Geometric relations (horizontal, vertical, coincident, tangent) in Solidworks - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the horizontal geometric relation do in SolidWorks sketches?

It aligns two points or lines so they lie on the same horizontal line, making them level with each other.

beginner

Define the vertical geometric relation in SolidWorks.

It aligns two points or lines so they lie on the same vertical line, making them straight up and down relative to each other.

beginner

What does the coincident relation do between a point and a line in SolidWorks?

It forces the point to lie exactly on the line or curve, so they share the same location.

intermediate

Explain the tangent relation in SolidWorks sketches.

It makes a line or curve touch another curve at exactly one point without crossing it, like a wheel touching the ground.

beginner

Why are geometric relations important in SolidWorks sketches?

They control how sketch elements behave and connect, ensuring the design is accurate and changes predictably.

Which geometric relation makes two points lie on the same horizontal line?

A Horizontal

B Vertical

C Coincident

D Tangent

The horizontal relation aligns points or lines on the same horizontal level.

What does the coincident relation do in a sketch?

A Aligns two points vertically

B Makes two lines parallel

C Forces a point to lie on a line or curve

D Makes two curves touch at one point

Coincident forces a point to be exactly on a line or curve.

Which relation ensures a line touches a curve at exactly one point without crossing?

A Tangent

B Horizontal

C Coincident

D Vertical

Tangent makes a line or curve touch another curve at one point.

If two points are aligned straight up and down, which relation is applied?

A Horizontal

B Vertical

C Coincident

D Tangent

Vertical aligns points or lines on the same vertical line.

Why use geometric relations in sketches?

A To add colors to sketches

B To export sketches as images

C To create 3D models automatically

D To control how sketch elements connect and behave

Geometric relations control sketch behavior and connections for accuracy.

Describe the difference between horizontal and vertical geometric relations in SolidWorks sketches.

Think about how you line up pictures on a wall either side by side or stacked.

Explain how the coincident and tangent relations affect sketch elements differently.

Imagine a dot sitting on a line versus a wheel just touching the ground.