In this series, we are going to be focusing on the basics of Sketching in SolidWorks. From how to start a sketch, to understanding sketch relations and adding dimensions, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to get going with Solidworks sketching. 

What is a Sketch in SolidWorks?

Sketches are 2D drawings that define the shape and size of 3D features in SolidWorks. While sketches can be created in part files, assembly files, or 2D drawings, they are most commonly used within part files to define the shape of 3D components. Part models are built up of multiple features, and most of these features rely on sketches to determine their dimensions and form.

Creating a New Part and Choosing a Plane

Before creating a sketch, the first step is to open a new part file in SolidWorks. Once you have a blank part file, you will need to choose one of three planes:

Front Plane – Typically used when designing parts viewed from the front.

Top Plane – Used for designs viewed from above.

Right Plane – Suitable for profiles viewed from the side.

Planes are infinite 2D surfaces that act as sketching canvases. Choosing the correct plane ensures that your part is oriented properly in the final 3D model. For this example, we will use the Top Plane.

Starting a Sketch and Using the 'Normal To' Feature

Once you’ve selected a plane, head over to the Sketch tab and click the first icon, Sketch. This will place you in a new sketch environment.

SolidWorks automatically aligns your view so that you are looking directly perpendicular to the sketch plane—this is known as the Normal To view. This feature ensures that sketching is done accurately without distortions. You can enable automatic Normal To orientation in the System Options or manually activate it by tapping the space bar and selecting the ‘Normal To’ icon.

Familiarising yourself with the Normal To function is essential, as it helps maintain a consistent view when creating and editing sketches.

How to Know If You Are in a Sketch

Beginners in SolidWorks often lose track of whether they are actively sketching. Here are some key indicators that confirm you are inside a sketch:

The Sketch button in the Sketch tab appears pressed in.

A Sketch feature appears in the Feature Manager (left-hand panel) below the rollback bar.

The Confirmation Corner appears in the top-right of the viewport, allowing you to exit or accept the sketch.

The bottom-right status bar displays 'Editing Sketch'.

If you are unsure whether you are in a sketch, these indicators will help you verify your status.

Sketch Entities: What Can You Draw?

SolidWorks offers a range of sketch entities to create different types of geometry. These can be found in the Sketch tab and include:

  • Lines
  • Circles
  • Arcs
  • Rectangles
  • Slots
  • And more advanced tools

Each of these tools allows you to construct different profiles, which will later be used to create 3D features.

Cursor Feedback and Selecting Tools

When a sketch tool is active, the cursor changes from a selection arrow to a pencil icon, with the selected tool displayed underneath. This visual feedback helps you track which tool is currently in use.

To exit a tool, you can either:

  • Click the tool again in the Sketch tab.
  • Press Escape (Esc) on your keyboard.

If no tool is selected, your cursor will revert to an arrow.

Navigating the Viewport While Sketching

Even though sketches are 2D, they exist in a 3D workspace, meaning you may need to adjust your view. Here’s how to navigate while sketching:

Zoom In/Out – Use the scroll wheel on your mouse.

Pan (Move View Horizontally/Vertically) – Hold Ctrl and click the scroll wheel.

Rotate View – Click and hold the scroll wheel (use cautiously while sketching).

If your sketch view rotates unintentionally, reset it by pressing the space bar and selecting Normal To.

Conclusion

Understanding the basics of sketching in SolidWorks is essential for creating accurate 3D models. In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into creating different types of sketch geometry and how to add constraints and dimensions to fully define sketches. Stay tuned!