Sketching the Base

  1. Click Extruded Boss/Base (Features tab).
    The Front, Top, and Right planes appear and the pointer changes to . As you move the pointer over a plane, the border of the plane is highlighted.
    Starting by selecting a feature tool is usually the simplest way to work. If you create a feature (such as an Extrude) that requires a sketch, SOLIDWORKS opens a sketch automatically, then initiates the creation of the feature when you exit the sketch. But you can also create a sketch first (click Sketch on the Sketch tab), then select the tool to create the feature.
  2. Select the Front plane.
    • The display changes so the Front plane faces you.
    • The Sketch toolbar commands appear in the CommandManager.
    • A sketch opens on the Front plane.
  3. Click Corner Rectangle (Sketch tab).
  4. Move the pointer to the sketch origin .
    If your system options are set appropriately, the pointer changes to when it is on the origin.
  5. Optional: If the pointer does not change to , do the following:
    1. Click Options (Standard toolbar).
    2. In the left pane of the System Options tab, select Sketch, Relations/Snaps.
    3. In the right pane of the System Options tab, select Enable snapping.
    4. Select the Sketch Snaps you want.
    5. Click OK.
    6. Repeat step 4.
  6. Click the origin and drag the pointer up and to the right.
    Notice that it displays the current dimensions of the rectangle.
    You do not have to be exact with the dimensions.
  7. Release the Corner Rectangle tool by doing one of the following:
    • Click the button for the tool you are currently using.
    • Press Esc.
    • Press Enter.
    • Click the button for the next tool you want to use.
    • Click Select (Standard toolbar).