How to Use Draft in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use the Draft feature to add angled faces to your 3D model, which helps with molding and manufacturing. Select the faces to draft, choose the draft angle, and set the neutral plane to control the direction of the draft.

Syntax

The Draft feature in SolidWorks requires selecting the faces to apply the draft, specifying the neutral plane (the reference face or plane), and setting the draft angle. You can choose the draft direction and whether to pull the draft inside or outside.

• Faces to Draft: The faces you want to angle.
• Neutral Plane: The reference face or plane that stays unchanged.
• Draft Angle: The angle to taper the selected faces.
• Direction: Pull inside or outside the model.

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Draft(FacesToDraft, NeutralPlane, DraftAngle, Direction)

Example

This example shows how to apply a 5-degree draft to the side faces of a rectangular extrusion using the Draft tool.

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1. Create a rectangular extrusion.
2. Click on <strong>Insert</strong> &gt; <strong>Features</strong> &gt; <strong>Draft</strong>.
3. Select the side faces of the extrusion as <code>Faces to Draft</code>.
4. Select the top face as the <code>Neutral Plane</code>.
5. Enter <code>5°</code> as the draft angle.
6. Choose the draft direction (pull outside).
7. Click <strong>OK</strong> to apply the draft.

Output

The side faces of the extrusion are angled outward by 5 degrees, tapering away from the neutral plane.

Common Pitfalls

• Not selecting the correct neutral plane can cause the draft to angle in the wrong direction.
• Applying draft to faces that are not parallel or planar may produce unexpected results.
• Using too large a draft angle can distort the model or cause manufacturing issues.
• Forgetting to select all faces that need drafting can leave some edges straight.

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Wrong way:
1. Select wrong neutral plane.
2. Apply draft.

Right way:
1. Select correct neutral plane parallel to faces.
2. Apply draft with proper angle.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Description
1	Select Faces to Draft	Choose the faces you want to angle.
2	Select Neutral Plane	Pick the reference face or plane that stays unchanged.
3	Set Draft Angle	Enter the angle to taper the faces.
4	Choose Direction	Decide if draft pulls inside or outside.
5	Apply Draft	Confirm to see the angled faces.

Key Takeaways

Use the Draft feature to add angled faces for molding or manufacturing needs.

Always select the correct neutral plane to control draft direction.

Keep draft angles moderate to avoid model distortion.

Select all faces that require drafting to ensure consistent taper.

Use the Insert > Features > Draft menu to access the tool easily.