How to Draw Arc in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To draw an arc in SolidWorks, use the Arc Tool found in the Sketch toolbar. You can create arcs by selecting options like Centerpoint Arc, 3 Point Arc, or Tangent Arc and then clicking points on the sketch plane to define the arc shape.

Syntax

In SolidWorks, drawing an arc involves selecting the type of arc tool and then defining points on the sketch plane:

• Centerpoint Arc: Click center point, then start point, then end point.
• 3 Point Arc: Click start point, then a point on the arc, then end point.
• Tangent Arc: Starts tangent to an existing line or arc; click start point and end point.

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Arc Tool Usage:
1. Select Arc Tool type (Centerpoint, 3 Point, Tangent)
2. Click points in order to define arc

Example for Centerpoint Arc:
- Click center point
- Click start point
- Click end point

Example

This example demonstrates how to draw a Centerpoint Arc in a new sketch:

1. Open a new sketch on a plane.
2. Select the Centerpoint Arc tool from the Sketch toolbar.
3. Click to place the center point of the arc.
4. Click to place the start point of the arc.
5. Click to place the end point of the arc.
6. The arc will appear connecting the start and end points with the chosen center.

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1. Open new sketch on Front Plane
2. Click 'Centerpoint Arc' tool
3. Click point (0,0) for center
4. Click point (2,0) for start
5. Click point (2,2) for end

Result: Arc from (2,0) to (2,2) with center at (0,0)

Output

Arc drawn connecting points (2,0) and (2,2) with center at (0,0)

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when drawing arcs in SolidWorks include:

• Not selecting the correct arc type for the desired shape.
• Clicking points in the wrong order, which can create unexpected arc shapes.
• Trying to draw an arc without an active sketch.
• Not fully defining the arc with dimensions or relations, leading to unstable sketches.

Always start a sketch before drawing and use dimensions to fix the arc size and position.

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Wrong way:
- Select 3 Point Arc but click center point first (incorrect order)

Right way:
- For 3 Point Arc, click start point, then a point on the arc, then end point

Quick Reference

Arc Type	How to Draw	Use Case
Centerpoint Arc	Click center, start, end points	Draw arc with known center
3 Point Arc	Click start, mid-arc, end points	Draw arc through three points
Tangent Arc	Click start tangent to line, then end point	Smooth connection to existing geometry

Key Takeaways

Use the Arc Tool in the Sketch toolbar to draw arcs in SolidWorks.

Choose the correct arc type based on your design needs: Centerpoint, 3 Point, or Tangent.

Click points in the correct order to define the arc shape properly.

Always start a sketch before drawing and fully define your arc with dimensions.

Use the Quick Reference table to pick the right arc method quickly.