Missing Symbol Library File

Missing Symbol Library Tech Tip

When installing a new major release of SOLIDWORKS alongside an existing installation, sometimes the symbol library is not in the folder that SOLIDWORKS looks for it in.  One example of this <MOD-DIAM> will show rather than the Diameter symbol on parts and drawings.

(<MOD-DIAM>7.874)

This is because SOLIDWORKS is looking at an existing or previous install location for the file, which may no longer exist. To change this, follow these simple steps.

  1. Tools>Options>System Options>File Locations
  2. Show folders for: Symbol Library File
  3. Delete the current path.
  4. Add for the latest Solidworks release, the default location is: C:\ProgramData\Solidworks\SOLIDWORKS XXXX\lang\English

(With ‘XXXX’ being the version e.g. 2018)

There should be a gtol.sym file in this location

System Options

NOTE: The C:\ProgramData folder is hidden by default, to unhide in file explorer go to:

View>Options>View

Check “Show hidden files folders and drivers”

Folder Options