How to Create a Plane in SolidWorks (Step-by-Step Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Airplane Travel Tips And Etiquettes (Do's/Don'ts)

How to Create a Plane in SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a powerful 3D modeling software that can be used to create a wide variety of complex parts and assemblies. One of the most basic features of SolidWorks is the ability to create planes. Planes are used as reference surfaces for creating other features, such as sketches, features, and bodies.

In this tutorial, we will show you how to create a plane in SolidWorks. We will start by creating a new part document and then selecting the “Plane” tool from the “Features” toolbar. We will then specify the location and orientation of the plane and click “OK”. The plane will be created and will be visible in the graphics window.

We will then use the plane to create a sketch of a simple 2D shape. We will then extrude the sketch to create a 3D solid. Finally, we will save the part document and close SolidWorks.

By the end of this tutorial, you will have learned how to create a plane in SolidWorks and how to use it to create other features.

Step Instructions Screenshot
1 Click the Create tab on the ribbon.
2 Click the Plane button.
3 Select the desired option from the Plane Type drop-down list.
4 Select the desired entities to define the plane.
5 Click the OK button.

How to Create a Plane on Solidworks?

This tutorial will show you how to create a plane on Solidworks. A plane is a flat surface that is defined by three points. Planes can be used to create other features, such as sketches, cuts, and revolves.

Step 1: Select the Plane Feature

To create a plane, first select the Plane feature from the Features tab.

![Select the Plane feature](https://i.imgur.com/662086E.png)

Step 2: Define the Plane Parameters

Once the Plane feature is selected, you will need to define the plane parameters. These parameters include:

  • Reference Geometry: The reference geometry is used to define the plane. You can select from the following reference geometries:
  • A face
  • An edge
  • A point
  • A centerline
  • Normal Direction: The normal direction is the direction that the plane is facing. You can select from the following normal directions:
  • X
  • Y
  • Z
  • Arbitrary
  • Offset: The offset is the distance from the reference geometry to the plane.

![Define the plane parameters](https://i.imgur.com/711k38c.png)

Step 3: Create the Plane

Once you have defined the plane parameters, click OK to create the plane.

The plane will be created and added to the model.

![The created plane](https://i.imgur.com/8893073.png)

This tutorial has shown you how to create a plane on Solidworks. Planes can be used to create other features, such as sketches, cuts, and revolves.

For more information on creating planes, please refer to the Solidworks documentation.

Step 3: Click OK to Create the Plane

Once you have entered the necessary information in the Plane Properties dialog box, click the OK button to create the plane. The plane will be created and added to the FeatureManager design tree.

Step 4: (Optional) Edit the Plane Properties

After you have created a plane, you can optionally edit its properties. To do this, right-click on the plane in the FeatureManager design tree and select the Properties option. The Plane Properties dialog box will open, and you can make changes to the following properties:

  • Name: The name of the plane.
  • Type: The type of plane. The options are:
  • XY Plane: A plane that is parallel to the XY plane of the coordinate system.
  • YZ Plane: A plane that is parallel to the YZ plane of the coordinate system.
  • ZX Plane: A plane that is parallel to the ZX plane of the coordinate system.
  • User-Defined: A plane that is defined by three points.
  • Origin: The origin of the plane.
  • Normal: The normal vector of the plane.
  • XY Angle: The angle between the plane and the XY plane of the coordinate system.
  • YZ Angle: The angle between the plane and the YZ plane of the coordinate system.
  • ZX Angle: The angle between the plane and the ZX plane of the coordinate system.

Once you have made the desired changes to the plane properties, click the OK button to close the dialog box.

In this tutorial, you learned how to create a plane in SolidWorks. You learned how to specify the type of plane, the origin, and the normal vector. You also learned how to edit the plane properties.

How do I create a plane in Solidworks?

To create a plane in Solidworks, follow these steps:

1. Select the Plane tool from the Features toolbar.
2. In the Plane PropertyManager, select the Sketch Plane option.
3. Click on the face or edge of the existing solid or surface that you want to use as the sketch plane.
4. In the Sketch toolbar, select the Line tool.
5. Draw a line that defines the direction of the new plane.
6. Right-click on the line and select Finish Sketch.
7. The new plane will be created.

What are the different types of planes in Solidworks?

There are three types of planes in Solidworks:

  • Reference planes are used to define the orientation of other features in the model.
  • Sketch planes are used to create sketches for features.
  • Working planes are used to create cutting tools and other features.

How do I change the orientation of a plane in Solidworks?

To change the orientation of a plane in Solidworks, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the plane and select Properties.
2. In the Plane PropertyManager, click on the Orientation tab.
3. Select the desired orientation from the Orientation list.
4. Click OK.

How do I delete a plane in Solidworks?

To delete a plane in Solidworks, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the plane and select Delete.
2. Confirm that you want to delete the plane.

The plane will be deleted from the model.

In this tutorial, you have learned how to create a plane on SolidWorks. You have learned that you can create a plane by selecting three points, by selecting a face and a direction, or by using the Plane tool. You have also learned how to modify the properties of a plane, such as its name, color, and visibility.

Creating a plane is a fundamental skill in SolidWorks. Planes are used to create other features, such as sketches, surfaces, and bodies. By understanding how to create and modify planes, you can improve your ability to design and create complex models in SolidWorks.

Here are some key takeaways from this tutorial:

  • To create a plane, select three points, a face and a direction, or use the Plane tool.
  • You can modify the properties of a plane, such as its name, color, and visibility.
  • Planes are used to create other features, such as sketches, surfaces, and bodies.
  • By understanding how to create and modify planes, you can improve your ability to design and create complex models in SolidWorks.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.