Converting entities and intersection curves in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

This feature helps you create new sketch lines by copying edges or curves from existing 3D models. It solves the problem of manually tracing complex shapes by automatically projecting those shapes onto your sketch plane.

When you want to reuse the edge of a 3D part as a sketch line for a new feature

When you need to create a sketch that matches the intersection curve between two surfaces

When you want to quickly create reference geometry from existing model edges

When designing parts that must align exactly with existing features

When you want to avoid redrawing complex curves manually

Steps

Step 1: Open

- SolidWorks and open the part file with the geometry you want to use

The part model appears on screen

Step 2: Create

- a new sketch on the desired plane or face

The sketch environment opens with a blank sketch on the selected plane

Step 3: Click

- the 'Convert Entities' button on the Sketch tab of the CommandManager

The tool is activated and ready to select edges

Step 4: Select

- the edges, faces, or curves on the 3D model you want to convert

The selected edges highlight and preview lines appear in the sketch

Step 5: Confirm

- by clicking the green checkmark or pressing Enter

The selected edges are projected as sketch entities on the sketch plane

Step 6: For intersection curves, click

- 'Intersection Curve' on the Sketch tab, then select the two surfaces or faces

The curve where the two surfaces intersect is projected onto the sketch plane

Step 7: Finish

- the sketch by clicking 'Exit Sketch'

The sketch with converted entities or intersection curves is saved and ready for further use

Before vs After

Before

A blank sketch on a plane with no lines or curves

After

The sketch shows lines exactly matching the edges or intersection curves from the 3D model

Settings Reference

Convert Entities

📍 Sketch tab on the CommandManager

Select which model geometry to project into the sketch

Default: Edges

Intersection Curve

📍 Sketch tab on the CommandManager

Create a sketch curve from the intersection of two surfaces

Default: None

Entities to Convert

📍 Selection during Convert Entities command

Choose how much geometry to convert at once

Default: Single edge

Common Mistakes

Trying to convert entities on a sketch plane that does not intersect the model edges

No edges will project because the sketch plane is not aligned with the model geometry

Select a sketch plane or face that intersects the edges or surfaces you want to convert

Selecting faces instead of edges when using Convert Entities

Faces do not convert directly; only their edges project

Select the edges of the face or use Intersection Curve for surface intersections

Summary

Convert Entities projects existing model edges or curves onto a sketch plane to reuse geometry.

Intersection Curve creates sketch lines where two surfaces meet, helping capture complex shapes.

Always choose a sketch plane that intersects the geometry you want to convert for successful projection.