Scaling the SOLIDWORKS User Interface

The overall scale of the SOLIDWORKS user interface is affected by a few different key settings, both inside and outside of the software. These range from adjusting the toolbar and Command Manager sizing to the overall Windows Compatibility options.

Scaling the SOLIDWORKS user interface is something that can be done quickly as long as you know the right steps to approach it.

SOLIDWORKS Customization Options

The size of the SOLIDWORKS icons in the toolbars and Command Manager can be adjusted in the SOLIDWORKS customization options. This can be accessed from Tools>Customize>Toolbars. On the right-hand side of the customization window, you can adjust the icon size and the tooltip options. The icon size can be selected from three choices, while the tooltips can be made larger or smaller, with or without images.

Windows High DPI Settings

Some SOLIDWORKS scaling issues and other problems can be caused by the Windows high DPI settings. This is typically caused by a high-resolution display not being able to downscale correctly. The easiest way to do this is to adjust the SOLIDWORKS executable properties and override the high DPI settings from Windows.

Overriding the default high DPI settings

Windows Accessibility Settings

You might see oversized text in the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager or in other pop-up windows throughout the software. This is often affected by the Windows Accessibility options. You can remedy this by adjusting the size of text to a smaller value in the Windows Accessibility settings.

Adjusting Windows text size

Windows Scaling Settings

Some text inside SOLIDWORKS is handled directly from the Windows scale settings. These include things like dialogs and the text within the Property Manager. To adjust this, right-click on your desktop and go in the Display Settings. Once inside, navigate to Scale and Layouts>Scale – Change Size of Text.

The scaling options can let you select different overall Windows scale settings. You will need to restart SOLIDWORKS to see the change take place.

Selecting a Windows scale option

More Adjustments to the SOLIDWORKS User Interface?

The scaling options for the SOLIDWORKS user interface are controlled by a few different key settings inside the software and out. Knowing where they are and what they affect can let you easily adjust your interface to your liking.

Still running into issues with the scaling options? Contact our Technical Support team here.