How to Select Sketch Plane in SolidWorks

Understanding Sketch Planes in SolidWorks

Selecting a sketch plane in SolidWorks is essential for creating accurate models. A sketch plane serves as the flat surface upon which you will create 2D geometry. Here’s how to select and manage your sketch planes effectively.

Selecting a Plane for Your Sketch

1. Accessing Plane Options:

   • Go to the Reference Geometry toolbar and click on the Plane icon. Alternatively, navigate to Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane.
2. Creating a Plane:
   • Once you select a plane, SolidWorks will automatically suggest a plane based on your selected geometry (like a face or edge). You can fine-tune this selection by adjusting options such as First Reference, where you can specify whether the plane should be Parallel, Perpendicular, etc.

Changing the Active Sketch Plane

1. Locating Your Sketch:

   • Identify the sketch in the Feature Manager. Right-click the sketch you want to modify.

2. Editing the Sketch Plane:

   • Select the Edit Sketch Plane option. A command window will open, allowing you to visualize the current plane and sketch.
3. Selecting a New Plane:
   • Click within the workspace to deselect any current selections. Then, choose a new plane or face that you want your sketch to adhere to.

Moving a Sketch Between Planes

1. Access the Sketch through the Feature Tree:

   • Right-click on the sketch in the Feature Manager where it is currently located.

2. Edit the Sketch Plane:

   • Select the Edit Sketch Plane option to highlight the existing plane.
3. Choose the New Face:
   • With the current face highlighted, click on a new face or plane where you would like to relocate the sketch. This will update the sketch’s position accordingly.

Creating a Parallel Plane

1. Selecting a Surface:

   • Right-click on any existing face in the modeling window.
2. Creating the New Plane:
   • From the context menu, select Create Plane Parallel to Screen. This action positions a new reference plane parallel to your current view and allows you to establish a 3D sketch point.

Additional Methods to Manage Sketches

• Copying and Pasting Sketches: If you wish to transfer a sketch manually, you can use keyboard shortcuts. Select your sketch and press CTRL+C to copy it. Then, select the desired plane and press CTRL+V to paste it onto that new plane.

• Moving Objects within SolidWorks: For moving complete bodies or components, utilize the Move/Copy Bodies feature from the Features toolbar, which allows for rotating or copying solid bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create a sketch from any existing face?
Yes, you can create a sketch directly on any planar face you select, which becomes your sketch plane.

2. What is the significance of changing the sketch plane?
Changing the sketch plane can provide different orientations and alignment options for creating complex shapes, ensuring greater flexibility in model design.

3. How do I fix a sketch that does not behave as expected?
You can utilize the Repair Sketch Tool found under Tools > Sketch Tools > Repair Sketch to analyze and correct any issues with the geometry or constraints of your sketch.