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.
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| Sketch on Plane |
2. Now Click on
Line tool.
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| Line Tool Selection |
Method 2: Using Keyboard Key"L"
1. Right click on
Front Plane then choose
Sketch option.
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| 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)
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| Select command using Keyboard |
Method 3: Using "Search Commands"
1. Right click on
Front Plane then choose
Sketch option.
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| Sketch on Plane |
2. Now go-to right top side of the screen and click the Drop-down arrow. Select the
Commands option.
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| Search Commands |
3. Write "Line" word in Search Commands and Select
Line Option in Drop-Down List. Now you can draw your line.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
So follow this blog and keep connected with SheeBot.
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