SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic training

Lesson 1 • Understanding the Project Structure

Explains how projects, books, and drawings are organised hierarchically. This structure governs all file management throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Navigating the User Interface

Introduces ribbons, panels, and command structure within the application. Efficient navigation reduces errors in later schematic work.

Lesson 3 • Software Overview and Installation

Covers the SolidWorks Electrical product family and system requirements. Establishes context for all subsequent tool usage.

Lesson 1 • Configuring Symbol Attributes

Explains attribute types, visibility settings, and default values on symbols. Proper attribute setup ensures correct annotation in schematics.

Lesson 2 • Exploring the Symbol Library

Introduces the built-in symbol library structure and search tools. Familiarity here accelerates schematic placement in all future chapters.

Lesson 3 • Managing the Component Database

Covers the manufacturer parts database and how components link to symbols. Accurate component data drives BOMs and reports generated later.

Lesson 1 • Annotating Components and Wires

Teaches manual and automatic annotation of reference designators and wire numbers. Consistent annotation is required for accurate BOMs and cross-references.

Lesson 2 • Using Potentials and Equipotential Links

Explains how potentials define electrical nodes and link identical nets across sheets. Potentials are essential for multi-sheet projects covered in the next chapter.

Lesson 3 • Placing Symbols on Schematics

Demonstrates inserting, positioning, and aligning symbols on a drawing sheet. Accurate placement is the foundation of readable, professional schematics.

Lesson 4 • Drawing Types and Their Purposes

Distinguishes single-line, multi-line, and mixed schematic drawing types. Choosing the correct type ensures the drawing meets its engineering purpose.

Lesson 1 • Cross-Reference Management

Teaches automatic and manual cross-referencing between coils, contacts, and terminals. Accurate cross-references are mandatory for professional electrical documentation.

Lesson 2 • Organising Multi-Sheet Projects

Covers adding, ordering, and naming sheets within a project book. Proper sheet organisation prevents cross-reference errors in large projects.

Lesson 3 • Location and Function Structures

Introduces location and function classification for components and drawings. Structured classification enables location-based filtering in reports.

Lesson 1 • Defining Cable References

Explains how to create cable references and assign conductors to connections. Cable references are the data backbone for all harness documentation.

Lesson 2 • Generating Cable Schedules

Covers automatic generation and formatting of cable schedule reports. Cable schedules are required deliverables in most industrial projects.

Lesson 3 • Placing Cables on Schematics

Demonstrates inserting cable symbols and associating conductors with wires. Correct placement ensures cable reports reflect actual schematic connectivity.

Lesson 1 • Printing and PDF Publishing

Teaches batch printing, PDF publishing settings, and drawing set compilation. Professional output requires consistent page setup and file naming conventions.

Lesson 2 • Customising Report Templates

Explains how to modify report templates using the built-in template editor. Custom templates align outputs with company or client documentation standards.

Lesson 3 • Terminal and Wire Reports

Generates terminal connection lists and wire from-to reports. These reports are essential for panel builders and field technicians.

Lesson 4 • Understanding the Report Engine

Introduces the report manager, available report types, and configuration options. Understanding the engine is prerequisite to customising any output.

Lesson 1 • Placing Electrical Components in 3D

Demonstrates inserting connectors, enclosures, and devices into the 3D assembly. Accurate 3D placement is required before routing can begin.

Lesson 2 • Extracting 3D Routing Data

Covers extraction of wire lengths, nail board drawings, and updated BOMs from 3D. Extracted data completes the documentation loop started in Chapter 6.

Lesson 3 • Routing Wires and Cables in 3D

Teaches automatic and manual routing of wires and cables through 3D paths. Routed paths generate accurate length data fed back to schematic reports.

Lesson 1 • Concurrent Design and Locking

Covers drawing lock mechanisms and concurrent editing rules for shared projects. Understanding locks prevents overwrite conflicts during simultaneous work.

Lesson 2 • Importing and Exporting Project Data

Teaches data exchange using archive files, XML, and spreadsheet imports. Data exchange enables integration with ERP, PLM, and other engineering systems.

Lesson 3 • Revision Control and Change Management

Covers revision marking, change history tracking, and drawing revision blocks. Formal revision control is required for regulated and audited industries.

Lesson 4 • Multi-User Environment Setup

Explains server configuration, user accounts, and access permissions for shared projects. Proper setup prevents data conflicts in collaborative design teams.