- Sketching Concepts Overview
Sketching in SOLIDWORKS is the basis for creating features. Features are the basis for creating parts, which can be put together into assemblies. Sketch entities can also be added to drawings.
- Sketch Dimensions
You can create features without adding dimensions to sketches. However, it is good practice to dimension sketches.
- Snap
SOLIDWORKS sketch entities can snap to points (endpoint, midpoints, intersections, and so on) of other sketch entities. With Quick Snaps, you can filter the types of sketch snaps that are available.
- Sketch Relations
In SOLIDWORKS, relations between sketch entities and model geometry are an important means of building in design intent.
- Inferencing
Inferencing displays relations by means of dotted inferencing lines, pointer display, and highlighted cues such as endpoints and midpoints.
- Trim
You can trim sketch entities, including infinite lines, and extend sketch entities (lines, centerlines, and arcs) to meet other entities.
- Sketch States
The sketch status appears in the window status bar. Colors indicate the state of individual sketch entities.
- Automatic Sketch Operations
Automatic operations increase productivity in sketching. Automatic relations and inferencing also improve efficiency in sketching.
- Construction Entities
In SOLIDWORKS, any sketch entity can be specified for construction. Points and centerlines are always construction entities only.