How to Use Mirror Feature in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use the Mirror feature to create a symmetrical copy of a part or feature by selecting the original geometry and a mirror plane or face. This tool helps you save time by duplicating features or bodies across a defined plane without redrawing.

Syntax

The Mirror feature in SolidWorks requires two main inputs: the features or bodies you want to mirror, and the mirror face or plane that acts as the axis of symmetry.

• Features/Bodies: Select the existing features or solid bodies to duplicate.
• Mirror Face/Plane: Choose a planar face or reference plane to mirror across.

Once selected, SolidWorks generates a mirrored copy on the opposite side of the plane.

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Mirror(Features/Bodies, Mirror Face/Plane)

Example

This example shows how to mirror a simple extruded boss feature across the Front Plane.

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1. Create a sketch on the Top Plane and draw a rectangle.
2. Extrude the rectangle to create a solid boss.
3. Select the <code>Mirror</code> feature from the Features toolbar.
4. In the Mirror PropertyManager, select the extruded boss as the feature to mirror.
5. Select the Front Plane as the mirror plane.
6. Confirm to create the mirrored boss on the opposite side of the Front Plane.

Output

A symmetrical boss feature appears on the opposite side of the Front Plane, matching the original shape and size.

Common Pitfalls

• Incorrect mirror plane: Choosing a non-planar or wrong plane will cause errors or unexpected results.
• Mirroring dependent features: Some features may not mirror correctly if they depend on geometry that doesn't exist on the mirrored side.
• Not selecting all features: Forgetting to select all related features can cause incomplete mirrored geometry.

Always verify the mirror plane and ensure all necessary features are selected before confirming.

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Wrong way:
Mirror(Feature: Extrude1, Mirror Face: Edge or non-planar face)

Right way:
Mirror(Feature: Extrude1, Mirror Face: Front Plane)

Quick Reference

Step	Action
1	Select the features or bodies to mirror
2	Choose the mirror face or plane
3	Use the Mirror tool from the Features toolbar
4	Confirm to create the mirrored geometry
5	Check the mirrored result for accuracy

Key Takeaways

Use the Mirror feature to quickly create symmetrical parts or features by selecting geometry and a mirror plane.

Always select a planar face or reference plane as the mirror axis to avoid errors.

Include all related features or bodies to ensure a complete mirrored copy.

Verify the mirrored geometry visually to confirm correctness before proceeding.