How to Convert Entities in SolidWorks - Step by Step Guide

In SolidWorks, to convert entities, select your sketch, click Convert Entities from the Sketch toolbar, then select the edges or faces you want to project onto your sketch; this creates sketch geometry linked to the original model.

Examples

InputSelect a rectangle edge on a 3D model and use Convert Entities

OutputThe rectangle edge is projected as a sketch line in the active sketch.

InputSelect multiple edges of a 3D part and convert entities

OutputAll selected edges appear as sketch lines linked to the original edges.

InputUse Convert Entities on a curved face edge

OutputThe curved edge is projected as a spline or arc in the sketch.

How to Think About It

To convert entities in SolidWorks, you first choose the sketch where you want the projected geometry. Then you use the Convert Entities tool to pick edges or faces from existing 3D geometry. This projects those edges as sketch lines or curves, which stay linked to the original model so they update automatically.

Algorithm

1

Open or create a sketch where you want to convert entities.

2

Click the Convert Entities tool from the Sketch toolbar or menu.

3

Select the edges, faces, or curves from the 3D model to project.

4

Confirm the selection to create linked sketch geometry.

5

Use the converted entities in your sketch for further modeling.

Code

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Sub ConvertEntitiesExample()
  Dim swApp As Object
  Dim swModel As Object
  Dim swSketchMgr As Object
  Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
  Set swModel = swApp.ActiveDoc
  Set swSketchMgr = swModel.SketchManager
  swSketchMgr.InsertSketch True
  swModel.Extension.SelectByID2 "Edge1", "EDGE", 0, 0, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0
  swSketchMgr.ConvertEntities
  swSketchMgr.InsertSketch False
  Debug.Print "Entities converted into sketch."
End Sub

Output

Entities converted into sketch.

Dry Run

Let's trace converting a rectangle edge into a sketch line.

1

Start Sketch

Open sketch on desired plane.

2

Select Convert Entities

Click Convert Entities tool.

3

Select Edge

Pick rectangle edge from 3D model.

Step	Action	Result
1	Open sketch	Sketch ready on plane
2	Click Convert Entities	Tool active
3	Select rectangle edge	Edge projected as sketch line

Why This Works

Step 1: Why use Convert Entities?

It creates sketch geometry linked to existing model edges, so changes update automatically.

Step 2: How does it work?

It projects selected edges or faces onto the active sketch plane as sketch lines or curves.

Step 3: Benefits

Speeds up sketching by reusing existing geometry and maintains design intent.

Alternative Approaches

Manual Sketching

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Draw lines and curves manually to match model edges without linking.

More time-consuming and does not update if the model changes.

Use Intersection Curve

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Select two surfaces or bodies to create a curve where they intersect.

Useful for complex intersections but different from projecting edges.

Complexity: O(n) time, O(n) space

Time Complexity

Time depends on the number of edges selected; each edge is processed once.

Space Complexity

Sketch stores converted entities; space grows linearly with number of entities.

Which Approach is Fastest?

Convert Entities is fastest for linked geometry; manual sketching is slower and error-prone.

Approach	Time	Space	Best For
Convert Entities	O(n)	O(n)	Linked geometry projection
Manual Sketching	O(n)	O(n)	Simple sketches without updates
Intersection Curve	O(n)	O(n)	Complex surface intersections