Sketch plane selection in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Sketch plane selection lets you choose the flat surface where you draw your 2D shapes. This helps you start your design on the right face or plane in your 3D model.

When you want to draw a new shape on the front face of a box

When you need to create a sketch on a custom plane offset from the base

When you want to add details on the top surface of a part

When you want to sketch on a face of a cylinder or curved surface

When you need to start a sketch on a plane you created for a specific angle

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Sketch tab

Sketch mode activates and the plane selection cursor appears

Step 2: Hover over

- model faces or planes in the graphics area

Faces highlight to show they can be selected

Step 3: Click

- desired face or plane

The sketch plane is set and the sketch grid appears on that surface

Step 4: Start drawing

- on the sketch grid

Sketch entities appear constrained to the selected plane

Before vs After

Before

No sketch plane selected, no sketch grid visible

After

Sketch plane set on front face, sketch grid visible aligned to that face

Settings Reference

Plane selection filter

📍 Heads-up toolbar during sketch mode

Controls what types of surfaces can be selected for sketching

Default: Both

Normal to view

📍 Sketch tab

Orients the view perpendicular to the selected sketch plane

Default: On

Common Mistakes

Trying to start a sketch without selecting a plane

SolidWorks needs a plane or face to know where to draw the sketch

Always select a plane or face first before drawing

Selecting a curved surface instead of a flat plane

Sketches must be on flat planes; curved surfaces cannot host 2D sketches

Choose a flat face or create a reference plane for sketching

Summary

Sketch plane selection sets the flat surface where you draw your 2D sketch

You must pick a plane or face before starting to draw

Use filters and view orientation to help pick and work on the right plane