Part I: SolidWorks Basics
l (^) The Sketch toolbar button displays the text Exit Sketch.
l The red sketch Origin displays.
l (^) If you are using the grid, it displays only in Sketch mode.
While most users find the sketch grid annoying or distracting, when teaching, I’ve always used the
grid to remind students when they are in Sketch mode. If you forget or would like a visual cue, the
sketch grid is a useful option.
Opening a Sketch
Sketches must be either open or closed, and you can only have one sketch open at a time.
SolidWorks uses many indicators to show the state of a sketch, including the Confirmation Corner
and the Task Bar.
Several methods exist to open new sketches in SolidWorks:
l (^) Click a sketch entity toolbar button from the Sketch toolbar; SolidWorks prompts you to
select a sketch plane. When you select the plane, the sketch opens.
l (^) Preselect a plane or planar face and then click either a sketch entity button or the Sketch
button.
l (^) Use the left mouse button to click context toolbar — click a face or plane and select the
Sketch icon.
l (^) Use the right mouse button (RMB) to click a plane or planar face and select Insert Sketch.
Planes can be selected from either the graphics window or the FeatureManager.
You can open existing sketches several ways:
l Right-click a sketch in the FeatureManager or graphics window, and select Edit Sketch.
l (^) Select a sketch from the FeatureManager or graphics window, and click the Sketch button
The Sketch toolbar ....................................................................................................
l (^) Left-click a sketch or feature and click the Edit Sketch icon from the context toolbar.
l Double-click a sketch with the Instant 3D tool active.
Identifying Sketch Entities
The first step in creating most SolidWorks parts is a sketch. This will usually be a 2D sketch,
although you can also use 3D sketches. A 2D sketch is simply a collection of 2D lines, arcs, and
other elements that lie together on a plane; it usually also contains relations and/or dimensions
between the entities so that the sketch can automatically adjust to changes because each sketch
entity understands its function.