I can't add even simple equations or Global Variables - please help me!!!

Welcome to the forum.  I don't think I've ever tried to create a global variable within a dimension like you're describing.  (It may be possible; I've just never tried.)  Instead, exit the sketch, right-click on your Equations folder at the top of the tree, and choose "Manage Equations" from the drop-down.  That will take you to a dialog box where you should be able to create a global variable.  Then when you go back to your sketch you should be able to use this global variable in a dimension.

I'll be logging off soon, and I'll be traveling so it may be a while before I'm back, but I'm sure someone else will be able to step in if you need more help.  As you might expect, traffic is much slower here on Sundays, but it should pick up tomorrow.

hei'ya TJ,

see the scrnsht below-

describe your sketch>

select smart dimmension>

positioned dimmension>

then just type your GV name (no equals)

the little globe icon appears>select>add dimmension

you only need the equals sign to produce a function ie

smart dimmension tool> select the upper line> position dimmension>

enter "=" then select> dimm(25 in graphics area), enter "+"

then select >"dimm2"(34.16 in graphics area) >confirm (upper dimmension=59.16)

hope this helps- have a good'n kelef

edit: a little bit clearer I hope

I think you are probably facing the common bug caused by a windows update: Instability in SOLIDWORKS due to conflict with Microsoft KB3072630

Hey TJ,

I had never tried adding a global variable using the method that Kelef describes above so I tried it and it works. (Very cool Kelef, I always love being able to skip a step!)

I strongly recommend going to the excellent "Global Variables and Equations" lesson under the training tab of this website.

Very easy to follow and implement.

Good Luck,

Tony

Listen to Jamil on this. I'm quite certain that is the problem.

I'm having the same issue you were having.  I will try creating a global variable within the sketch (using the smart dimension tool), and the equation tool, and neither one works.

Were you able to fix the problem, and if so how?

In SW 2015 there is conflict caused by Microsoft® update KB 3072630 which was released on July 15th, 2015. This update makes changes to the Windows Installer and causes issue in Equations.

To fix the problem follow procedure described bellow by SW:

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/techkb3072630.htm

Re: Equations don't work (not answered) I would recommend looking at this thread.