Sketches are the basis of everything inside SOLIDWORKS. Adding dimensions to sketches is an essential part of the sketching and design workflow.
Dimensioning sketches can be done in multiple ways, and in this article, we’ll showcase the two most common methods to show dimensions when creating a sketch.
These methods speed up workflows and increase design accuracy:
- Enabling Numeric Input
- Preview Sketch Dimensions
How to Enable These Time-Saving Enhancements
Both numeric inputs and preview sketch dimensions are SOLIDWORKS System Options that need to be turned on before use.
To turn on either option, use the following steps:
- In the SOLIDWORKS toolbar, select the gear icon.
Opening the SOLIDWORKS System Options - Select the Sketch tab from the left menu.
Sketch tab in the System Options - Toggle the required option for inputting dimensions.
Options to show dimensions when creating sketches
Alternatively, you can use the search box in the SOLIDWORKS System Options to quickly find the required setting if you know the name. For the methods shown below, you have three main settings to use.
- Enable on screen numeric input on entity creation
- Create dimension only when value is entered
- Preview sketch dimension when selected
The Numeric Input Method
After enabling the setting, this will allow us to see and enter dimensions while creating sketch entities.
Numeric input of sketch dimensions
Drawing a line, arc, or slot will now show a dimension value attached to the sketch entity. From here, you can either: complete the sketch as normal with no dimension, hit Enter to accept the value as shown, or input a numeric value to set the dimension.
The secondary option in the SOLIDWORKS settings will disable the option for creating the dimension with the Enter key unless a numeric value is specified.
The Sketch Dimension Preview Method
Recently added in SOLIDWORKS 2024 is the ability to preview sketch dimensions as you create your sketch.
Previewing SOLIDWORKS sketch dimensions
Unlike numeric inputs, the preview sketch dimensions option allows you to quickly create dimensions after the entities are placed.
Selections can be made similarly to using the Smart Dimension command to show a gray preview of the dimension. Once shown, the preview can be selected, a value input, and the dimension will be created.
Best Method to Show Dimensions When Creating a Sketch
Sketch dimensioning plays a critical role in building accurate and reliable geometry within SOLIDWORKS, and understanding how to apply dimensions efficiently can significantly improve. The best method to show dimensions ultimately comes down to how you prefer to work.
- Users can enable on‑screen numeric input to immediately view and define dimensions as lines, arcs, or slots are drawn, choosing whether dimensions are applied automatically or only when values are entered.
- The sketch dimension preview feature offers a more interactive workflow by allowing designers to preview, edit, and accept dimensions directly from selected sketch entities.
Together, these tools support a more fluid sketching experience, improve design intent visibility, and help users maintain better control over sketch definition from the earliest stages of model creation.
To learn more time-saving workflows, sign up for our bi-weekly Tech Tip Newsletter here.
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