Extrudes

The Extrude PropertyManager defines the characteristics of extruded features. You can create these types of extruded
features:

Solid or
thin

Cut

Boss/base

Surfac
e

You can also use Instant3D and RapidSketch to create extrudes.

When you create an extrude of a slot sketch, you can view the slot's central temporary axis. This capability is
particularly useful for mating fasteners at the center of slots in assemblies.

CONTENTS

Creating an Extrude Feature

Extrude PropertyManager
End Condition Extrude
When you extrude a profile, you need to select a Type from the Extrude PropertyManager.

Revolves
Revolves add or remove material by revolving one or more profiles around a centerline. You can create revolved boss/bases,
revolved cuts, or revolved surfaces. The revolve feature can be a solid, a thin feature, or a surface.
To create a revolve feature, use the following guidelines:

The sketch for a solid revolved feature can contain multiple intersecting profiles. With the Selected Contours
pointer (available when you click Selected Contours in the PropertyManager), you can select one or more intersecting or
non-intersecting sketches to create the revolve.

Select top region (contour)

Select bottom and mid regions (contours)

Select mid region (contour)

Select all regions (contours)

The sketch for a thin or surface revolved feature can contain multiple open or closed intersecting profiles.

The profile sketch must be a 2D sketch; 3D sketches are not supported for profiles. The Axis of Revolution can be a
3D sketch.

Profiles cannot cross the centerline. If the sketch contains more than one centerline, select the centerline you want to
use as the axis of revolution. For revolved surfaces and revolved thin features only, the sketch cannot lie on the
centerline.

You can create multiple radial or diametric dimensions without selecting the centerline each time.
When you dimension a revolve feature inside the centerline, you produce a radius dimension for the revolve feature.
When you dimension across the centerline, you produce a diameter dimension for the revolve feature.
You must rebuild the model to display the radius or diameter dimension symbol.

CONTENTS

Creating Revolve Features

Revolve PropertyManager
The Revolve PropertyManager appears when you create a new revolve feature, or when you edit an existing revolve
feature. You can specify separate end conditions for each direction (clockwise and counter-clockwise from the sketch
plane).

Sweeps
Sweep creates a base, boss, cut, or surface by moving a profile (section) along a path, according to these rules:

The profile must be closed for a base or boss sweep feature; the profile may be open or closed for a surface sweep
feature.

The path may be open or closed.

The path may be a set of sketched curves contained in one sketch, a curve, or a set of model edges.

The path must intersect the plane of the profile.

Neither the section, the path, nor the resulting solid can be self-intersecting.

The guide curve must be coincident with the profile or with a point in the profile sketch.
For cut sweeps only, you can create a solid sweep by moving a tool body along a path.

You can view the sweep using zebra stripes as you create the sweep. Place the pointer on the sweep, open the shortcut menu,
and select Zebra Stripes Preview. If you apply zebra stripes, when you create another sweep, or loft, or add a loft section, the
zebra stripes appear. Use the shortcut menu to clear Zebra Stripes Preview.
Sweeps can:

Use guide
curves
Be created
with multiple
profiles

Sweep with multiple separate profiles

Sweep with multiple nested profiles

Be created as
thin features

Sweep with solid feature

CONTENTS

Creating a Sweep
Sweep PropertyManager

Sweep with thin feature

Set the PropertyManager options based on the type of sweep feature.

Orientation/Twist Type - Follow Path

Under sweep Options, when you select Follow path as the Orientation/twist type, you can select parameters to stabilize the
profiles when small and uneven curvature fluctuations along the path cause the profiles to misalign.

Recommendations for Sweeps with Guide Curves

Lofts
Loft creates a feature by making transitions between profiles. A loft can be a base, boss, cut, or surface.
You create a loft using two or more profiles. Only the first, last, or first and last profiles can be points. All
sketch entities, including guide curves and profiles, can be contained in a single 3D sketch.
For a solid loft, the first and last profiles must be model faces or faces created by split lines, planar profiles, or
surfaces.
There are several ways to manipulate, edit, and view lofts.

CONTENTS

Creating Lofts
Loft Synchronization
You can modify the synchronization between loft profiles to change the alignment between the profiles. To adjust the
alignment, you manipulate the handles that appear in the graphics area as part of the connector.

Adding Loft Sections

You can add one or more loft sections to an existing loft.

Deleting Loft Sections

You can delete any section that you added using Add Loft Section.

Working with Lofts

Example of Mesh Preview in Lofts
You can apply a preview mesh on the B-spline (non-analytic) surfaces of lofts to better visualize the loft surface.

Recommendations for Lofts with Guide Curves

Consider the following when creating lofts with guide curves.

Loft PropertyManager
Set the PropertyManager options based on the type of loft feature.

Thicken
Creates a solid feature by thickening one or more adjacent surfaces.
If the surface you want to thicken is comprised of multiple adjacent surfaces, you must first knit the surfaces
together before you thicken the surface.

To thicken a surface:

1.

Click Thicken

on the Features toolbar, or click Insert > Boss/Base > Thicken.

2.

Under Thicken Parameters, do the following:

In the graphics area, select a Surface to Thicken

Examine the preview, and select the side of the surface you want to thicken, as shown below.

Thicken Side 1

Thicken Both Sides

Thicken Side 2

Enter the Thickness

specify to both sides.

. Note that when you select Thicken Both Sides

, it adds the Thickness you

To create a solid, click Create solid from enclosed volume. This option is available only if you created a volume
that is fully enclosed by surfaces.

3.

Click OK

Original surface

Thickened surface

CONTENTS

Using Thicken to Cut a Solid

You can thicken a surface to cut a solid and create multibody parts.

Boundary
Boundary tools produces very high quality, accurate features useful for creating complex shapes for markets focused on
consumer product design, medical, aerospace, and molds.

CONTENTS

Creating Boundaries
Boundary PropertyManager

You can specify sketch curves, edges, faces, or other sketch entities to control the shape of a boundary feature. When you
select entities to define the boundary feature in two directions, you can select curves influence options that control how the
selected entities influence the design.

Boundary Surface
The boundary surface feature lets you create surfaces that can be tangent or curvature continuous in both directions (all
sides of the surface). In most cases, this delivers a higher quality result than the loft tool. Consumer product designers and
others who require high quality surfaces with curvature continuity can use this tool.

Surface Cut
You can cut a solid model by removing material with a surface or plane. With multibody parts, you can select which bodies to
keep.

To cut a solid body with a surface or plane:

1.

Edit the solid body: In the FeatureManager design tree, click the solid body and click Edit Part.
The Edit command might vary depending on the feature you select.

2.

Click Cut With Surface

on the Features toolbar, or click Insert > Cut > With Surface.

3.

In the PropertyManager, under Surface Cut Parameters, select the surface or plane to use to cut the solid bodies.

4.

Examine the preview. If necessary, click Flip cut

The arrow points in the direction of the solid to discard.

to reverse the direction of the cut.

5.

With multibody parts, under Feature Scope, select one of the following:

All bodies. The surface cuts all bodies every time the feature rebuilds. If you add new bodies to the model
that precede the cut feature in the FeatureManager design tree and that are intersected by the cutting surface,
these new bodies are also rebuilt to include the cut.
Select bodies. The surface cuts only the bodies you select using the pointer. If you add new bodies to the
model that are intersected by the cutting surface, right-click, select Edit Feature, and select those bodies to add
them to the list of selected bodies. If you do not add the new bodies to the list of selected bodies, they remain
intact.
The solid bodies you select are highlighted in the graphics area, and listed under Feature Scope next to

Auto-select (Available with Selected bodies). Automatically selects all relevant intersecting bodies. Autoselect is faster than All bodiesbecause it processes only the bodies on the initial list and does not rebuild the
entire model. If you clear Auto-select, you must select the bodies to cut in the graphics area.
In the example below, only the yellow body (second from the right), was not selected.

6.

Click OK

7.

Click the surface in the FeatureManager design tree, and click Hide to hide the cutting surface.
he bodies are cut, except for the unselected yellow body, and the cutting surface is hidden.

Fillet Overview
Fillet/Round creates a rounded internal or external face on the part. You can fillet all edges of a face, selected sets of faces,
selected edges, or edge loops.

Types of Fillets

Constant Radius Fillet

Multiple Radius Fillet

Round Corner Fillet

Setback Fillet

Variable Radius Fillet

Face Fillet

Full Round Fillet

Recommendations for Fillets
In general, it is best to follow these rules when making fillets:

Add larger fillets before smaller ones. When several fillets converge at a vertex, create the larger fillets first.

Add drafts before fillets. If you are creating a molded or cast part with many filleted edges and drafted surfaces, in
most cases you should add the draft features before the fillets.

Save cosmetic fillets for last. Try to add cosmetic fillets after most other geometry is in place. If you add them earlier,
it takes longer to rebuild the part.

To enable a part to rebuild more rapidly, use a single Fillet operation to treat several edges that require equal radius
fillets. However, if you change the radius of that fillet, all the fillets created in the same operation change.

Creating a Chamfer Feature

The chamfer tool creates a beveled feature on selected edges, faces, or a vertex.

To create a chamfer:

1.

Click Chamfer

2.

Under Chamfer Parameters:

on the Features toolbar, or click Insert > Features > Chamfer.

Select an entity in the graphics area for Edges and Faces or Vertex

Select one of the following:

Some fields that accept numeric input allow you to create an equation by entering = ( equal sign) and selecting
global variables, functions, and file properties from a drop-down list. See Direct Input of Equations.

Angle
distance
Set the Distance and Angle in the Chamfer PropertyManager or in the
graphics area. A manipulator arrow appears that points in the direction
in which the distance is measured. Select the arrow to flip the
direction, or click Flip direction.

Distance
distance

Enter values for both distances on either side of the selected chamfer
edges, or click Equal Distance and specify a single value.
Vertex

Enter values for the three distances on each side of the selected
vertex, or click Equal Distance and specify a single value.

Choose Select through faces to enable selection of edges through faces that hide the edges.

Select Equal Distance to specify a single value for distance or vertex.

Select Keep features to retain features such as cuts or extrudes that would otherwise be removed when
you apply the chamfer.

Original part

3.

Keep features cleared

Select Tangent propagation to extend the chamfer to faces or edges that are tangent to the selected entity.

Select a preview mode: Full preview, Partial preview, or No preview.

Click

Ribs

Rib is a special type of extruded feature created from open or closed sketched contours. It adds material of a specified
thickness in a specified direction between the contour and an existing part. You can create a rib using single or multiple
sketches. You can also create rib features with draft, or select a reference contour to draft.
Example: Rib Feature with Reference Contour Draft
Example: Rib Features Sketches

CONTENTS

Creating Ribs
Rib PropertyManager
The Rib PropertyManager appears when you create a new rib feature, or when you edit an existing rib feature.

Scales
You can scale a part or surface model about its centroid, the model origin, or a coordinate system.
The Scale feature scales only the geometry of the model, for use in data export, cavities, and so on. It does not scale
dimensions, sketches, or reference geometry. With multibody parts, you can scale one or more bodies.
A Scale feature is like any other feature in the FeatureManager design tree: it manipulates the geometry, but it does not change
the definitions of features created before it was added. To temporarily restore the model to its unscaled size, you can roll back
or suppress the Scale feature.

Original part

Non-uniform scaling

Oringinal multibody part that shows selected body for scaling

Uniform scaling

Non-uniform scaling

CONTENTS

Scaling a Part
You can scale a part or surface model about its centroid, the model origin, or a coordinate system.

Scale PropertyManager
You set options for scaling a model in the Scale PropertyManager.

Shells
The shell tool hollows out a part, leaves open the faces you select, and creates thin-walled features on the remaining faces.
If you do not select any face on the model, you can shell a solid part, creating a closed, hollow model. You can
also shell a model using multiple thicknesses.

Shelled model with no faces removed

You should apply any fillets before you shell a part.
If the Shell tool has problems shelling a model, the Error Diagnostics section appears in the PropertyManager to help you
diagnose the problem.

CONTENTS

Shell with Uniform Thickness

Shell with Multi-Thickness Faces
You can create shell features with different thicknesses for different faces. You can remove faces, set a default thickness
for the remaining faces, then set different thicknesses for faces you select from the remaining faces.

Shell Feature Diagnostics

The shell feature displays error messages and includes tools to help you identify why the shell feature failed. The
diagnostic tool Error Diagnostics is available in the Shell PropertyManager.

Drafts
Draft tapers faces using a specified angle to selected faces in the model.
One application is to make a molded part easier to remove from the mold. You can insert a draft in an existing part or draft while
extruding a feature. You can apply draft to solid or surface models.
You can also apply a draft angle as a part of an extruded base, boss, or cut.
You can specify the following types of draft:

Neutral plane. You can create neutral plane drafts manually or by using the DraftXpert.

Parting line

Step draft

To draft a model face:

1.

Click Draft

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Features > Draft.

2.

Set the options in the PropertyManager.

Click Detailed Preview

3.

Click OK

to preview the draft.

CONTENTS

Draft PropertyManager
The Draft PropertyManager appears when you create or edit a draft feature.

DraftXpert
The DraftXpert manages the creation and modification of neutral plane drafts. The DraftXpert takes trial and error out of
the draft process.

Neutral Plane Draft

Parting Line Draft
Parting Line with Step Draft

Move Face PropertyManager

You can offset, translate, and rotate faces and features directly on solid or surface models.

To access the PropertyManager, click Move Face

(Mold Tools or Features toolbar) or Insert > Face > Move . You can also

right-click a face and click Move Face, or select Move Face

on the Direct Editing CommandManager tab.

Move Face
Offset

Offsets selected faces or features by a specified distance.

Translat Translates selected faces or features by a specified distance in a

e
selected direction.
Rotate

Rotates selected faces or features a specified angle about a

selected axis.

Instant3D functionality supports editing of Move Face features. Click the

Move Face feature or face and use the Instant3D arrow, dimension
manipulator, or triad to edit the Move Face feature.
Face(s) Lists the faces or features you select. Use the Select Connected
to move
Faces pop-up toolbar
to help you select various

faces. See Using Select Connected Faces.

Copy

Copies faces and features using

the Translate and Rotate commands. You can use Instant3D
functionality, such as the triad and rulers, to position and edit the
Move Face features. This option is useful when you modify
imported geometry. You cannot create disjoint bodies using this
option. Video: Move Face - Copy

Example of Offset, Translate, and Rotate

Original boss

Offset

Translate

The radius of the curved face

The radius of the curved face

increases.

remains the same.

Rotate

Parameters
Distance

For Offset and Translate, set the distance to move the faces or
features.

Draft Angle For Rotate, set the angle to rotate the faces or features.
Flip
direction

Switches the direction that the face moves.

Direction
reference

For Translate, select a plane, planar face, linear edge, or

reference axis to specify the direction to move faces or
features.

Axis
reference

For Rotate, select a linear edge or reference axis to specify the

axis of rotation for faces or features.

CONTENTS

Creating Translated Move Face Features

Creating Rotated Move Face Features
Using Select Connected Faces
Use the Select Connected Faces pop-up toolbar to help select connected faces in models.

Suppress and Unsuppress Features

When you suppress a feature, it is removed from the model (but not deleted). The feature disappears from the model view and
is shown in gray in the FeatureManager design tree. If the feature has child features, the child features are also suppressed.
PARENT TOPIC
Controlling Parts

RELATED CONCEPTS
Parent and Child Relations
Dependency Editing
Derived Parts
Splitting Parts and Saving Bodies
Choose Option
Reference Dimensions
Parts
Properties of Features and Faces

RELATED TASKS
Feature Statistics
Checking Model Geometry
Check Entity
Displaying Entity Properties
Named Entities

RELATED REFERENCE
Parent/Child Relationships Dialog Box
File Management with External References
Feature Suppression State in Configurations

Suppressing Features
To suppress a feature:
1.

2.

Select the feature in the FeatureManager design tree, or select a face of the feature in the graphics area. To select
multiple features, hold downCtrl as you select.
Do one of the following:

Click Suppress
current configuration.)

on the Features toolbar. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the

Click Edit > Suppress, then select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

You can also right-click a feature in the FeatureManager design tree and do one of the following to suppress the selected
feature and its child features:

Select Suppress. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the current configuration.)
Select Properties, then in the dialog box, select Suppressed. In parts with multiple configurations,
select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

Unsuppressing Features
When you unsuppress a feature, it is returned to the model. If the feature has child features, you can select whether or not to
unsuppress the child features when you unsuppress the parent feature. If you want to unsuppress a suppressed feature, you
must select it in the FeatureManager design tree.

To unsuppress a feature:
1.

Select the suppressed feature in the FeatureManager design tree.

2.

Do one of the following:

Click Unsuppress
current configuration.)

on the Features toolbar. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the

Click Edit > Unsuppress, then select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

You can also right-click a feature in the FeatureManager design tree and do one of the following to unsuppress the
selected feature:

Select Unsuppress. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the current configuration.)
Select Properties, then in the dialog box, clear Suppressed. In parts with multiple configurations,
select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

If the selected feature is the child of another feature, the parent feature is also unsuppressed.

Unsuppressing Features and Dependents

To unsuppress a feature and its dependents:
1.

Select the suppressed parent feature in the FeatureManager design tree.

2.

Do one of the following:

Click Unsuppress with Dependents

applies to only the current configuration.)

Click Edit > Unsuppress with Dependents, then select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected
Configurations.

on the Features toolbar. (In parts with multiple configurations,

The selected feature and any features that are dependent on it are returned to the model.

If you unsuppress a child feature, its parent feature is also unsuppressed. However, if the parent feature has other child
features, they remain suppressed.

Importing Geometry
You can import surfaces, solids, sketches, curves, and graphics models (CATIA CGR, STL, or VRML files only) from ACIS,
CATIA CGR, IGES, Parasolid, Pro/Engineer, STEP, STL, VDAFS, or VRML files as reference geometry into part documents.

To import the geometry from another application:

1.

In a part document, click Imported Geometry

on the Features toolbar, or click Insert > Features > Imported.

The Open dialog box appears.

2.

Browse to the desired file, and click Open.

For ACIS, IGES, STEP, STL, VDAFS, or VRML files, you can click Options to set the import options. A dialog box
appears with options for Pro/Engineer files.
One or more features are imported, and the Imported features are added to the part. The features are positioned relative
to the origin, using the coordinates in the imported file.
Wireframe geometry and curves are ignored when importing surfaces as reference geometry.

Heal Edges
You can merge multiple edges into a single edge. This is useful on imported parts, where edges sometimes import as multiple
short edges.

CONTENTS

Heal Edges PropertyManager

Delete Body
You can delete bodies using the Delete Body feature.

To use Delete Body:

1.

Click Delete Solid/Surface

2.

In the PropertyManager, select bodies in the graphics area or from the Solid Bodies folder for Solid/Surface Bodies to
Delete

3.

Click OK

on the Features toolbar, or click Insert > Features > Delete Body.

.
.

Creating a Joined Part

In an assembly, you can join two or more parts to create a new part. The join operation removes surfaces that intrude into each
other's space, and merges the part bodies into a single solid volume.

To join parts:

1.

Create the parts that you want to join, then create an assembly containing the parts.

2.

Position the parts as desired in the assembly. The parts may either touch each other or intrude into one another.

3.

Save the assembly but do not close the window.

4.

Insert a new part into the assembly:

a.

Click New Part

on the Assembly toolbar, or click Insert > Component > New Part.

b.

Click a plane or planar face on a component.

In the new part, a sketch opens on the selected plane.

5.

Close the sketch. Because you are creating a joined part, you do not need the sketch.

6.

In the FeatureManager design tree, right-click the new part name, select Rename Part, and rename the new part.

7.

Click Insert > Features > Join.

8.

Make selections and set options in the Join PropertyManager.

9.

Click

to create the joined part.

Before join - coincident faces

10.

After Join - faces are removed

To return to editing the assembly, right-click the assembly name in the FeatureManager design tree, or right-click
anywhere in the graphics area, and select Edit Assembly:<assembly_name>, or click Edit Component
Assembly toolbar.

on the

The joined part is fully associative to the original parts and to the assembly. Any changes made to the original parts are
reflected in the joined part. If the parts move relative to each other in the assembly, the joined part changes also.

Combine Bodies
In a multibody part, you can combine multiple solid bodies to create a single-bodied part or another multibody part.
You can add or subtract bodies, or keep material that is common to the selected bodies.
You can only combine bodies contained within one multibody part file. You cannot combine two separate parts.
However, you can create a multibody part by using Insert Part to place one part into the other part file. Then
you can useCombine on the multibody part.
It is strongly recommended that you do not use the Combine feature to combine weldment bodies. It is not
always possible to calculate the cut list properties accurately for a body created using the combine feature.
In these examples, the multibody part contains two separate extruded bodies.

Add

Combines solids of all selected bodies to create a single body.

Subtract

Removes overlapping material from a selected main body.

Common

Removes all material except that which overlaps.

CONTENTS

Combining Bodies - Add

In a multibody part, you can combine multiple bodies to create a single body.

Combining Bodies - Subtract

In a multibody part, you can subtract one or more bodies from another body.

Combining Bodies - Common

In a multibody part, you can create a body defined by the intersection of multiple bodies.

Combine PropertyManager
In the Combine PropertyManager, you specify which bodies in a multibody part to add, subtract, or overlap.

Split and Save Bodies

PropertyManager
The Split PropertyManager appears when you click Split

(Features toolbar) to create multiple bodies from a part.

Trim Tools

Trimming
Surfaces

Select entities to use to trim the part into multiple bodies.

Reference planes (Planes extend infinitely in all directions.)

Planar model faces (Faces extend infinitely in all directions.)

Original Part

Revised Original Part

New Part

Reference surfaces and non-planar model faces (These do not extend their boundaries.
Internal holes on reference surfaces or non-planar model faces are closed when splitting the
part.)

Original Part
Cut Part

New Part

Sketches (Sketches extrude through all in both directions.)

Original Part

Revised Original Part

New Parts

Cuts the part into multiple bodies using the Trimming Tools geometry.
Split lines appear on the part, showing the different bodies formed by the
split.

Callout boxes appear in the graphics area for up to 10 bodies at one time. Click Next 10 or Previous 10 to scroll
through all the callout boxes for a part.

Resulting Bodies

Lists the split bodies in the part after you click Cut Part.

Select the
bodies to
save

You can also click Auto-assign Names to name the bodies

as Body< n >.sldprt and save them.

File

After you split the bodies, they are listed in the FeatureManager design
tree under Solid Bodies. Double-click the body name under File, type a
name for the new part in the dialog box, then click Save. The new part
name appears under File and in the callout box. The bodies that you do not
save are not split. They remain with the original part. You can also save
bodies from a multibody part using the Save Bodies PropertyManager.

If you clear the check box for a split part after you save it, that part is no longer saved
as a separate entity. It remains with the original part.
Consume cut Removes the body from the part. Consumed bodies are not listed in the
bodies
FeatureManager design tree under Solid Bodies.
Origin
location

Places the origin of the split body at the vertex you select.

Copy custom
properties to
new parts
Template Settings
Lets you override the default template from Tools > Options > System Options > File Locations.

Override default template settings

Specifies to use an alternate template. The selected

template is applied to all new part or assembly
files you create during the current Split or Save
Bodiesoperation.

Part template

Lists the selected part template. Click

browse to a different template.

to

Assembly template (Available when you Lists the selected assembly template. Click
create an assembly in the Save
browse to a different template.
BodiesPropertyManager.)

to

Fill Patterns
The Fill Pattern feature lets you select an area defined by co-planar faces or a sketch that lies on co-planar faces. The
command fills the defined region with a pattern of features or a predefined cut shape.
If you use a sketch for the boundary, you may need to select the pattern direction.
To create a fill pattern, click Fill Pattern
PropertyManager options, and click

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Fill Pattern, set the
.

Parameters control the pattern layout. You can create a sheet metal perforation-style pattern, or a pattern of concentric shapes
typically used to enhance aesthetics.
Typical uses include:

Weight reduction

Ventilation holes

Grip surfaces

Types of Fill Patterns

Perforatio Designed for sheet metal perforation patterns.

n

No vertex selected. Pattern is centered on Vertex selected. Pattern starts from

face.
vertex.
Circular

Designed for filling arbitrary areas with a pattern that repeats on a concentric
grid. These patterns have similar PropertyManager options:

Square
Polygon

Set the spacing between concentric loops or rows (using instance centers), starting from the seed
feature.

Define the pattern based on:

Spacing between instances within a loop or row (target spacing). Actual spacing can vary
within each loop or row so the instances fit evenly.

The number of instances per loop or row.

Margins.

Pattern direction.

Circular pattern of a
feature using target
spacing between
instances.

Circular pattern using

number of instances
per loop.

Polygon pattern using a

sketch for fill boundary.
Target spacing used. No
vertex selected.

Predefined Cut Shapes

The predefined cut shapes available are circles
, squares
, diamonds
, and polygons
. You
can control the parameters for each shape.
If you select a vertex, the shape seed feature is located at the vertex. Otherwise, the seed feature is located at
the center of the fill boundary.

Diamond cut shape. Square pattern using 4 instances per Same parameters except vertex is
side. No vertex selected.
selected.
CONTENTS

Fill Pattern PropertyManager

The Fill Pattern PropertyManager appears when you create a fill pattern.

Table Driven Patterns

Using X-Y coordinates, you can specify a feature pattern. Hole patterns using X-Y coordinates are a common application for
table driven patterns. However, you can use other seed features, such as a boss, with table driven patterns. You can also save
and load the X-Y coordinates of a feature pattern, and apply them to a new part.

To build a table driven pattern:

1.

2.

Create a seed feature.

Create a coordinate system. The origin of this coordinate system becomes the origin of the table pattern, and the X
and Y axes define the plane in which the pattern occurs.

3.

Click Table Driven Pattern

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Table Driven Pattern.

4.

In the dialog box, set these options:

Option
Read a file
from

Description
Imports a pattern table or text file with X-Y coordinates. Click Browse and
select a pattern table (*.sldptab) file or a text (*.txt) file to import
existing X-Y coordinates.
Text files used for table driven patterns must have only two columns: left for
X coordinates and right for Y coordinates. The two columns must be
separated by a delimiter such as a space, comma, or tab. You can use a
combination of different delimiters within the same text file. Do not include
any other information in the text file because this causes the import to fail.

Reference
point

Specifies the point to which X-Y coordinates apply when placing pattern
instances. The X-Y coordinates of the reference point are displayed as Point
0 in the pattern table.
Selected point Sets the reference point to the selected vertex or sketch point.
Reference point: Selected point (upper left vertex of seed feature) For each
pattern instance, the selected upper-left vertex of the seed feature is placed
at the X-Y coordinates specified in the table.

Centroid

Sets the reference point to the centroid of the seed feature.

Reference point: Centroid For each pattern instance, the centroid of the seed
feature is placed at the X-Y coordinates specified in the table. The X-Y
coordinates are measured from the origin of the coordinate system.

Coordinate
system

Sets the coordinate system, including the origin, used to create the table
pattern. Select the coordinate system you created from the FeatureManager
design tree.
Creates the pattern based on features. You can select multiple features.

Features to
copy
Faces to copy Creates the pattern based on the faces that make up the feature. Select all the
faces in the graphics area. This is useful with models that import only the
faces that make up the feature, and not the feature itself.

Option

Description
When using Faces to Copy, the pattern must remain within the same face or
boundary. It cannot cross boundaries . For example, a cut across the entire
face or different levels (such as a raised edge) would create a boundary and
separate faces, preventing the pattern from propagating.
Boundary causes pattern to fail

Pattern succeeds without boundary

Bodies to copy Creates the pattern based on multibody parts. Select the bodies to pattern.
Geometry
Creates the pattern using only the geometry (faces and edges) of the
pattern
features, rather than patterning and solving each instance of the feature. The
Geometry Pattern option speeds up the creation and rebuilding of the
pattern. You cannot create geometry patterns of features that have faces
merged with the rest of the part. Geometry pattern is not available
with Bodies to Pattern.
Propagate
Propagates SolidWorks colors, textures, and cosmetic thread data to all
Visual
pattern instances.
Properties
X-Y
Creates the location points for the pattern instances using X-Y coordinates.
coordinate
Double-click the area under Point 0 to enter the X-Y coordinates for each
table
instance of the table pattern. The X-Y coordinates of the reference point are
displayed for Point 0. Click
to undo coordinate table operations.
You can use positive or negative coordinates. To enter a negative coordinate,
precede the value with a minus (-). You do not need to input X-Y
coordinates if you imported a pattern table or text file.
5.

Click OK.

Sketch Driven Patterns

Using sketch points within a sketch, you can specify a feature pattern. The seed feature propagates throughout the pattern to
each point in the sketch. You can use sketch driven patterns for holes or other feature instances.

To build a sketch driven pattern:

1.

Open a sketch on the face of a part.

2.

Create a seed feature on the model.

3.

Click Point
or Tools > Sketch Entity > Point, and add multiple sketch points to represent the pattern you want to
create, based on the seed feature.

4.

Close the sketch.

5.

Click Sketch Driven Pattern

6.

Under Selections, do the following:

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Sketch Driven Pattern.

If necessary, use the flyout FeatureManager design tree to select a Reference Sketch
pattern.

to use as the

Click either Centroid to use the centroid of the seed feature, or Selected point to use another point as the
reference point.

Depending on what you select as your Reference point, the position of the features you
propagate will change.

Origin used as the Reference point

Selected Vertex used as the Reference point

You can also alter the relative position of the features you propagate when using a table
driven pattern.

7.

If you chose Selected point as the reference point, select a Reference Vertex
in the graphics area.
You can use the centroid of the seed feature, the sketch origin, a vertex, or another sketch point as a reference
point in a sketch driven pattern.
Do one of the following:

To create the pattern based on the feature, under Features to Pattern

, select the feature in the
graphics area.
If the feature to pattern includes fillets or other additions, use the flyout FeatureManager design tree to select
these features.
To create the pattern based on the faces that make up the feature, under Faces to Pattern
, select all
the faces in the graphics area. This is useful with models that import only the faces that make up the feature, and
not the feature itself.
When using Faces to Pattern, the pattern must remain within the same face or boundary. It cannot cross
boundaries . For example, a cut across the entire face or different levels (such as a raised edge) would create a
boundary and separate faces, preventing the pattern from propagating.
To create a pattern based on multibody parts, under Bodies to Pattern
the graphics area.

Multibody part with Body to Pattern and sketch points

, select the body to pattern in

Sketch driven pattern applied

8.

Under Options, set these options:

Option
Geometry
pattern

Description
Creates the pattern using only the geometry (faces and edges) of the
features, rather than patterning and solving each instance of the features.
The Geometry Pattern option speeds up the creation and rebuilding of the
pattern. You cannot create geometry patterns of features that have faces
merged with the rest of the part.
Geometry pattern is not available with Bodies to Pattern.

Propagate
Visual
Properties

Propagates SolidWorks colors, textures, and cosmetic thread data to all

pattern instances.

9.

Click

Sketch pattern with Centroid as the

reference point

Sketch pattern with Selected point as the

reference point

Curve Driven Pattern

PropertyManager
The Curve Drive Pattern PropertyManager appears when you create a new curve driven pattern feature, or when you edit an
existing curve driven pattern feature.
To access the PropertyManager, click Curve Driven Pattern

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Curve Driven

Pattern.
Some fields that accept numeric input allow you to create an equation by entering = ( equal sign) and selecting
global variables, functions, and file properties from a drop-down list. See Direct Input of Equations.

Direction 1

Pattern Direction

Select a curve, edge, sketch entity, or select a sketch from the

FeatureManager to use as the path for the pattern. If necessary,
click Reverse Direction
to change the direction of the pattern.
The example below uses the upper edge of the model as the Pattern
Direction for Direction 1.

Number of
Instances

Set a value for the number of instances of the seed feature in the
pattern.

Equal spacing

Sets equal spacing between each pattern instance. The separation

between instances depends on the curve selected for Pattern
Direction and on the Curve method.

Equal spacing check box cleared Equal spacing check box selected
Spacing (Available Set a value for the distance between pattern instances along the
if you do not
curve. The distance between the curve and the Features to Pattern is
selectEqual
measured normal to the curve.
spacing)
Curve method

Defines the direction of the pattern by transforming how you use

the curve selected for Pattern Direction. Select one of the
following:
Transform

The delta X and delta Y distances from the origin of the selected curve to

curve

the seed feature are maintained for each instance.

Offset curve

The normal distance from the origin of the selected curve to the seed
feature is maintained for each instance.

Alignment method Select one of the following:

Tangent to curve Aligns each instance tangent to the curve selected for Pattern Direction.
Align to seed

Aligns each instance to match the original alignment of the seed

feature.

Example of Curve method and Alignment method selections

Face normal (For

3D curves only)

Curve: Transform curve

Curve: Offset curve

Alignment: Align to seed

Alignment: Align to seed

Curve: Transform curve

Curve: Offset curve

Alignment: Tangent to curve

Alignment: Tangent to curve

Select the face on which the 3D curve lies to create the curve
driven pattern.

Direction 2
Select to create the pattern in a second direction.
If you select the Direction 2 check box without selecting a sketch element or edge for Pattern
Direction in Direction 2, an implicit pattern is created, based on what you selected for Pattern
Direction for Direction 1.

Pattern Direction

Select a curve, edge, sketch entity, or select a sketch from the

FeatureManager to use as the path for the second direction of the
pattern. If necessary, click Reverse Direction
to change the
direction of the pattern. The example below uses the side edge of
the model as the Pattern Direction for Direction 2.

Number of
Instances

Set a value for the number of instances of the seed feature in the
pattern.

Equal spacing

Sets equal spacing between each pattern instance. The separation

between instances depends on the curve selected for Pattern
Direction and on the Curve method in Direction 1.

Spacing(Available Set a value for the distance between pattern instances.

if you do not
selectEqual
spacing)
Pattern seed only

Replicates only the seed pattern, which creates a curve pattern

under Direction 2, without replicating the curve pattern created
under Direction 1.

Pattern seed only

Pattern all instances

Features to Pattern

Features to
Pattern

Creates the pattern using the feature you select as the seed feature.
If the feature to pattern includes fillets or other additions, use the flyout
FeatureManager design tree to select these features.

Faces to Pattern

Faces to Creates the pattern using the faces that make up the feature. Select all the
Pattern faces of the feature in the graphics area. This is useful with models that
import only the faces that make up the feature, and not the feature itself.
When using Faces to Pattern, the pattern must remain within the same face or
boundary. It cannot cross boundaries. For example, a cut across the entire face
or different levels (such as a raised edge) would create a boundary and

separate faces, preventing the pattern from propagating.

Bodies to Pattern

Solid/Surface Bodies to Pattern

Multibody part with Solid/Surface Bodies

Creates the pattern using the bodies you

select in a multibody part.

Curve driven pattern applied

to Pattern
Instances to Skip

Instances Skips the pattern instances that you select in the graphics area when you are
to Skip
creating the pattern. The pointer changes to
when you hover over each
pattern instance. Click to select a pattern instance. The coordinates of the
pattern instance appear. To restore a pattern instance, click the instance
again.
You cannot skip instances when you pattern bodies.
Feature Scope
Apply features to one or more multibody parts by selecting Geometry pattern under Options, and using Feature
Scope to choose which bodies should include the feature.
You must create the model to which you want to add the features for multibody parts prior to adding those
features.

All bodies

Applies the feature to all bodies every time the feature

regenerates. If you add new bodies to the model that are
intersected by the feature, these new bodies are also regenerated
to include the feature.

Selected bodies

Applies the feature to the bodies you select. If you add new
bodies to the model that are intersected by the feature, you need
to use Edit Feature to edit the pattern feature, select those bodies,
and to add them to the list of selected bodies. If you do not add
the new bodies to the list of selected bodies, they remain intact.

Auto-select(Available When you first create a model with multibody parts, the feature
if you clickSelected automatically processes all the relevant intersecting parts. Autobodies)
select is faster than All bodies because it processes only the
bodies on the initial list and does not regenerate the entire model.
If you click Selected bodies and clear Auto-select, you must

select the bodies in the graphics area you want to include.

Bodies to
Select the bodies to affect in the graphics area.
Affect(Available if
you clearAuto-select)
Options

Vary sketch

Allows the pattern to change as it repeats.

Geometry
pattern

Creates the pattern using only the geometry (faces and edges) of the features,
rather than patterning and solving each instance of the feature. Geometry
pattern speeds up the creation and rebuilding of the pattern. You cannot create
geometry patterns of features that have faces merged with the rest of the part.

Propagate
Visual
Properties

Propagates SolidWorks colors, textures, and cosmetic thread data to all pattern
instances.

Mirror Feature
Creates a copy of a feature, (or multiple features), mirrored about a face or a plane. You can select the feature or you can
select the faces that comprise the feature.

Bodies to Mirror

Select a body in a single model or multibody part to create

a mirror entity.

Multibody parts

Apply features to one or more multibody parts by

selecting Geometry Pattern and using Feature Scope to
choose which bodies should include the feature.
Example of Feature Scope Mirror Pattern

Plane used to mirror pattern

Pattern mirrored on body

Example of Multibody Part with Mirror

Select the body to mirror

Body mirrored

You must create the model to which you want to add the features for multibody parts prior to adding those
features.
Sheet metal features

You can mirror these individual sheet metal features:

Base-flange/tabs

Closed corners

Edge flanges

Hems

Mitered flanges

If you modify the original feature (seed feature), the mirrored copy is updated to reflect the changes.

Circular Pattern PropertyManager

The Circular Pattern PropertyManager appears when you pattern one or more features around an axis.
To access the PropertyManager, click Circular Pattern

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Circular Pattern.

Some fields that accept numeric input allow you to create an equation by entering = ( equal sign) and selecting
global variables, functions, and file properties from a drop-down list. See Direct Input of Equations.

Parameters

Pattern Axis

Select an entity in the graphics area:

Axis

Circular edge or sketch line

Linear edge or sketch line

Cylindrical face or surface

Revolved face or surface

Angular dimension

The pattern is created around this axis. If necessary, click Reverse

Direction

to change the direction of the circular pattern.

Angle

Sets the angle between each instance.

Number of
Instances

Sets the number of instances of the seed feature.

Equal spacing

Sets Angle

to 360.

Features to Pattern

Features to Pattern Creates the pattern using the feature you select as the seed feature.
Faces to Pattern

Faces to Creates the pattern using the faces that make up the feature. Select all the
Pattern faces of the feature in the graphics area. This is useful with models that
import only the faces that make up the feature, and not the feature itself.
When using Faces to Pattern, the pattern must remain within the same face or
boundary. It cannot cross boundaries. For example, a cut across the entire face
or different levels (such as a raised edge) would create a boundary and
separate faces, preventing the pattern from propagating.
Bodies to Pattern

Solid/Surface Bodies to
Pattern

Creates the pattern using the bodies you select in a

multibody part.

Instances to Skip

Instances Skips the pattern instances that you select in the graphics area when you are
to Skip
creating the pattern. The pointer changes to
when you hover over each
pattern instance. Click to select a pattern instance. The coordinates of the
pattern instance appear. To restore a pattern instance, click the instance
again.
Feature Scope
Apply features to one or more multibody parts by selecting Geometry pattern under Options, and using Feature
Scope to choose which bodies should include the feature.
You must create the model to which you want to add the features for multibody parts prior to adding those
features.

Cut extrude feature

Cut extrude feature using
applied to all multibody circular pattern applied to single
parts
body

Cut extrude feature using

circular pattern applied to all
bodies

All bodies

Applies the feature to all bodies every time the feature

regenerates. If you add new bodies to the model that are
intersected by the feature, these new bodies are also regenerated
to include the feature.

Selected bodies

Applies the feature to the bodies you select. If you add new
bodies to the model that are intersected by the feature, you need

to use Edit Feature to edit the pattern feature, select those bodies,
and to add them to the list of selected bodies. If you do not add
the new bodies to the list of selected bodies, they remain intact.
Auto-select(Available When you first create a model with multibody parts, the feature
if you clickSelected automatically processes all the relevant intersecting parts. Autobodies)
select is faster than All bodies because it processes only the
bodies on the initial list and does not regenerate the entire model.
If you click Selected bodies and clear Auto-select, you must
select the bodies in the graphics area you want to include.
Bodies to
Select the bodies to affect in the graphics area.
Affect(Available if
you clearAuto-select)
Options

Vary sketch

Allows the pattern to change as it repeats.

Geometry
pattern

Creates the pattern using only the geometry (faces and edges) of the features,
rather than patterning and solving each instance of the feature. Geometry
pattern speeds up the creation and rebuilding of the pattern. You cannot create
geometry patterns of features that have faces merged with the rest of the part.

Propagate
Visual
Properties

Propagates SolidWorks colors, textures, and cosmetic thread data to all pattern
instances.

Instances to Vary
Direction Increments

Spacing

Cumulatively increments the spacing between the centers of the pattern

instances.
For example, if the spacing between instances in the pattern is 1.5mm, and you
enter .3mm for Space Increment, then the second instance is positioned 1.8mm from the first, the
third instance is positioned 2.1mm from the second, the fourth instance is positioned 2.4mm from
the third, and so forth.

Choose Feature Displays dimensions of the seed feature in a table. In the graphics area,
dimensions to click the dimensions of the seed feature to display and populate the
vary
table. Adding a value in the Increment column can increase or decrease
the size and shape of the feature dimension.

Modified Instances

Lists the individual instances that have been modified.

To modify an individual instance, left-click the instance marker in the graphics area, select Modify Instance. You can
enter values to override the spacing and dimensions in the callout.
To remove a modified instance, right-click the instance in the box and select Delete. You can remove all modified
instances by right-clicking in the box and selecting Clear All.

Linear Pattern PropertyManager

The Linear Pattern PropertyManager appears when you pattern one or more features along one or two linear paths.
To access the PropertyManager, click Linear Pattern (Features toolbar) or Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Linear Pattern.
Some fields that accept numeric input allow you to create an equation by entering = ( equal sign) and selecting
global variables, functions, and file properties from a drop-down list. See Direct Input of Equations.

Direction 1

Pattern
Direction

Sets the direction for the Direction 1 pattern. Select a linear edge, line,

Spacing

Sets the spacing between pattern instances for Direction 1.

Number of
Instances

Sets the number of pattern instances for Direction 1. This number

includes the original features or selections.

axis, or dimension. If necessary, click Reverse Direction

the pattern direction.

to reverse

Direction 2
Creates a pattern in a second direction.

Pattern
Direction

Sets the direction for the Direction 2 pattern.

Spacing

Sets the spacing between pattern instances for Direction 2.

Number of Sets the number of pattern instances for Direction 2.

Instances
Pattern seed Creates a linear pattern in Direction 2 using the seed features only, without
only
replicating the pattern instances of Direction 1.

Pattern seed only option selected. Pattern seed only option cleared. The
The seed feature only is replicated
entire linear pattern is replicated

in Direction 2.

in Direction 2.

Features to Pattern

Features to Pattern Creates the pattern using the feature you select as the seed feature.
Faces to Pattern

Faces to Creates the pattern using the faces that make up the feature. Select all the
Pattern faces of the feature in the graphics area. This is useful with models that
import only the faces that make up the feature, and not the feature itself.
When using Faces to Pattern, the pattern must remain within the same face or
boundary. It cannot cross boundaries. For example, a cut across the entire face
or different levels (such as a raised edge) would create a boundary and
separate faces, preventing the pattern from propagating.
Bodies to Pattern

Solid/Surface Bodies to
Pattern

Creates the pattern using the bodies you select in a

multibody part.

Multibody part with Body to

Pattern

Linear pattern applied

Instances to Skip

Instances Skips the pattern instances that you select in the graphics area when you are
to Skip
creating the pattern. The pointer changes to
when you hover over each
pattern instance. Click to select a pattern instance. The coordinates of the
pattern instance appear. To restore a pattern instance, click the instance
again.
Feature Scope
Apply features to one or more multibody parts by selecting Geometry pattern under Options, and using Feature
Scope to choose which bodies should include the feature.
You must create the model to which you want to add the features for multibody parts prior to adding those
features.

All bodies

Applies the feature to all bodies every time the feature

regenerates. If you add new bodies to the model that are
intersected by the feature, these new bodies are also regenerated

to include the feature.

Extrude and dome feature applied to all bodies

Selected bodies

Applies the feature to the bodies you select. If you add new
bodies to the model that are intersected by the feature, you need
to use Edit Feature to edit the pattern feature, select those bodies,
and to add them to the list of selected bodies. If you do not add
the new bodies to the list of selected bodies, they remain intact.

Extrude and dome features applied to selected body

Auto-select(Available When you first create a model with multibody parts, the feature
if you clickSelected automatically processes all the relevant intersecting parts. Autobodies)
select is faster than All bodies because it processes only the
bodies on the initial list and does not regenerate the entire model.
If you click Selected bodies and clear Auto-select, you must
select the bodies in the graphics area you want to include.
Bodies to
Select the bodies to affect in the graphics area.
Affect(Available if
you clearAuto-select)
Options

Vary sketch

Allows the pattern to change as it repeats.

Geometry
pattern

Creates the pattern using only the geometry (faces and edges) of the features,
rather than patterning and solving each instance of the feature. Geometry
pattern speeds up the creation and rebuilding of the pattern. You cannot create
geometry patterns of features that have faces merged with the rest of the part.

Propagate
Visual
Properties

Propagates SolidWorks colors, textures, and cosmetic thread data to all pattern
instances.

Instances to Vary
Direction 1 Increments

Direction 1
Spacing
Increments

Cumulatively increments the spacing between the centers of the

pattern instances in Direction 1.

For example, if the spacing between rows in the pattern is 1.5mm, and you
enter .3mm for Space Increment, then the second row is positioned 1.8mm from the first,
the third row is positioned 2.1mm from the second, the fourth row is positioned 2.4mm from
the third, and so forth.

Choose Feature
Displays dimensions of the seed feature in a table. In the graphics
dimensions to vary area, click the dimensions of the seed feature to display the table.
in Direction 1
Add a value in the Increment column to increase or decrease the
size of the feature dimension for Direction 1.
The same fields apply to Direction 2 Increments.
Modified Instances

Lists the individual instances that have been modified. They are identified by their
column and row number in the pattern.
To modify an individual instance, left-click the instance marker in the graphics area, select Modify Instance. You can
enter values to override the spacing and dimensions in the callout.
To remove a modified instance, right-click the instance in the box and select Delete. You can remove all modified
instances by right-clicking in the box and selecting Clear All.

Suppress and Unsuppress

Features
When you suppress a feature, it is removed from the model (but not deleted). The feature disappears from the model view and
is shown in gray in the FeatureManager design tree. If the feature has child features, the child features are also suppressed.
PARENT TOPIC
Controlling Parts

RELATED CONCEPTS

Parent and Child Relations

Dependency Editing
Derived Parts
Splitting Parts and Saving Bodies
Choose Option
Reference Dimensions
Parts
Properties of Features and Faces

RELATED TASKS
Feature Statistics
Checking Model Geometry
Check Entity
Displaying Entity Properties
Named Entities

RELATED REFERENCE

Parent/Child Relationships Dialog Box

File Management with External References
Feature Suppression State in Configurations

Suppressing Features
To suppress a feature:
1.

Select the feature in the FeatureManager design tree, or select a face of the feature in the graphics area. To select
multiple features, hold downCtrl as you select.

2.

Do one of the following:

Click Suppress
current configuration.)

on the Features toolbar. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the

Click Edit > Suppress, then select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

You can also right-click a feature in the FeatureManager design tree and do one of the following to suppress the selected
feature and its child features:

Select Suppress. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the current configuration.)
Select Properties, then in the dialog box, select Suppressed. In parts with multiple configurations,
select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

Unsuppressing Features
When you unsuppress a feature, it is returned to the model. If the feature has child features, you can select whether or not to
unsuppress the child features when you unsuppress the parent feature. If you want to unsuppress a suppressed feature, you
must select it in the FeatureManager design tree.

To unsuppress a feature:
1.

Select the suppressed feature in the FeatureManager design tree.

2.

Do one of the following:

Click Unsuppress
current configuration.)

on the Features toolbar. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the

Click Edit > Unsuppress, then select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

You can also right-click a feature in the FeatureManager design tree and do one of the following to unsuppress the
selected feature:

Select Unsuppress. (In parts with multiple configurations, applies to only the current configuration.)
Select Properties, then in the dialog box, clear Suppressed. In parts with multiple configurations,
select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected Configurations.

If the selected feature is the child of another feature, the parent feature is also unsuppressed.

Unsuppressing Features and Dependents

To unsuppress a feature and its dependents:
1.

Select the suppressed parent feature in the FeatureManager design tree.

2.

Do one of the following:

Click Unsuppress with Dependents

applies to only the current configuration.)

Click Edit > Unsuppress with Dependents, then select This Configuration, All Configurations, or Selected
Configurations.

on the Features toolbar. (In parts with multiple configurations,

The selected feature and any features that are dependent on it are returned to the model.
If you unsuppress a child feature, its parent feature is also unsuppressed. However, if the parent feature has other child
features, they remain suppressed.

Inserting a Part into Another Part

Use Insert Part to insert a base part into another part document.
When you insert a part into another part:

The part into which you insert it becomes a multibody part.

The part you insert becomes a solid body.

If the inserted part contains mate references, you can use them to position the inserted part. A Body-Move/Copy
feature is added to the FeatureManager design tree. You can move and rotate the body after you place it.

To insert a part:

1.

With a part document open, click Insert Part

2.

Browse to a part document and click Open.

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Part.

The Insert Part PropertyManager appears.

3.

Under Transfer, select any combination of items from the inserted part to be included in the derived part. You can
include items such as custom properties, sketches, and model dimensions.
All transferred elements of the inserted part are placed in folders under the inserted part in the FeatureManager design
tree.

4.

Under Locate Part, select Locate part with Move/Copy feature to define a location for the inserted part in the Locate
Part PropertyManager.

5.

Optionally, if you want to independently edit the features of the inserted part without affecting the original part,
under Link, click Break link to original part.
You can also break the link to the original part later by listing the derived part's external references and selecting Break
All. Once you break the link to the original, you cannot restore it.

6.

Click

After you insert a part, you can move, copy, rotate, or mate it using Move/Copy Bodies

(Features toolbar).

To change the configuration of the inserted part:

1.

2.

Right-click the part and select List External Refs.

Select a configuration in Configuration Name, and click OK.
You can also control the configuration with a design table. See Base Parts in Configurations.

Move/Copy Body
PropertyManager
In multibody parts, you can move, rotate, and copy solid and surface bodies, or place them using mates.
To access this PropertyManager, click Move/Copy Bodies

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Features > Move/Copy.

Bodies to Move/Copy

Solid and Surface Select the bodies in the graphics area to move, copy, or rotate. The
or Graphics Body selected bodies move as a single entity. The bodies that are not
to Move/Copy
selected are treated as fixed. A triad appears at the center of mass of

the selected bodies.

Copy

Select to copy bodies, and set a value for Number of Copies

Clear to move the bodies instead of copying them.

Number of
Copies
Translate

,
,

Translation
Reference

Sets the translation direction. Select an edge or vertex in the

graphics area.

Delta X, Delta
Y, Delta Z

Sets the values to reposition the bodies.

Distance

To Vertex

Available when you select an edge for Translation Reference

.
Sets the translation distance. Type a negative number to switch the
translation direction.
Available when you select a vertex for Translation Reference
Select a second vertex. The bodies move to the second vertex.

Rotate
Set values or use the triad to rotate the bodies.

,
,
,
,

Rotation Reference

Select an edge or a vertex in the graphics area to define the

rotation axis.

X Rotation Origin, Y
Rotation Origin, Z
Rotation Origin

Set values for the coordinates of the rotation origin (the

point that the bodies rotate about). The default values are
the coordinates of the center of mass of the selected bodies.

X Rotation Angle, Y
Rotation Angle, Z
Rotation Angle

Set values for the angle around the X, Y, and Z axes.

Angle

Available when you select an edge for Rotation

Reference

. Sets the value for the rotation angle.

Bodies to Move
Select Constraints to apply mates between bodies. Set the options in the panes below.

Solid and Surface or

Graphics Body to
Move/Copy

Select bodies in the graphics area to move when the mate is

applied. The selected bodies move as a single entity. The
bodies that are not selected are treated as fixed.

Mate Settings

Entities to mate Select two entities (faces, edges, planes, etc.) to mate together.
Add

Click to add the mate after selecting a mate type and setting parameters
below. Click Undo to clear selections.

Select a mate
type.

All the mate types are always shown in the PropertyManager, but only
the mates that are applicable to the current selections are available.

Coincident
Parallel
Perpendicular
Tangent
Concentric
Distance

Select, then set Distance. Select Flip Dimension to change the

direction.

Angle

Select, then set Angle.

Mate
Alignment

Select one of the following:

Aligned

Anti-Aligned

Places the bodies so the normal or axis vectors for the selected faces point
in the same direction.
Places the bodies so the normal or axis vectors for the selected faces point
in opposite directions.

Mates
The Mates box contains all the mates in the mate set (all the mates added while the PropertyManager is open).
When there are multiple mates in the Mates box, you can select one to edit that mate.
In multibody parts, you can apply multiple sets of mates to the same body. Mates specified within different sets
can conflict with each other. For example, you can apply a perpendicular mate between two faces in one set,
and in a different set, apply a parallel mate between the same two faces.

Options

Show
preview

When selected, a preview of a mate occurs when you make enough selections
for a valid mate.

Creating a Simple Hole

Hole creates various types of hole features in the model. You place a hole and set a depth on a planar face. You can specify its
location by dimensioning it afterwards.
Recommendations
In general, it is best to create holes near the end of the design process. This helps you avoid inadvertently adding material
inside an existing hole. Also, if you are creating a simple hole which does not require additional parameters, use Simple Hole.
The second option, using Hole Wizard introduces additional parameters that are not required with simple holes. Simple Hole
provides better performance than Hole Wizard for simple holes. Hole Wizard

creates holes with complex profiles, such as

Counterbore or Countersunk.

To create and position a simple hole:

1.

Select a planar face on which to create the hole.

2.

Click Simple Hole

3.

In the PropertyManager, set the options.

4.

Click OK

5.

Right-click the hole feature in the model or the FeatureManager design tree, and select Edit Sketch.

6.

Add dimensions to position the hole. You can also modify the hole diameter in the sketch.

7.

Exit the sketch or click Rebuild

8.

To change the diameter, depth, or type of the hole, right-click the hole feature in the model or the FeatureManager

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Features > Hole > Simple.

to create the simple hole.

design tree, and select Edit Feature. Make the necessary changes in the PropertyManager, and click OK

Hole Wizard Overview

You can use the Hole Wizard to create customized holes of various types.
To create hole wizard holes, create a part and select a surface, click Hole Wizard
or Insert > Features > Hole Wizard, set the PropertyManager options, and click
The Hole Wizard user interface includes the following capabilities:

(Features toolbar)
.

Dynamic Updating
The hole type you select determines the capabilities, available selections, and graphic previews. After you select a hole type,
you determine the appropriate fastener. The fastener dynamically updates the appropriate parameters. Use the
PropertyManager to set the hole type parameters and locate the holes. In addition to the dynamic graphic preview based on
end condition and depth, graphics in the PropertyManager show specific details, as they apply to the type of hole you select.

Capabilities
You can create these types of Hole Wizard holes:

Counterbore

Countersink

Hole

Straight Tap

Tapered Tap

Legacy

When you create a hole using the Hole Wizard, the type and size of the hole appears in the FeatureManager design tree.

You can create holes on a

plane with the Hole Wizard,
as well as holes on planar
and nonplanar faces.
On models with multiple
features, you can add hole
wizard holes to any of the
features in the model.

Holes on a plane allows you

to create holes at an angle to
the feature.

Face Selection
You can select a face before (preselection) or after (postselection) clicking Hole Wizard
toolbar.

on the Features

If you preselect a planar face, the resulting sketch is a 2D sketch.

If you postselect a planar face, the resulting sketch is a 2D sketch unless you first click 3D Sketch.

If you preselect or postselect a nonplanar face, the resulting sketch is a 3D sketch.

Unlike a 2D sketch, you cannot constrain a 3D sketch to a line. However, you can constrain a 3D sketch to a face.

Favorite Name

For each hole type (except Legacy), you can create, save, update, or delete hole types to include your favorite properties
parameters. This allows you to apply any saved hole types to a SolidWorks document.

Hole Series Overview

You can use hole series to create a series of holes through the individual parts of an assembly.

The hole series is an assembly feature which creates hole features in the components of the assembly. You can create new
holes or use existing holes. A hole series extends through each unsuppressed component in the assembly that intersects the
axis of the hole (the components do not have to touch).
You can specify the end of the hole series under End Component in the Hole Series (Last Part) PropertyManager. Unlike other
assembly features, the holes are contained in the individual parts as externally referenced features. If you edit a hole series
within an assembly, the individual parts are modified.

If you add new components between the start and end components after you create the hole series, you can choose
to include the new components in the hole series. You must edit the hole series to update it.
The depth of each hole within each component is measured from the entry face of the component to the end of the
hole in the component. The depth displayed represents the actual depth of the hole in each component, resulting in
accurate production drawings.

Hole series previews specify individual components of the hole series. Smart Fastener components also highlight.
For example, when focus is on the Last Part tab, the last part highlights in the graphics area.

You cannot use hole series on assembly components which are multiple instances of the same part, unless each
instance is a separate configuration of the part.
You cannot edit the parameters of a hole series hole in an individual part (unless you underive the feature). However,
you can delete or suppress the hole. To edit the parameters of the hole in context of the assembly, go to the assembly
and edit the hole series.

If you underive the hole series hole in an individual part it becomes a Hole Wizard hole with no reference to the
assembly.

You cannot create a hole series feature containing holes that affect different stacks of components. For example, two
separate hole series features are required to define the holes in this assembly:

Dome
To create a dome, click Dome

on the Features toolbar, or click Insert > Features > Dome.

You can create one or more dome features simultaneously on the same model. The Parameters in the dome PropertyManager
include:

Faces to
Dome

Select one or more planar or non-planar faces.

Distance

Set a value for the distance by which the dome expands.

Reverse
Direction

Click to create a concave dome (default is convex).

Constraint
Point or
Sketch

Control the dome feature by selecting a sketch that contains

points to constrain the shape of the sketch. When you use a
sketch containing points as a constraint, the Distance is
disabled.

You can apply domes to faces whose centroid lies outside the
face. This allows you to apply domes to irregularly shaped
contours. Example: Applying a Dome to Irregular, Non-Planar
Faces

Direction

Elliptical
dome

Click Direction
, and select a direction vector from the
graphics area to extrude the dome in a direction other than
normal to the face. As a direction vector, you can use a linear
edge or the vector created by two sketch points.
Specify an elliptical dome for cylindrical or conical models. An
elliptical dome's shape is a half ellipsoid, with a height equal to
one of the ellipsoid radii. Example: Creating an Elliptical Dome

Continuous Specify a continuous dome for polygonal models. A continuous

dome
dome's shape slopes upwards, evenly on all sides. If you
clear Continuous dome, the shape rises normal to the edges of
the polygon. Example: Creating a Continuous Dome
Continuous dome is not available for four-sided polygons or
when you use a Constraint Point or Sketch
a Direction
Show
preview

or

vector.

Check for a preview.

On cylindrical and conical models, you can set Distance to 0.
The software calculates the distance using the radius of the arc
as a basis for the dome. It creates a dome that is tangent to the
adjacent cylindrical or conical face. Example: Creating a Dome
with Zero Distance

Freeforms
The freeform feature modifies faces of surface or solid bodies. You can modify only one face at a time and the face can have
any number of sides. Designers have direct, interactive control of deformations by creating control curves and control points,
then pushing and pulling the control points to modify the face. Use the triad to constrain the push or pull direction.
You can create a four-sided face by projecting a sketch using split lines onto any face. The more rectangular a
face is, the more symmetrical the results are. This functionality is particularly useful when you use freeform to
smooth out wrinkles in surfaces.
Freeform gives you more direct control compared to deform features. Freeform meets the needs of consumer product
designers who create curvilinear designs.
Freeform features do not affect model topology because they do not create additional faces.

Fishing rod handle - no grip

Grip created using the freeform feature

CONTENTS

Creating Freeform Features

Freeform PropertyManager
The Freeform PropertyManager appears when you create a freeform feature. You can modify only one face at a time. The
face can have any number of sides.

Deforms
Use the deform feature to alter shapes of complex surface or solid models, either in a local area or globally, without concern for
the sketches or feature constraints used to create the models.
Deform provides a simple way to change virtually any model, whether organic or mechanical, and is useful when creating
design concepts or making geometric changes to complex models that would otherwise take too long using traditional sketch,
feature, or history editing.
You can apply the deform feature to both SolidWorks and imported models.
There are three deform types:

Point

Curve to curve

Surface push

CONTENTS

Deform - Point
Point deform is the simplest way to alter complex shapes. Select a point on a model face, surface, edge, vertex, or select a
point in space, then choose a distance and spherical radius by which to control the deformation.

Video: Point on Face Deformation

Deform - Curve to Curve
Curve to curve deform is a more precise method for altering complex shapes. You deform objects by mapping geometry
from initial curves, which can be sets of curves, edges, section curves, sketch curves, and so on, to a set of target curves.

Deform - Surface Push

Surface push deform modifies surfaces of target bodies by displacing (pushing) them with tool body surfaces. You select a
customizable pre-built tool body, such as a polygon or sphere, or use your own tool body.

Video: Surface Push Deformation of a Car's Dashboard

Indent Overview
The indent feature creates an offset pocket or protrusion feature on a target body that exactly matches the contour of a
selected tool body, using thickness and clearance values to create the feature.
Depending on the body type selected (solid or surface), you specify the clearance between the target body and the tool body,
and a thickness for the indent feature. The indent feature can deform or cut material from the target body.
The indent feature uses the form of the tool body to create a pocket or protrusion in the target body, so more
faces, edges, and vertices appear in the final body than in the original body. This differs from the deform
feature, where the number of faces, edges, and vertices remains unchanged in the final body.
The indent feature shape updates if you change the shape of the original tool body used to create the pocket.
Indent is useful in many applications where complex offsets with specific thickness and clearance values are required. Some
examples include packaging, stamping, molds, press fits for machinery, and so on.

Requirements

Either the target body or the tool body must be a solid body.

To indent, the target body must be in contact with the tool body, or the clearance value must allow for a protrusion
through the target body.

To cut, the target and tool bodies do not have to be in contact with each other, but the clearance value must be large
enough to create an intersection with the target body.

To indent (cut) a solid with a surface tool body, the surface must completely intersect the solid.

Solid target body and surface tool body

Surface must cut solid body completely

Select side to keep

Result of indent cut using a clearance value

Conversely, you can keep the surface after indenting with a solid tool body.

Example of keeping a surface indent using a solid tool

body - 2mm clearance

Resulting surface indent with clearance

Conversely, you can remove the solid tool body from the
surface indent

The only indent combination not permitted is a surface target body and a surface tool body.

Flex Overview
Flex features deform complex models in an intuitive manner.
You can create four types of flexes:

Bending

Twisting

Tapering

Stretching

Video: Example of Flex

To create Flex features, click Flex

click

(Features toolbar) or Insert > Features > Flex, set the PropertyManager options, and

General Information on Flex Features

The flex feature calculates the extents of the part using a bounding box. The trim planes are then initially located at
the extents of the bodies, perpendicular to the blue Z-axis of the triad .

The flex feature affects the region between the trim planes only.

The center of the flex feature occurs around the center of the triad location.

To manipulate the extent and location of the flex feature, re-position the triad and trim planes. To reset all
PropertyManager values to the state they were in upon opening the flex feature, right-click in the graphics area and
select Reset flex.

Repositioning the Triad and Trim Planes

To
reposition
the triad:

In the PropertyManager,
In the graphics area:
under Triad, do any of the

Move the pointer over the center of the triad. When

following:

feature

the move pointer

appears, drag the triad. The
triad center snaps to geometry such as edges, points,
vertices, and faces.

Select a coordinate system

.

Change the Rotation

the move/rotate pointer

appears, left-click and
drag to re-position the triad along that axis. The triad
has free motion unless you move the pointer over
geometry, where it snaps to the geometry. Right-click
and drag to rotate the triad about the axis over which
the pointer is located.

Origin
,
, or
to reposition the triad along these
axes.

Change the Rotation

Angle
,
, or
to
rotate the triad around these axes.
The angle represents rotations
about the component coordinate
system and are applied in this
order: Z, Y, X.

Move the pointer over any of the triad arrows. When

Move the pointer to the area between two triad

arrows to constrain triad movement to the plane defined
by the origin of the triad and the two arrows.

Right-click the center of the triad and select an

option:

Align Trim
Aligns the trim plane axis
Plane Axis (blue Z-axis) to a
to Selection selection that is parallel to
a line, normal to a plane,
or towards a point. Trim
planes adjust themselves
to stay perpendicular to
the trim plane axis.
Align Bend
Axis to
Selection

Aligns the bend axis (red

X-axis) to a selection by
rotating the triad about
the trim plane axis (blue
Z-axis) parallel to the
selection (edge, line, and
so on).

Center and Moves the triad's origin to

Align to
the centroid of the bodies
Component and aligns the triad to the
component or part
coordinate system.
Center and
Align to
Principle

Moves the triad's origin to

the centroid of the bodies
and aligns the triad to the
principal axes of the
bodies.

Move Triad
to Plane 1

Moves the triad to Trim

Plane 1.

Move Triad
to Plane 2

Moves the triad to Trim

Plane 2.

To
reposition
the trim
planes:

In the PropertyManager,
In the graphics area:
under Trim Plane

Drag a trim plane manipulator. The trimming

1 andTrim Plane 2, do any
distance
dynamically updates as you drag.
of the following:

For Select a reference entity

Move the pointer over the edge of a trim plane to

display pointers based on the flex type, then drag the
pointer to modify the flex feature.

for Trim Plane

, select a point
on the model to which to snap the
origin of the trim plane.

Bending

For trimming distance

,
set a distance to move the trim
planes from the outer extents of
the bodies along the trim plane
axis (blue Z-axis) of the triad.
Positive values move the planes
towards the centroid of the model,
negative values move them away
from the centroid.

Twisting
Tapering
Stretching

Wrap
This feature wraps a sketch onto a planar or non-planar face. You can create a planar face from cylindrical, conical, or extruded
models. You can also select a planar profile to add multiple, closed spline sketches. The wrap feature supports contour
selection and sketch reuse. You can project a wrap feature onto multiple faces.

The sketch plane must be tangent to the face, allowing the face normal and the sketch normal to be parallel at
the closest point.

To create a wrap feature:

1.

Select the sketch you want to wrap from the FeatureManager design tree.
The sketch to wrap can contain multiple, closed contours only. You cannot create a wrap feature from a sketch that
contains any open contours.

2.

Click Wrap

3.

In the PropertyManager, under Wrap Parameters:

a.

on the Features toolbar, or click Insert > Features > Wrap.

Select an option:

Option

4.

Description

Emboss

Creates a raised feature on the face.

Deboss

Creates an indented feature on the face.

Scribe

Creates an imprint of the sketch contours on the face.

b.

Select a non-planar face in the graphics area for Face for Wrap Sketch

c.

Set a value for Thickness

d.

Select Reverse direction, if necessary.

If you select Emboss or Deboss, you can select a line, linear edge, or plane to set a Pull Direction
. For a line or
linear edge, the pull direction is the direction of the selected entity. For a plane, the pull direction is normal to the plane.

Pull direction - Plane A

Pull direction - Plane B

5.

To wrap the sketch normal to the sketch plane, leave Pull Direction

blank.

6.

7.

Click OK

Instant3D
Instant3D lets you quickly create and modify model geometry using drag handles and rulers.
Parts and assemblies support Instant3D.

To enable Instant3D:

Click Instant3D

(Features toolbar).

CONTENTS

Overview of Instant3D Functionality

Creating Features in Instant3D
Instant3D lets you drag geometry and dimension manipulators to create and modify features. To create features, you must
exit Edit Sketch mode.

Modifying Features in Instant3D

Editing Sketches in Instant3D
You can use Instant3D to edit internal sketch contours.

Instant3D Rulers
Instant3D Live Section Planes
Live Section Planes let you dynamically section models using any plane.

Instant3D Weldments
Instant3D works on weldment parts for 2D and 3D weldments.