How to Use Linear Pattern in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use the Linear Pattern feature to duplicate a selected feature or body evenly along one or two linear directions. Select the feature, define the direction(s), specify the number of instances and spacing, then apply to create the pattern.

Syntax

The Linear Pattern feature in SolidWorks requires these main inputs:

• Features or Bodies: The item(s) you want to repeat.
• Direction 1: A linear edge, axis, or sketch line that defines the first pattern direction.
• Instances: Number of copies along the direction.
• Spacing: Distance between each instance.
• Direction 2 (optional): A second linear direction for a 2D pattern.

Once set, SolidWorks duplicates the selected feature(s) evenly spaced along the direction(s).

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Linear Pattern(
  FeaturesOrBodies,
  Direction1,
  Instances1,
  Spacing1,
  [Direction2],
  [Instances2],
  [Spacing2]
)

Example

This example creates a linear pattern of a hole feature along one direction with 5 instances spaced 20 mm apart.

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1. Select the hole feature in the FeatureManager design tree.
2. Click on <strong>Linear Pattern</strong> from the Features toolbar.
3. For <strong>Direction 1</strong>, select a linear edge or axis.
4. Set <strong>Instances</strong> to 5.
5. Set <strong>Spacing</strong> to 20 mm.
6. Click <strong>OK</strong> to apply the pattern.

Output

The hole feature is duplicated 5 times along the selected direction, each 20 mm apart.

Common Pitfalls

• Wrong Direction Selection: Choosing a non-linear edge or an incorrect axis can cause the pattern to fail or behave unexpectedly.
• Overlapping Instances: Setting spacing too small may cause features to overlap.
• Not Selecting Features Properly: Forgetting to select the feature or body to pattern will result in no output.
• Ignoring Feature Dependencies: Patterning features that depend on others may cause rebuild errors.

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Wrong way:
- Selecting a curved edge as direction.
- Setting spacing smaller than feature size.

Right way:
- Select a straight edge or axis.
- Set spacing larger than feature size to avoid overlap.

Quick Reference

Parameter	Description
Features or Bodies	Select the feature(s) or body to pattern
Direction 1	Linear edge, axis, or sketch line for first pattern direction
Instances 1	Number of copies along Direction 1
Spacing 1	Distance between copies along Direction 1
Direction 2 (optional)	Second linear direction for 2D pattern
Instances 2 (optional)	Number of copies along Direction 2
Spacing 2 (optional)	Distance between copies along Direction 2

Key Takeaways

Always select a straight edge or axis as the pattern direction for reliable results.

Set spacing larger than the feature size to avoid overlapping instances.

You can create patterns in one or two directions using the linear pattern feature.

Select the feature or body first before applying the linear pattern.

Check feature dependencies to prevent rebuild errors when patterning.