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.