MOD-DIAM is displayed instead of a diameter symbol in SOLIDWORKS

On some occasions you may see strange syntax instead of the diameter symbol or other similar items, as shown in the figure below the text ‘<MOD-DIAM>’ has replaced what should be the diameter symbol.

MOD-DIAM text displayed

Why is this happening?

Most of the time this happens after a SOLIDWORKS upgrade. The error occurs because SOLIDWORKS can’t find a symbol library file called “Gtol.sym”. Fortunately there is an easy fix for this.

How to solve the problem

To fix the problem follow these steps:

1. Try to find the Gtol.sym file on your system. The default location for the file is located in:

   C:\Program Files\SolidWorks\lang\English or
   C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS <version>\lang\English
   If you didn’t install SOLIDWORKS at the default location then simply search for the file in Windows Explorer.

   If you cannot find the Gtol.sym file on your system, simply copy the file from another computer and place it in one of the above file locations. If you don’t have access to any other machine you can always ask your reseller to send you a copy of the file.

2. In SOLIDWORKS go to Tools  > Options > System Options > File location. Then select the “Symbol Library File” from the drop down box and make sure it is pointing to the location where your “Gtol.sym” file is located. If it is not pointing to the right location, delete the existing address and add the correct address to the list.

System Options – symbol library file location

Now the problem should be resolved and  the diameter symbol should be displayed in your SOLIDWORKS drawing.