How to Create Text Around a Circle in SOLIDWORKS

Have you ever wanted to create text around a circle (for example, a clock face or a rotary knob dial), but are unsure how to do it? This SOLIDWORKS tutorial walks through creating the text, which can be reused on other parts by simply copying it. 

Creating Text Around a Circle

First, open a sketch with a circle or create a new sketch with the desired radius or diameter. 

Once the circle has been generated, add Construction Geometry for the number of values. (In this example, I will choose 12.)

I recommend creating a vertical construction line first and then circular patterning this item to streamline the creation. Below is a screenshot after the construction lines have been added. 

Once the lines denoting the positions have been created, add the Construction Geometry for the sketch text. Again, start at the vertical/12 o’clock position and then use the circular pattern tool to speed up the process. 

After creating the sketch lines, create the Sketch Text that will go on each line. Below are the recommended settings. 

Unfortunately, there is no quick way to create multiple numbers, as the circular pattern would display the same value in each spot, so each one must be numbered individually.

The next step to be able to cut this text into a cylinder is to set the outer circle to Construction Geometry. This way the sketch can be copied into other files and be scaled in size to fit different sized cylindrical faces.

Below is an image of the sketch cut onto a cylindrical face and the counter in action. 

Things To Keep in Mind

When creating the values going around the circle, remember that patterning the Construction Geometry will save a bit of time for dimensioning and creating this geometry. 

When scaling the sketch up for the larger diameter, use the Scale Sketch option inside of the sketch to scale it universally. Font size and style can be modified within the parts Document Properties, which helps avoid setting the font for each input. 

I hope you found this article helpful. Check out more tips and tricks listed below. Additionally, join the GoEngineer Community to participate in the conversation, create forum posts, and answer questions from other SOLIDWORKS users. 

Want to take your SOLIDWORKS skills to the next level? Enroll in the official SOLIDWORKS Essentials training course. Both online and in-person classes are available. 

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