Sometimes, when upgrading SOLIDWORKS, Hole Callouts will start showing instead of the expected ⌀ symbol. Here is how to solve this.
Upgrading SOLIDWORKS is usually a quick and easy process. But once in a while, things might break a bit during the upgrade process. One of the most common upgrade-related problems we run into here at CADimensions is when hole callouts start showing <MOD-DIAM> instead of the familiar ⌀.
Luckily, this is a simple fix! All of the geometric symbols in SOLIDWORKS are controlled by a single file, and all we have to do is get SOLIDWORKS to look in the right place for it. To do so, open the System Options menu with the little gear along the top bar.
Note that I am working in SOLIDWORKS 2019. We need the version of the Symbol Library File to match the year we're working in.
If we open up our System Options and go to File Locations, pull down the box and select the location for the “Symbol Library File”, we see our problem!
My installation of SOLIDWORKS 2019 is still pointing to the 2018 folder for the Symbol Library File and this discrepancy is causing our error. All we need to do is select the old path and hit Delete, then add the new path.
The default location is C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\lang\english where the XX in that file path represents the version you are upgrading to. In my case, I’m looking for the SOLIDWORKS 2019 folder. Add that file path and select OK:
Important note: ProgramData is a hidden file by default. You can make it visible in File Explorer by clicking View > Show > Hidden Items.
And we're all set!
And remember, if you ever run into any trouble, you can always put in a support ticket! We're always happy to help.