You use a 3D sketch to define the centerline of the route path.
When you drag a flange or other end fitting into an assembly, a new subassembly is created, and the 3D sketch is started automatically. You can also begin the 3D sketch manually, if the fittings are already in the assembly.
Right-click the connection point (CPoint) in a fitting and select Start Route.
Sketch the route path. For pipes, use
Line 
on the Sketch toolbar. For flexible tubes and electrical cables, use
Line or
Spline 
on the Sketch toolbar. Create fillets in the sketch where elbow fittings or bends are needed.
- If you selected the Automatically create sketch fillets option, fillets are added automatically at intersections as you sketch. The default radius of the fillet is determined by the bend radius or elbow you specify in the Route Properties PropertyManager when you begin in the route.
- If you want to add sketch fillets manually (for example, when you need a bend radius that is different from the default), use the Fillet
tool on the Sketch toolbar.
Press Tab to change from one sketch plane to another.
You can add dimensions and most types of relations in a 3D sketch, using the same methods as you use in a 2D sketch.
While editing the route, you can drag and drop other components. For example, you can also insert pipes, tubes, and electrical components, split routes, add fittings, and flatten electrical routes, and use the Auto Route tool to create simple routes quickly.
When you exit the component view, the route subassembly is saved.
To edit the sketch, go to the assembly’s FeatureManager Design Tree, right-click the Route Component and select Edit Route.
Search for 3D Sketching in the SolidWorks Online Help or see the 3D Sketching tutorial for more information about working in 3D sketches.