Your First SOLIDWORKS Model: From Sketch to 3D

If you are a mechanical engineering student, SOLIDWORKS can initially look a little intimidating.

You see a 3D workspace, multiple toolbars and plenty of features—and the first question is usually:

“What should I learn first?”

The good news is that you don't need to understand everything at once.

A great way to start is by creating one simple part from beginning to end.

In this tutorial, we'll create a simple mounting plate with two holes and rounded edges.

Along the way, you'll learn some of the most important SOLIDWORKS concepts.

Step 1: Create a New Part

Open SOLIDWORKS and select:

File → New → Part

You'll see the main 3D workspace.

Before creating anything, remember one important concept:

Most SOLIDWORKS parts begin with a 2D sketch.

The sketch provides the basic shape, which you then convert into a 3D model using features.

Step 2: Select a Plane

SOLIDWORKS provides three standard planes:

• Front Plane
• Top Plane
• Right Plane

For this example, select the Top Plane.

Click:

Sketch → Sketch

You are now working in a 2D environment.

This is where we'll create the basic shape of our mounting plate.

Step 3: Draw a Rectangle

Select the Center Rectangle or Corner Rectangle tool.

Create a rectangle approximately:

100 mm × 60 mm

Don't worry if your first rectangle isn't exactly the right size.

We'll define the dimensions properly using the dimension tool.

Step 4: Add Dimensions

This is an important part of parametric modelling.

Select the appropriate edges and use Smart Dimension.

Set:

• Length = 100 mm
• Width = 60 mm

Now your sketch is controlled by dimensions rather than simply being drawn by eye.

This is one of the major advantages of using a parametric CAD system.

Step 5: Create the 3D Shape

Once your sketch is complete, click:

Exit Sketch → Features → Extruded Boss/Base

Set the extrusion depth to:

10 mm

Click OK.

Congratulations!

Your 2D rectangle has now become a 3D solid model.

This simple workflow is fundamental to SOLIDWORKS:

Sketch → Dimension → Feature → 3D Model

Step 6: Add the First Hole

Now let's make the model more realistic.

Select the top face of your plate.

Create a new sketch.

Choose the Circle tool and draw a circle near one end of the plate.

Use Smart Dimension to set the diameter, for example:

Ø12 mm

You can also define the circle's location using dimensions from the edges.

This is important because professional modelling isn't just about creating the correct shape—the feature needs to be located accurately.

Step 7: Cut the Hole

With the circle sketch selected, choose:

Features → Extruded Cut

Set the cut to go:

Through All

Click OK.

You now have a hole through your mounting plate.

Step 8: Create the Second Hole

Instead of drawing the second hole manually, this is a good opportunity to use another useful SOLIDWORKS feature.

Select:

Linear Pattern

Choose the hole feature you just created.

Specify the direction and the required spacing.

For example, you could position the second hole 60 mm away from the first.

Click OK.

Now SOLIDWORKS creates the second hole for you.

This is much faster than rebuilding the same feature manually.

Step 9: Round the Edges

Sharp edges aren't always desirable in a real component.

Let's add a small radius.

Select the outer edges of the plate and choose:

Fillet

Enter a radius such as:

5 mm

Click OK.

The sharp corners are now rounded.

The model immediately looks more like a manufactured component.

Step 10: Give Your Model a Quick Check

Before considering your model complete, rotate it and inspect it from different angles.

Check:

• Are the dimensions correct?
• Are the holes positioned correctly?
• Are the edges properly rounded?
• Does the model look symmetrical?
• Are there any unwanted features?

This habit is important.

Don't just create the model—learn to review it.

What You Just Learned

With one small project, you've already used several important SOLIDWORKS concepts:

SkillWhat You Used It For

Sketch

Creating the basic 2D geometry

Smart Dimension

Controlling size and position

Extruded Boss/Base

Creating the 3D body

Circle

Creating hole geometry

Extruded Cut

Removing material

Linear Pattern

Repeating a feature

Fillet

Rounding edges

These are some of the building blocks you'll use repeatedly as you progress.

Why Parametric Modelling Matters

One of the biggest advantages of SOLIDWORKS is that your model isn't simply a collection of shapes.

It is built using relationships, dimensions and features.

For example, imagine you later decide:

“I want the plate to be 120 mm instead of 100 mm.”

You can change the relevant dimension, and the model can update based on the design intent you've created.

This is very different from simply drawing a shape and leaving it as it is.

A Good Practice Exercise for Students

Now try creating your own version.

Change the design to:

• Plate length: 120 mm
• Plate width: 70 mm
• Thickness: 12 mm
• Hole diameter: 10 mm
• Fillet radius: 6 mm

Then experiment with the hole spacing.

The objective isn't to copy the tutorial exactly.

Try changing the design and see how the model responds.

That's when you're actually learning SOLIDWORKS.

What Should You Learn Next?

Once you're comfortable with basic part modelling, you can gradually move into:

Part Modelling

Learn more advanced features such as:

• Revolve
• Sweep
• Loft
• Shell
• Rib
• Mirror
• Advanced patterns

Assembly Design

Learn how individual parts come together to form a complete product.

Drawing & Documentation

Learn how to create engineering drawings from your 3D models.

Simulation

Explore how designs can be analysed before manufacturing.

Product Design

Start working on complete product concepts rather than individual parts.

From a Sketch to a Career Skill

Learning SOLIDWORKS isn't about memorising where every button is.

The real skill is learning how to think about a component, break it into features and build it logically.

Start with a simple plate.

Then design a bracket.

Then try a shaft.

Then a small assembly.

With every project, your understanding grows.

Sketch → Model → Modify → Assemble → Validate → Design

That's the journey from learning SOLIDWORKS to thinking like a 3D designer.

Your first model doesn't need to be perfect.

It just needs to be the beginning.