Line and centerline tools in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Line and centerline tools help you draw straight lines and special centerlines in your SolidWorks sketches. They make it easier to create shapes and show symmetry or reference points in your designs.

When you need to draw the edges of a shape like a rectangle or triangle.

When you want to add a centerline to show the middle of a circle or a symmetrical part.

When you are creating construction lines that help build your sketch but do not become part of the final shape.

When you want to align parts or features using a centerline as a reference.

When you need to quickly draw straight lines between points in your sketch.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Sketch tab on the CommandManager

Sketch tools appear, including Line and Centerline options

Step 2: Select

- Line tool button in the Sketch tab

Cursor changes to line drawing mode

Step 3: Click

- Starting point in the graphics area

Line starts from the clicked point

Step 4: Move cursor and click

- End point in the graphics area

Line is drawn between the two points

Step 5: Select

- Centerline tool button in the Sketch tab

Cursor changes to centerline drawing mode

Step 6: Click and drag

- Graphics area to draw the centerline

Centerline appears as a dashed line, indicating it is a construction line

Step 7: Press Esc

- Keyboard

Exit line drawing mode

Before vs After

Before

Sketch has no lines or centerlines drawn

After

Sketch shows straight lines forming shapes and dashed centerlines marking symmetry or reference axes

Settings Reference

Line Type

📍 PropertyManager when drawing a line

Choose whether the line is a regular sketch line or a centerline used for reference

Default: Solid Line

Construction Geometry

📍 PropertyManager for selected line

Toggle whether the line is used for construction only and does not affect features

Default: Off

Common Mistakes

Drawing a centerline but forgetting to set it as construction geometry

The line will be treated as a solid edge and may affect features incorrectly

Always set centerlines as construction geometry to avoid affecting solid features

Using the regular line tool when a centerline is needed for symmetry

Regular lines do not show as dashed and may confuse the design intent

Use the centerline tool to clearly indicate symmetry or reference lines

Summary

Line and centerline tools let you draw solid and dashed lines in sketches.

Centerlines are special dashed lines used for symmetry and references.

Always set centerlines as construction geometry to avoid affecting solid features.

Practice

1. What is the primary difference between a Line and a Centerline in SolidWorks drawings?

easy

A. Lines represent real edges; centerlines represent symmetry or centers.

B. Lines are always dashed; centerlines are solid.

C. Lines are used only in 3D models; centerlines only in 2D sketches.

D. Lines and centerlines are visually identical and used interchangeably.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of Lines

   Lines in SolidWorks drawings represent the actual edges of the object being drawn.

2. Step 2: Understand the purpose of Centerlines

   Centerlines are used to show symmetry axes or centers and are typically dashed lines.

3. Final Answer:

   Lines represent real edges; centerlines represent symmetry or centers. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Line = real edge, Centerline = symmetry [OK]

Hint: Remember: solid lines = edges, dashed lines = centers [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing centerlines as solid lines
• Thinking lines are dashed
• Using centerlines for edges

2. Which tool in SolidWorks should you use to create a dashed line indicating the center of a hole?

easy

A. Line tool

B. Centerline tool

C. Circle tool

D. Spline tool

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the line type for hole centers

   Centerlines are used to indicate symmetry or centers, such as the center of a hole, and are dashed.

2. Step 2: Match tool to line type

   The Centerline tool creates dashed lines representing centers, so it is the correct choice.

3. Final Answer:

   Centerline tool -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Dashed line for center = Centerline tool [OK]

Hint: Use Centerline tool for dashed symmetry lines [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using Line tool for dashed lines
• Choosing Circle or Spline tools incorrectly
• Confusing solid and dashed line tools

3. Given a SolidWorks drawing where you used the Line tool to draw a centerline by mistake, what will be the visual difference compared to using the Centerline tool?

medium

A. The line will appear solid instead of dashed.

B. The line will be thicker and red colored.

C. The line will automatically snap to the center.

D. There will be no visual difference.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Line tool output

   The Line tool creates solid lines representing edges, so the line will be solid.

2. Step 2: Understand Centerline tool output

   The Centerline tool creates dashed lines to indicate centers or symmetry.

3. Final Answer:

   The line will appear solid instead of dashed. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Line tool = solid line, Centerline tool = dashed line [OK]

Hint: Solid line means Line tool, dashed means Centerline tool [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming color changes automatically
• Thinking line snaps to center automatically
• Believing no visual difference exists

4. You tried to create a centerline using the Line tool but it appears as a solid line. How can you fix this issue?

medium

A. Use the Circle tool to create a dashed line.

B. Change the line color to blue.

C. Convert the solid line to a spline.

D. Delete the line and redraw it using the Centerline tool.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the problem

   The Line tool creates solid lines, so using it for centerlines results in solid lines instead of dashed.

2. Step 2: Correct the tool usage

   To get a proper centerline (dashed), delete the solid line and use the Centerline tool to redraw it.

3. Final Answer:

   Delete the line and redraw it using the Centerline tool. -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Centerline tool needed for dashed lines [OK]

Hint: Use Centerline tool, not Line tool, for dashed lines [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to change color instead of line type
• Using Circle or Spline tools incorrectly
• Ignoring the need to redraw with correct tool

5. You need to create a technical drawing showing a symmetrical part with a hole in the center. Which combination of tools should you use to clearly indicate the edges and the centerline of the hole?

hard

A. Use the Centerline tool for all lines to keep consistency.

B. Use the Line tool for all lines and add color to indicate centers.

C. Use the Line tool for edges and the Centerline tool for the hole centerline.

D. Use the Circle tool for edges and the Spline tool for centerlines.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify line types for edges and centers

   Edges should be shown with solid lines using the Line tool to represent real boundaries.

2. Step 2: Identify line type for hole centerline

   The hole's centerline should be shown with a dashed line using the Centerline tool to indicate symmetry.

3. Final Answer:

   Use the Line tool for edges and the Centerline tool for the hole centerline. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Edges = Line tool, Centers = Centerline tool [OK]

Hint: Edges solid, centers dashed; use Line and Centerline tools respectively [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using Centerline tool for edges
• Using Line tool for centerlines
• Using color instead of line type