How to Emboss Text on a Surface in SOLIDWORKS

One of the most requested tips people ask for in SOLIDWORKS is how to emboss or deboss text onto a complex surface. The Wrap feature will simplify this process.

  1. Step 1: Start an Offset Plane

    One of the most requested tips people ask for in SOLIDWORKS is how to emboss or deboss text onto a complex surface. The Wrap feature will simplify this process.

    It is simple to attach text to a flat surface, but it is more difficult when the text is wrapped on the surface. You can do this by using the Wrap Command.


    Start an offset plane - front, top or right, whichever makes sense for what you are going to do. You can also use the Features toolbar and toss in a reference plane offset from this existing plane or CTRL+drag a plane to add a plane offset as well.


  2. Step 2: Start a Sketch

    Start a sketch. Create a spline for text to follow, convert it to a series of construction entities, and add text. Add text to sketches via the Sketch toolbar.

    You can have it follow any curve that you would like. There are several commands for how text fits along the curve. Start with a curve for it to follow, enter text into the box and choose how the text aligns itself (right or left). Then, you can choose to have text go on the bottom or top of the curve. You can also adjust and control the font. You can link this to custom properties on the model.



  3. Step 3: Embossing or Debossing a Texture

    To emboss or deboss, use the Wrap feature (on the Features toolbar). Grab the text and the sketch you have created. This gives you the ability to emboss or deboss, to add or remove material or just do a scribe if you want to do a split line on the surface.

    You can wrap it along a cylindrical or conical face analytically using the Analytical tool. If it is something more complex, use the Spline Surface command. Then, take sketch and deboss it onto the face. You can also adjust the depth. Click ok and it will etch the text onto the surface.



    Click here to watch the full tutorial video.


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