Rectangle and polygon tools in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The rectangle and polygon tools help you draw basic shapes quickly in your design. These tools make it easy to create rectangles and polygons without drawing each side manually.

When you need to create a rectangular base for a part.

When designing a polygonal flange or plate.

When you want to add a quick shape for a cut or extrusion.

When you need to sketch a regular polygon like a hexagon for bolt patterns.

When you want to create a shape that can be dimensioned precisely.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Sketch tab > Rectangle dropdown

Rectangle tool options appear including Corner Rectangle, Center Rectangle, and 3 Point Rectangle

💡 Choose the rectangle type based on how you want to define the shape

Step 2: Select

- Corner Rectangle tool

Cursor changes to rectangle drawing mode

💡 This tool draws a rectangle by defining two opposite corners

Step 3: Click

- Graphics area

First corner of the rectangle is set

💡 Click on the point where you want one corner of the rectangle

Step 4: Move mouse and click

- Graphics area

Rectangle shape appears and is fixed by the second corner click

💡 You can drag to size the rectangle before clicking the second corner

Step 5: Click

- Sketch tab > Polygon tool

Polygon tool activates and prompts for center point

💡 Polygons are regular shapes with equal sides

Step 6: Click

- Graphics area

Center point of the polygon is set

💡 This is the center of your polygon

Step 7: Move mouse and click

- Graphics area

Polygon radius is set and shape appears

💡 Drag to size the polygon before clicking

Step 8: Type

- Polygon PropertyManager > Number of sides box

Polygon updates to the specified number of sides

💡 You can create triangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc.

Before vs After

Before

No shapes on the sketch plane

After

A rectangle or polygon shape appears on the sketch plane with edges visible and ready for dimensioning

Settings Reference

Number of sides

📍 Polygon PropertyManager

Sets how many sides the polygon will have

Default: 6

Rectangle type

📍 Sketch tab > Rectangle dropdown

Defines how the rectangle is drawn and positioned

Default: Corner Rectangle

Dimension input

📍 After drawing shape, use Smart Dimension tool

Allows precise sizing of rectangles and polygons

Default: No default

Common Mistakes

Trying to draw a polygon without setting the number of sides

The polygon defaults to 6 sides which may not be what you want

Always set the number of sides in the Polygon PropertyManager before finishing the shape

Using the wrong rectangle tool for the desired shape position

Corner Rectangle places the shape by corners, Center Rectangle by center point, which affects placement

Choose the rectangle tool that matches how you want to position your shape

Summary

Rectangle and polygon tools let you quickly create basic shapes in sketches.

You can choose different rectangle types and set polygon sides for precise shapes.

Remember to set dimensions after drawing to control size exactly.