SOLIDWORKS Tutorial 01: How to Sketch a SOLIDWORKS Line using Line Command

How to Sketch a SOLIDWORKS Line using Line Command

This article will explain you "How to use Line tool" to sketch a line in SOLIDWORKS. First we will start with the little description of Line Tool in SOLIDWORKS and why we need to learn this Line tool.

A line (or specifically straight line) is a command in SOLIDWORKS which draws a line with specific length and angle with reference to some plane, face, edge etc. Line is a basic command in SOLIDWORKS which you need to use in almost every sketch or design you will make. So, SOLIDWORKS Line is a useful command.

We have to be clear that our line command will only make straight lines. In order to make curve or arc we have to use other command tools Like Splines, Arc, Curves, Fillets etc.

Line Command Icon:  

Methods to Activate Line Command

The three methods through which you can make Line.
1. Using Line tool from Sketch Toolbar.
2. Using Keyboard Button "L".
3. Using "Search Command".

Most of the people use first method "Using Line command from Sketch tool bar". Because it is easy and faster than any other method.
Let's start with first Method, Just Follow steps given below and learn to draw a line in Sketch.

How to active Line Command?

Method 1: Using Line tool from Sketch Tool Bar

1. Right click on Front Plane then choose Sketch option.

Sketch on Plane

2. Now Click on Line tool.

Line Tool Selection

Method 2: Using Keyboard Key"L"

1. Right click on Front Plane then choose Sketch option.

Sketch on Plane

2. Now just press "L" Key on your Keyboard. Your Line command will become active.(We will use Onscreen keyboard to demonstrate it)

Select command using Keyboard

Method 3: Using "Search Commands"

1. Right click on Front Plane then choose Sketch option.

Sketch on Plane

2. Now go-to right top side of the screen and click the Drop-down  arrow. Select the Commands option.

Search Commands

3. Write "Line" word in Search Commands and Select Line Option in Drop-Down List. Now you can draw your line.

Search Commands

How to draw a line?

1. Click anywhere inside graphics area. Click your mouse Left Button and release. Now you will see starting point of your line. Move your mouse away from starting point in any direction. The line will become visible to you in graphics area.

Draw a Line

2. Now click again Left mouse button anywhere you want to end the line. This is how you will draw a line using Line tool from sketch tool bar.

Draw a Line

Parameters of Line Command?

You can define two parameters while drawing a line. First one is Length of line and Second is Angle of Line with reference object. Defining line length and angle is easy. You can define length and angle of line while drawing or even after drawing the line. You can also dimension lines using Dimension Tool which we will discuss later in another post.

Steps to specify Length and Angle of line.

1. After Activation of Line Command. You will draw a line. While drawing a line you will see a number in a small white box. This number shows the length of line. You can enter any value you want from your keyboard. Then Press Enter key.

Line Length and Angle

2. Another way of defining length and angle of Line is after drawing a line. Select the Line you have just made. Then you will see embedded window will open on left side of graphics area. You can change Length and Angle of  Line from there too under Parameters heading.

Line Length and Angle

Properties and Features of a Line Command:
While drawing a line, You can select other options too. For example, If you want to make Horizontal line then select Horizontal option from Orientation Box. If you want to make this line only as a construction line then select Construction from options.
Construction line will only use as a reference for other lines, points or arcs. You can use Add Dimension option if you want to make a Line with dimension written on it.
Infinite length is mostly use for reference construction line with infinite length. Midpoint Line is use to make line of equal length on both side.

Line Properties and Features

Relations with other Lines 

You can also add relation of line with other line by just selecting two lines at same time using CTRL button pressed while selecting them. Relations can be Parallel, Perpendicular, Co-linear, Equal etc.

Line Relations

Hope you understand the basics of Line command usage. If you still have any query regarding Line command then Please comment below. 

Note: We have used SOLIDWORKS 18 in this article. If you have any other SOLIDWORKS product version then don't worry. SOLIDWORKS have almost same GUI for all of the version. You can still follow this tutorial to make a line.

We will write more articles about commands and techniques related to Line such as changing line thickness, divide line, how to join lines, draw line between two points, line format toolbar, auto dimension drawing, foreshortened dimension in SOLIDWORKS. These SOLIDWORKS tutorials will explain you each and every SOLIDWORKS tools.

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