Linear and circular pattern in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Linear and circular patterns help you copy features or components evenly in a straight line or around a circle. This saves time by repeating shapes instead of drawing each one separately.

When you need to create multiple holes evenly spaced along a straight edge.

When you want to duplicate a bolt pattern around a circular flange.

When designing a row of identical slots on a part.

When placing repeated features like ribs or bosses in a line.

When arranging holes or features evenly around a circular part.

Steps

Step 1: Open your part or assembly file

- SolidWorks main window

Your model is visible and ready for editing

Step 2: Select the feature or component to pattern

- FeatureManager design tree or graphics area

The feature or component highlights to show selection

Step 3: Click on 'Linear Pattern' or 'Circular Pattern'

- Features tab on the CommandManager toolbar

Pattern property manager opens on the left side

Step 4: For linear pattern, select the direction edge or axis

- Direction 1 box in the property manager

Direction is set and preview shows pattern direction

Step 5: Enter the number of instances and spacing distance

- Instances and Distance boxes in property manager

Preview updates to show repeated features spaced evenly

Step 6: For circular pattern, select the axis or edge to rotate around

- Axis of rotation box in the property manager

Preview shows features arranged around the circle

Step 7: Set the number of instances and total angle for the pattern

- Instances and Angle boxes in property manager

Preview updates to show circular pattern layout

Step 8: Click OK to create the pattern

- Property manager bottom right

Patterned features appear on the model as specified

Before vs After

Before

A single hole feature on a flat plate

After

Multiple holes evenly spaced in a straight line or arranged around a circular flange

Settings Reference

Direction 1

📍 Linear Pattern property manager

Defines the direction in which the pattern repeats

Default: None selected

Instances

📍 Linear and Circular Pattern property manager

Number of copies to create in the pattern

Default: 2

Distance

📍 Linear Pattern property manager

Spacing between each instance in the linear pattern

Default: 0.01 meters (or model units)

Axis of rotation

📍 Circular Pattern property manager

Defines the center line around which features rotate

Default: None selected

Angle

📍 Circular Pattern property manager

Total angle over which the pattern instances are spread

Default: 360 degrees

Common Mistakes

Not selecting a proper direction or axis before setting instances

Without a direction or axis, the pattern cannot be created correctly

Always select a valid edge, axis, or sketch line for direction or rotation before entering instance count

Setting zero or negative distance between instances

Distance must be positive to space features apart; zero or negative causes errors or overlapping

Enter a positive distance value that fits your design spacing needs

Using circular pattern on a feature without a clear rotation axis

Circular pattern needs a defined axis to arrange features around; missing axis causes failure

Select a proper axis or edge that represents the center of rotation before applying circular pattern

Summary

Linear and circular patterns duplicate features or components evenly in a line or circle.

You must select a direction or axis and set the number of copies and spacing or angle.

Patterns save time by automating repeated feature creation but require correct direction or axis selection.

Practice

1. What is the main difference between a linear pattern and a circular pattern in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Linear patterns copy features in a straight line; circular patterns copy features around a center point.

B. Linear patterns copy features randomly; circular patterns copy features in a straight line.

C. Linear patterns copy features around a center point; circular patterns copy features in a zigzag.

D. Linear patterns copy features only once; circular patterns copy features multiple times.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand linear pattern behavior

   Linear patterns create copies of a feature spaced evenly along a straight line.

2. Step 2: Understand circular pattern behavior

   Circular patterns create copies of a feature spaced evenly around a center point or axis.

3. Final Answer:

   Linear patterns copy features in a straight line; circular patterns copy features around a center point. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Linear = straight line, Circular = around center [OK]

Hint: Linear = straight line, Circular = around center point [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing linear with circular direction
• Thinking circular patterns copy randomly
• Assuming linear patterns copy only once

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to create a linear pattern in SolidWorks feature tree?

easy

A. Select feature > Circular Pattern > Set center and angle > Number of instances

B. Select feature > Linear Pattern > Set direction and spacing > Number of instances

C. Select feature > Mirror > Choose plane > Confirm

D. Select feature > Extrude > Set depth > Confirm

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify linear pattern creation steps

   Linear pattern requires selecting the feature, choosing linear pattern tool, setting direction and spacing, and number of copies.

2. Step 2: Eliminate other options

   Circular pattern is different; Mirror and Extrude are unrelated features.

3. Final Answer:

   Select feature > Linear Pattern > Set direction and spacing > Number of instances -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Linear pattern syntax matches Select feature > Linear Pattern > Set direction and spacing > Number of instances [OK]

Hint: Linear pattern needs direction, spacing, and instance count [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing circular pattern steps with linear
• Choosing Mirror or Extrude instead of pattern
• Skipping direction or spacing setup

3. Given a circular pattern with 6 instances spaced evenly around a 360° axis, what is the angle between each instance?

medium

A. 30°

B. 45°

C. 60°

D. 90°

Solution

1. Step 1: Calculate angle per instance

   Total angle 360° divided by number of instances 6 gives 360° / 6 = 60°.

2. Step 2: Confirm even spacing

   Each instance is spaced evenly by 60° around the axis.

3. Final Answer:

   60° -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   360° / 6 = 60° [OK]

Hint: Divide 360° by number of instances for angle [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Dividing by wrong number of instances
• Using 180° instead of 360° total angle
• Confusing angle with spacing distance

4. You tried to create a linear pattern but all instances overlapped at the same point. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. Spacing distance was set to zero or too small

B. Number of instances was set to one

C. Circular pattern was selected instead of linear

D. Feature was not selected before pattern creation

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze overlapping cause

   If spacing distance is zero or very small, all pattern instances overlap at the same location.

2. Step 2: Check other options

   Number of instances one means no copies; circular pattern creates around center; missing feature selection causes error but not overlap.

3. Final Answer:

   Spacing distance was set to zero or too small -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Zero spacing causes overlap [OK]

Hint: Check spacing distance if instances overlap [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring spacing and blaming number of instances
• Confusing pattern type with overlap issue
• Not selecting feature before pattern

5. You want to create a circular pattern of 8 holes around a cylinder, but only 6 holes appear after patterning. What should you check to fix this?

hard

A. Reduce the spacing distance between holes

B. Change the pattern type to linear instead of circular

C. Increase the hole diameter to fit more holes

D. Verify the total angle is set to 360° and number of instances is 8

Solution

1. Step 1: Check pattern parameters

   If only 6 holes appear, likely the number of instances or total angle is set incorrectly (e.g., less than 8 or less than 360°).

2. Step 2: Confirm correct pattern type and parameters

   Circular pattern with 8 instances spaced evenly around 360° is needed; linear pattern or hole size won't affect instance count.

3. Final Answer:

   Verify the total angle is set to 360° and number of instances is 8 -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   360° and 8 instances needed for 8 holes [OK]

Hint: Check total angle and instance count for circular pattern [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Switching to linear pattern incorrectly
• Changing hole size instead of pattern settings
• Ignoring total angle setting