Reference geometry (planes, axes, points) in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Reference geometry in SolidWorks helps you create extra guides like planes, axes, and points. These guides make it easier to build and position parts in your 3D model when the default views are not enough.

When you need to create a new plane offset from an existing face to sketch on.

When you want to define an axis for rotating or mirroring parts.

When you need a point to place a hole or start a feature exactly between two edges.

When your model requires a custom reference to align components in an assembly.

When you want to measure or create features relative to a specific location not on the model surface.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Features tab

The Features toolbar appears with reference geometry options visible

Step 2: Click

- Reference Geometry dropdown

A menu shows options: Plane, Axis, Point, Coordinate System

Step 3: Select

- Plane

Plane property manager opens on the right side

Step 4: Select

- One or more faces, edges, or points in the graphics area

Preview of the new plane appears based on your selection

Step 5: Set

- Plane parameters (offset distance, angle, etc.) in the property manager

Plane updates dynamically to match the parameters

Step 6: Click

- OK button in the property manager

New reference plane is created and visible in the feature tree and graphics area

Before vs After

Before

Model has only default front, top, and right planes visible with no extra guides

After

Model shows a new reference plane offset 10 mm above the front face, visible in the feature tree and ready for sketching

Settings Reference

Plane Type

📍 Plane property manager

Defines how the new plane is positioned relative to existing geometry

Default: Offset from face

Offset Distance

📍 Plane property manager

Sets how far the new plane is from the selected face or plane

Default: 0 mm

Axis Creation Method

📍 Axis property manager

Determines how the axis is defined in the model

Default: Edge

Point Creation Method

📍 Point property manager

Specifies how the reference point is placed

Default: Vertex

Common Mistakes

Selecting only one face without defining offset or angle

The plane may overlap the existing face and not create a new usable plane

Always specify offset distance or angle to create a distinct new plane

Trying to create an axis without selecting proper geometry like an edge or intersection

Axis creation fails or creates an unexpected result

Select clear geometry such as an edge or intersection of two planes to define the axis

Summary

Reference geometry adds extra planes, axes, and points to help build complex models.

You create these guides by selecting existing geometry and setting parameters like offset or angle.

Always check your selections and parameters to ensure the new reference geometry is useful and visible.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of creating reference geometry like planes, axes, and points in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To add color and texture to parts

B. To increase the file size of the model

C. To provide invisible guides for sketching and aligning parts

D. To automatically generate 3D animations

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand what reference geometry does

   Reference geometry creates invisible guides such as planes, axes, and points that help in sketching and aligning parts accurately.

2. Step 2: Eliminate unrelated options

   Adding color, increasing file size, or generating animations are unrelated to reference geometry's purpose.

3. Final Answer:

   To provide invisible guides for sketching and aligning parts -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Reference geometry = invisible guides [OK]

Hint: Reference geometry guides your design, not decor or animation [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing reference geometry with visual effects
• Thinking it changes part appearance
• Assuming it creates animations

2. Which of the following is the correct way to create a new reference plane offset from an existing plane in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Right-click the part and select 'Add Axis'

B. Draw a line and convert it to a plane

C. Use the Extrude tool on the existing plane

D. Select the existing plane, then specify the offset distance and direction

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall how to create an offset plane

   In SolidWorks, to create an offset plane, you select an existing plane and specify the offset distance and direction.

2. Step 2: Identify incorrect methods

   Drawing a line or using Extrude does not create planes. Adding an axis is unrelated to creating a plane.

3. Final Answer:

   Select the existing plane, then specify the offset distance and direction -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Offset plane = select plane + offset [OK]

Hint: Offset planes start from existing planes with distance [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to create planes from lines
• Using Extrude tool incorrectly
• Confusing axes with planes

3. Given a part with a default Front Plane and a created reference axis along an edge, what will happen if you create a new plane perpendicular to that axis and passing through a point on the part?

medium

A. A new plane will be created perpendicular to the axis and passing through the point

B. An error will occur because planes cannot be perpendicular to axes

C. The existing Front Plane will be deleted

D. The axis will be converted into a plane

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand plane creation rules

   In SolidWorks, you can create a plane perpendicular to an axis and passing through a point by selecting those references.

2. Step 2: Evaluate the options

   No error occurs; existing planes are not deleted; axes are not converted into planes automatically.

3. Final Answer:

   A new plane will be created perpendicular to the axis and passing through the point -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Plane perpendicular to axis + point = new plane [OK]

Hint: Planes can be perpendicular to axes through points [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking planes can't be perpendicular to axes
• Assuming existing planes get deleted
• Confusing axes and planes

4. You tried to create a reference axis by selecting two points, but SolidWorks did not create the axis. What is the most likely reason?

medium

A. The two points are coincident or the same point

B. You need to select three points to create an axis

C. Axes cannot be created from points in SolidWorks

D. You must create a plane first before creating an axis

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand axis creation from points

   To create an axis from two points, they must be distinct and not coincident.

2. Step 2: Analyze the problem

   If the points are the same or coincident, SolidWorks cannot define a direction for the axis, so it fails.

3. Final Answer:

   The two points are coincident or the same point -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Distinct points needed for axis [OK]

Hint: Two distinct points needed to create an axis [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Selecting the same point twice
• Thinking three points are needed
• Believing axes can't be made from points

5. You need to create a reference plane that is angled 45 degrees to the Front Plane and passes through a specific edge of your part. Which steps should you follow?

hard

A. Draw a sketch on the Front Plane and extrude it at 45 degrees

B. Select the Front Plane, then select the edge as the rotation axis, and set the angle to 45 degrees

C. Create a new axis first, then create a plane offset 45 degrees from the Top Plane

D. Select the edge and convert it directly into a plane

Solution

1. Step 1: Use the Front Plane and edge as references

   To create an angled plane, select the Front Plane as the base and the edge as the rotation axis.

2. Step 2: Set the angle to 45 degrees

   Specify the angle of 45 degrees to create the new reference plane at the desired orientation.

3. Final Answer:

   Select the Front Plane, then select the edge as the rotation axis, and set the angle to 45 degrees -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Plane angled 45° = base plane + edge axis + angle [OK]

Hint: Angle planes by rotating base plane around edge axis [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to convert edges directly into planes
• Using wrong base plane for angle
• Skipping axis creation step