How to set your system options to enable Z-Up templates
New for SOLIDWORKS 2025, when creating a new part or assembly you can specify a Z-Up orientation. This is useful for creating parts for CNC or other applications.
However, according to the SOLIDWORKS help files, the Y-up and Z-up orientation settings are available only for the default templates that SOLIDWORKS creates.
This can be specified after a new installation. When first opening SOLIDWORKS, you can specify the default orientation in the Units and Dimension Standard dialog box.
However, you may not see the Default folder if you upgraded from a previous release. In this case, the Z-Up option for templates will not be available.
For existing installations, you can copy templates to the default template location, typically: C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2025\templates
The best practice is to rename the templates to the default names “Part”, “Assembly” and “Drawing” respectively.
Also specify “Always use these default document templates” under Tools, Options, System Options, Default Templates:
You should now see the option to specify Y-Up or Z-Up orientation when using the templates in the default location (this will not work for other locations, including Training templates or MBD, etc.)
If you need assistance configuring SOLIDWORKS 2025 you can submit a ticket via the following link: https://www.cadimensions.com/contact/support/