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General drawing notes

By Fred Vierheller, senior mechanical engineer, Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional · Updated November 4, 2026

22 copy-ready notes for header, title block and general notes, in English and Spanish. Copy a note, replace the [bracketed] example values, and check the "Watch for" line before you release the drawing.

Values in [brackets] are examples; replace them with your own. Notes marked Verify values rely on common practice; confirm them with your supplier or design engineer. These notes are examples, not an engineering approval of your drawing.

GEN-01 Notes headingGEN-02 Standard and editionGEN-03 UnitsGEN-04 ProjectionGEN-05 General tolerances (inch)GEN-06 General tolerances (metric, ISO)GEN-07 3D model reference (model-based geometry)GEN-08 Do not scaleGEN-09 Surface texture defaultGEN-10 Edge breakGEN-11 CleanlinessGEN-12 Coating stageGEN-13 MaterialGEN-14 FinishGEN-15 Part markingGEN-16 Order of precedenceGEN-17 Flag notesGEN-18 Skipped note numbersGEN-19 Material certificationGEN-20 RoHSGEN-21 First article inspectionGEN-22 ISO interpretation (metric drawings for ISO customers)

GEN-01

Notes heading

Verify values
EN
NOTES: UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
ES
NOTAS: A MENOS QUE SE ESPECIFIQUE LO CONTRARIO

Use: above the general notes, on sheet 1.

Watch for: writing "UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED" inside every note. Once in the heading is enough.

Basis: common drafting practice; ASME Y14.100 places general notes on the field of the drawing. verify

GEN-02

Standard and edition

Checked
EN
INTERPRET DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES PER ASME Y14.5-2018.
ES
INTERPRETAR DIMENSIONES Y TOLERANCIAS SEGÚN ASME Y14.5-2018.

Use: every drawing. Required as soon as the drawing has GD&T.

Watch for: "PER ANSI Y14.5", "PER ASME Y14.5M-1994" on a new drawing, or no edition at all. The 2018 edition removed concentricity and symmetry, so the edition changes what the symbols mean.

Basis: Y14.5-2018 para 1.3 (reference to the standard on the drawing). checked (secondary sources)

GEN-03

Units

Checked
EN
DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES. or DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS.
ES
DIMENSIONES EN PULGADAS. / DIMENSIONES EN MILÍMETROS.

Use: every drawing, unless the title block already states units.

Watch for: dual dimensions with no rule for which one governs. Add: DIMENSIONS IN [BRACKETS] ARE MILLIMETERS, FOR REFERENCE ONLY.

Basis: Y14.5-2018 para 4.2.3 (units). checked (secondary sources)

GEN-04

Projection

Verify values
EN
Third-angle projection symbol in the title block. Optional note: THIRD ANGLE PROJECTION.
ES
PROYECCIÓN DE TERCER ÁNGULO.

Use: every multiview drawing. Mexican shops working for European customers often see first angle; say which.

Watch for: symbol missing, or drawn for the wrong method.

Basis: ASME Y14.3 (orthographic views). verify (edition)

GEN-05

General tolerances (inch)

Verify values
EN
UNTOLERANCED DIMENSIONS: .X ±[.030] .XX ±[.010] .XXX ±[.005] ANGLES ±[0.5]°
ES
DIMENSIONES SIN TOLERANCIA: .X ±[.030] .XX ±[.010] .XXX ±[.005] ÁNGULOS ±[0.5]°

Use: when the title block has no tolerance block, or when this part needs different defaults. Then add: TITLE BLOCK TOLERANCES DO NOT APPLY.

Watch for: a tolerance block printed with the ± signs and no values. Every untoleranced dimension then has no tolerance.

Basis: company convention; values are typical machining examples. verify

GEN-06

General tolerances (metric, ISO)

Verify values
EN
GENERAL TOLERANCES: ISO 2768-[m].
ES
TOLERANCIAS GENERALES: ISO 2768-[m].

Use: metric drawings for ISO customers. Classes f, m, c, v.

Watch for: "ISO 2768-mK" on new drawings. The K comes from ISO 2768-2, which was replaced by ISO 22081:2021. Also: ISO 2768 cited on an inch drawing.

Basis: ISO 2768-1; ISO 22081:2021. checked. A new single-part ISO 2768 revision was in draft in 2025. verify

GEN-07

3D model reference (model-based geometry)

Checked
EN
THE 3D MODEL [FILE NAME], REV [A], DEFINES ALL GEOMETRY NOT DIMENSIONED ON THIS DRAWING. MODEL VALUES ARE BASIC. UNDIMENSIONED SURFACES: PROFILE OF A SURFACE [.010] TO DATUMS A|B|C. IF THE DRAWING AND MODEL DISAGREE, THE DRAWING GOVERNS.
ES
EL MODELO 3D [NOMBRE DE ARCHIVO], REV [A], DEFINE TODA LA GEOMETRÍA NO ACOTADA EN ESTE PLANO. LOS VALORES DEL MODELO SON BÁSICOS. SUPERFICIES NO ACOTADAS: PERFIL DE SUPERFICIE [.010] RESPECTO A LOS DATUMS A|B|C. SI EL PLANO Y EL MODELO NO COINCIDEN, RIGE EL PLANO.

Use: parts with free-form or undimensioned surfaces (castings, molded parts).

Watch for: "DIMENSIONS NOT SHOWN ARE TO BE DERIVED FROM THE SOLID MODEL" or "POSITIONAL TOLERANCE .010 GOVERNED BY THE CAD MODEL" — no tolerance zone, no datums, no model revision. Also a separate note saying the drawing takes precedence over electronic files, which contradicts it.

Basis: ASME Y14.41-2019 (model values basic, para 9.2.1); Y14.5-2018 para 11.3.1.5 (all-over profile as a general note). checked (secondary sources)

GEN-08

Do not scale

Checked
EN
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING.
ES
NO ESCALAR EL PLANO.

Use: optional. Y14.5 already prohibits scaling, so the note is redundant but harmless.

Watch for: using it instead of adding a missing dimension.

Basis: Y14.5-2018 fundamental rules. checked (secondary sources)

GEN-09

Surface texture default

Verify values
EN
SURFACE TEXTURE: [125] µin Ra MAX, ALL MACHINED SURFACES. Metric: [3.2] µm Ra MAX.
ES
ACABADO SUPERFICIAL: [125] µin Ra MÁX. EN TODAS LAS SUPERFICIES MAQUINADAS.

Use: machined parts. Surfaces that need better get their own symbol.

Watch for: a number with no unit ("63 Ra"), "RMS", or a value the process can't reach (16 µin on a sand casting).

Basis: ASME Y14.36 (symbols); ASME B46.1 (parameters). verify (editions)

GEN-10

Edge break

Verify values
EN
BREAK SHARP EDGES [.005–.015] X 45° OR R[.005–.015].
ES
ROMPER ARISTAS VIVAS [.005–.015] X 45° O R[.005–.015].

Use: almost every machined or cut part.

Watch for: "DEBURR" or "BREAK ALL SHARP EDGES" with no size; "MINIMUM" with no maximum. Seal edges and knife edges that must stay sharp need: EDGES MARKED [△4] MUST REMAIN SHARP.

Basis: industry convention; ISO 13715 for edge symbols on metric drawings. Values: verify

GEN-11

Cleanliness

Verify values
EN
PART SHALL BE FREE OF BURRS, CHIPS, OIL AND FOREIGN MATTER.
ES
LA PIEZA DEBE ESTAR LIBRE DE REBABAS, VIRUTA, ACEITE Y MATERIAL EXTRAÑO.

Use: every part. Precision or fluid-system parts need a cleanliness standard instead (see Piping set, IEST-STD-CC1246).

Basis: convention. verify

GEN-12

Coating stage

Checked
EN
DIMENSIONS APPLY AFTER [PLATING / COATING]. or … BEFORE …
ES
LAS DIMENSIONES APLICAN DESPUÉS DEL [RECUBRIMIENTO].

Use: every part with plating, anodize or paint that changes size.

Watch for: "DIMENSIONS APPLY AFTER ALL FINISHING" on a part where threads and bores are masked. Say which features are masked (MCH-11).

Basis: Y14.5 has no default for coatings, so the note is needed. checked (secondary sources)

GEN-13

Material

Checked
EN
MATERIAL: [6061-T6 ALUMINUM PLATE PER ASTM B209].
ES
MATERIAL: [ALUMINIO 6061-T6, PLACA SEGÚN ASTM B209].

Use: every made part. Give alloy, temper or condition, and the product spec.

Watch for: "STEEL", "ALUMINUM", "4130A", "CARBON STEEL 4130" (4130 is an alloy steel), UNS numbers written with the letter O instead of zero.

Basis: convention; ASTM B209 covers aluminum sheet and plate. checked

GEN-14

Finish

Verify values
EN
FINISH: ANODIZE PER MIL-PRF-8625, TYPE [II], CLASS [2], [BLACK].
FINISH: CHEMICAL CONVERSION COAT PER MIL-DTL-5541, TYPE [II], CLASS [3].
FINISH: PASSIVATE PER [ASTM A967 / AMS 2700].
FINISH: ZINC PLATE PER ASTM B633, [SC 2], TYPE [ ].
ES
ACABADO: ANODIZADO SEGÚN MIL-PRF-8625, TIPO [II], CLASE [2], [NEGRO]. (same pattern for the others)

Use: every coated part. Always give type and class.

Watch for: canceled specs (MIL-A-8625, MIL-C-5541, QQ-P-35, QQ-Z-325); "OR EQUIVALENT" with nobody named to approve it; hexavalent chrome (Type I chem film, some zinc types) on parts that must meet RoHS or DFARS.

Basis: MIL-PRF-8625F Amd 2 (checked); MIL-DTL-5541F Notice 2, Type II = non-hex (checked); ASTM B633 replaces QQ-Z-325 (checked); AMS 2700 / ASTM A967 replace QQ-P-35 (checked). Zinc type numbers: verify

GEN-15

Part marking

Verify values
EN
MARK PART NUMBER AND REVISION [.12] HIGH, [INK / LASER / VIBRO-ETCH], APPROXIMATELY WHERE SHOWN. Small parts: BAG AND TAG WITH PART NUMBER AND REVISION.
ES
MARCAR NÚMERO DE PARTE Y REVISIÓN DE [.12] DE ALTURA, CON [TINTA / LÁSER], APROXIMADAMENTE DONDE SE INDICA.

Use: every part that must be traceable. Defense work: per MIL-STD-130.

Watch for: marking method not stated; marks on a sealing or cosmetic face.

Basis: convention; MIL-STD-130 revision: verify

GEN-16

Order of precedence

Verify values
EN
IN CASE OF CONFLICT: THIS DRAWING, THEN THE PURCHASE ORDER, THEN REFERENCED SPECIFICATIONS.
ES
EN CASO DE CONFLICTO RIGE: ESTE PLANO, LUEGO LA ORDEN DE COMPRA, LUEGO LAS ESPECIFICACIONES REFERIDAS.

Use: when the drawing cites several specs or a model.

Watch for: two notes that each claim to govern.

Basis: convention. verify

GEN-17

Flag notes

Verify values
EN
[△5] INDICATES [CRITICAL CHARACTERISTIC]. and place the flag next to each feature.
ES
[△5] INDICA [CARACTERÍSTICA CRÍTICA].

Use: a note that applies to some features only.

Watch for: a flag in the field with no matching note, or a note whose number was deleted.

Basis: ASME Y14.100 practice. verify (section number)

GEN-18

Skipped note numbers

Verify values
EN
NOTE NUMBERS MAY BE SKIPPED.
ES
ALGUNOS NÚMEROS DE NOTA SE OMITEN INTENCIONALMENTE.

Use: only with a company standard note list where numbers keep their meaning (note 10 is always material).

Watch for: a company convention, not an ASME rule. Without a standard list, number the notes 1, 2, 3.

Basis: company convention. verify

GEN-19

Material certification

Verify values
EN
MATERIAL CERTIFICATION (MILL TEST REPORT) REQUIRED WITH SHIPMENT.
ES
SE REQUIERE CERTIFICADO DE MATERIAL CON CADA EMBARQUE.

Use: structural, pressure, aerospace and medical parts.

Watch for: "ON DEMAND" when the customer actually needs it on file.

Basis: convention. verify

GEN-20

RoHS

Checked
EN
PART SHALL COMPLY WITH EU RoHS DIRECTIVE 2011/65/EU AS AMENDED.
ES
LA PIEZA DEBE CUMPLIR LA DIRECTIVA RoHS 2011/65/UE Y SUS ENMIENDAS.

Use: parts going into electrical and electronic products sold in the EU.

Watch for: a RoHS note next to a hex-chrome or cadmium finish note.

Basis: Directive 2011/65/EU (amended by 2015/863). checked

GEN-21

First article inspection

Verify values
EN
Aerospace: FIRST ARTICLE INSPECTION REQUIRED PER AS9102. Automotive: PPAP LEVEL [3] REQUIRED PER AIAG PPAP MANUAL. General: FIRST ARTICLE DIMENSIONAL REPORT REQUIRED BEFORE PRODUCTION.
ES
SE REQUIERE INSPECCIÓN DE PRIMER ARTÍCULO SEGÚN AS9102. / SE REQUIERE PPAP NIVEL [3] SEGÚN EL MANUAL AIAG.

Use: new parts and tool changes. PPAP is what Mexican automotive suppliers expect.

Watch for: "INSPECTION REPORT REQUIRED" with no scope (how many parts, which characteristics).

Basis: AS9102 Rev C (2023) checked; AIAG PPAP 4th edition checked (5th edition: verify)

GEN-22

ISO interpretation (metric drawings for ISO customers)

Checked
EN
TOLERANCING ISO 8015.
ES
TOLERANCIAS SEGÚN ISO 8015.

Use: drawings toleranced to ISO GPS instead of ASME.

Watch for: citing both ASME Y14.5 and ISO 8015 on one drawing. Pick one system.

Basis: ISO 8015 (independency principle by default). checked

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