SmartMates with AI Fastener Recognition (2025 SP3)

When inserting components into assemblies, SOLIDWORKS recognizes components that appear as nuts, bolts, or washers to automatically add mates to components.

SOLIDWORKS uses AI to recognize the fasteners. Automatic recognition is limited to:
  • Fasteners with preview images
  • Single body fasteners that are SOLIDWORKS parts
  • Components to mate that are 20% or less than the geometry diameter
  • Fasteners that do not have mate references and are not Toolbox parts

To turn on automatic recognition, in Tools > Options > System Options > Assemblies, select Use AI fastener recognition to create SmartMates when inserting components. (The option is on by default.) To turn off automatic recognition temporarily, press ALT while dragging a component into the assembly.

To use SmartMates with AI fastener recognition:
  1. From one of the following sources, drag a fastener (nut, bolt, or washer) onto an assembly component to mate:
    • FeatureManager® design tree (CTRL+drag if the component is in the same assembly)
    • Insert Components (Assembly toolbar)
    • Task Pane (such as the Design Library or File Explorer )
    The pointer changes to .

  2. Drop the fastener on the component to mate when the pointer changes to .