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Projected and auxiliary views in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

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Introduction
Projected and auxiliary views help you see different sides of a 3D object clearly. They show details that are hard to see in the main view, making it easier to understand the shape and features of the object.
When you want to show the side or top view of a part without redrawing it.
When a surface is angled and you need a clear view straight onto that surface.
When you want to display hidden details that are not visible in the main view.
When creating technical drawings that need multiple views for manufacturing.
When you want to avoid clutter by projecting views instead of drawing new ones.
Steps
Step 1: Open your part or assembly drawing
- SolidWorks main window
The main drawing view of your model appears on the screen
Step 2: Click the 'Projected View' button
- Drawing toolbar or Insert menu > Drawing View > Projected
The cursor changes to allow you to select the base view for projection
💡 Make sure you have a base view selected before creating projected views
Step 3: Select the base view on the drawing
- Drawing sheet
The base view is highlighted, ready for projection
Step 4: Move the cursor in the direction you want the projected view (e.g., right, left, up, down)
- Drawing sheet
A preview of the projected view appears aligned with the base view
Step 5: Click to place the projected view
- Drawing sheet
The projected view is added to the drawing, linked to the base view
Step 6: To create an auxiliary view, click the 'Auxiliary View' button
- Drawing toolbar or Insert menu > Drawing View > Auxiliary
The cursor changes to allow you to select an edge or line for the auxiliary view
Step 7: Select an edge or line on the base or projected view
- Drawing sheet
A preview of the auxiliary view appears perpendicular to the selected edge
Step 8: Click to place the auxiliary view
- Drawing sheet
The auxiliary view is added, showing the object face straight-on
Before vs After
Before
Drawing shows only the front view of a part with angled surfaces not clearly visible
After
Drawing includes projected side views and an auxiliary view showing the angled surface straight-on
Settings Reference
View alignment
📍 Drawing toolbar when placing projected views
Controls the direction where the projected view is placed relative to the base view
Default: Right
Auxiliary view edge selection
📍 Auxiliary View tool prompt
Defines the edge or line perpendicular to which the auxiliary view is created
Default: None
Display hidden lines
📍 View properties panel
Controls how hidden edges appear in projected and auxiliary views
Default: Dashed
Common Mistakes
Trying to create a projected view without selecting a base view first
The tool needs a base view to project from; without it, no projection can be made
Always select the base view on the drawing before using the Projected View tool
Selecting an edge that is not straight or visible for the auxiliary view
Auxiliary views must be created perpendicular to a straight edge to show accurate detail
Choose a clear, straight edge on the base or projected view when creating auxiliary views
Summary
Projected views show different sides of a part by projecting from a base view.
Auxiliary views show surfaces angled to the main views, giving a straight-on look.
Always select the correct base view or edge before creating these views to ensure accuracy.

Practice

(1/5)
1. What is the main purpose of a projected view in SolidWorks drawings?
easy
A. To display the true shape of angled surfaces
B. To show standard 90° views from a base view
C. To add color to the drawing for better visualization
D. To create 3D models from 2D sketches

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand projected views

    Projected views are created by projecting lines at 90° from a base view to show standard views like front, top, and side.

  2. Step 2: Differentiate from auxiliary views

    Auxiliary views show true shapes of angled surfaces, not standard 90° views.

  3. Final Answer:

    To show standard 90° views from a base view -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Projected views = standard 90° views [OK]
Hint: Projected views are always at right angles to the base view [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing projected views with auxiliary views
  • Thinking projected views show angled surfaces
  • Assuming projected views add color or 3D
2. Which of the following is the correct way to create an auxiliary view in SolidWorks?
easy
A. Select an edge and project a view perpendicular to that edge
B. Project a view at 90° from the base view
C. Use the extrude feature on the base view
D. Rotate the base view by 45° and save

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify auxiliary view creation method

    Auxiliary views are created by projecting a view perpendicular to an angled edge or surface to show its true shape.

  2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

    Projecting at 90° from base view creates projected views, not auxiliary. Extrude and rotate do not create auxiliary views.

  3. Final Answer:

    Select an edge and project a view perpendicular to that edge -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Auxiliary view = perpendicular to angled edge [OK]
Hint: Auxiliary views are perpendicular to angled edges, not base views [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing auxiliary with projected views
  • Trying to create auxiliary views by rotating base views
  • Using features unrelated to view creation
3. Given a base front view of a part, which view will show the true length of an inclined edge?
medium
A. Auxiliary view
B. Projected top view
C. Projected side view
D. Isometric view

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand true length display

    True length of an inclined edge is shown only when the view is perpendicular to that edge.

  2. Step 2: Identify which view is perpendicular

    Projected views are at 90° to base views, but not necessarily perpendicular to inclined edges. Auxiliary views are created perpendicular to inclined edges.

  3. Final Answer:

    Auxiliary view -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    True length = auxiliary view [OK]
Hint: True length appears only in auxiliary views perpendicular to the edge [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming projected views show true length of inclined edges
  • Confusing isometric views with true length views
  • Ignoring the angle of the edge
4. A user tries to create an auxiliary view but the view shows distorted shapes instead of true shapes. What is the most likely mistake?
medium
A. Selecting the wrong part in the assembly
B. Using the extrude feature instead of creating a view
C. Rotating the base view by 90°
D. Projecting the view at 90° from the base view instead of perpendicular to the edge

Solution

  1. Step 1: Analyze the cause of distortion

    Distorted shapes occur if the auxiliary view is not projected perpendicular to the angled edge.

  2. Step 2: Identify correct projection method

    Auxiliary views must be projected perpendicular to the edge to show true shape; projecting at 90° from base view creates projected views, causing distortion.

  3. Final Answer:

    Projecting the view at 90° from the base view instead of perpendicular to the edge -> Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Distortion = wrong projection angle [OK]
Hint: Auxiliary views must be perpendicular to the edge, not base view [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Projecting auxiliary views at 90° from base view
  • Using features unrelated to view creation
  • Selecting wrong parts causing confusion
5. You have a complex part with multiple angled surfaces. To clearly communicate the true shape of all angled surfaces in a drawing, which combination of views should you use?
hard
A. Only projected views from front, top, and side
B. Only auxiliary views for each angled surface
C. Projected views for standard sides and auxiliary views for angled surfaces
D. Isometric views combined with exploded views

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the role of projected views

    Projected views show standard 90° views and provide overall shape context.

  2. Step 2: Understand the role of auxiliary views

    Auxiliary views show true shapes of angled surfaces that projected views cannot accurately display.

  3. Step 3: Combine views for clarity

    Using projected views for standard sides and auxiliary views for angled surfaces ensures clear communication of all shapes.

  4. Final Answer:

    Projected views for standard sides and auxiliary views for angled surfaces -> Option C

  5. Quick Check:

    Combine projected + auxiliary for clarity [OK]
Hint: Use projected for standard, auxiliary for angled surfaces [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Using only projected views and missing true shapes
  • Using only auxiliary views and losing overall context
  • Relying on isometric or exploded views alone