property and manually manage it alongside the linked revision property.

Why does my property show the syntax text instead of the revision number?

This means SolidWorks did not recognize the field reference. The most common cause is incorrect syntax or a field name that does not exist in your document. Check the Summary tab to confirm the exact name of your revision field, then update the custom property value to match that name exactly, including capitalization and spacing.