Can you copy and paste a sketch from one plane to another in SolidWorks?
Short Answer
Yes, you can copy and paste a sketch from one plane to another in SolidWorks using Copy and Paste, then reattach or reposition the sketch on the target plane. The most common professional method is to copy the sketch entities, edit a sketch on the destination plane, and paste them there. Limitation: some relations and references may not transfer cleanly.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: pasted sketch geometry can lose external references, plane-dependent relations, or fully defined status after transfer. If the original sketch uses model edges, converted entities, or linked dimensions, SolidWorks may leave dangling relations that must be repaired manually.
How to Copy a Sketch From One Plane to Another in SolidWorks
Command: Copy / Paste
Shortcut: Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V
Quick Steps:
- In the FeatureManager design tree or graphics area, select the source sketch, then use right-click menu > Copy or press Ctrl+C.
- Select the destination plane or planar face, then start a new sketch from the CommandManager or right-click > Sketch.
- Press Ctrl+V to paste the sketch entities, then use Move Entities if needed and confirm relations such as Keep relations where applicable.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Keep relations / sketch relations after paste
Expert Setting: if the pasted sketch contains geometric relations tied only to internal sketch entities, they usually remain. Relations tied to model edges, faces, or different planes may fail, so check the Display/Delete Relations tool immediately after pasting.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): the sketch includes external references, converted edges, or pierce/on-plane relations that are not valid on the new plane.
- Cause 2 (layers/Locks): the target plane, face, or sketch context is not active, so SolidWorks pastes the geometry into the wrong sketch or blocks editing due to feature state.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): copying the feature instead of editing and copying the sketch entities can create unintended parent-child issues or fail to place the sketch where expected.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: paste the sketch into a new sketch on the target plane, then run Display/Delete Relations and Repair Sketch to remove broken references and restore definition.
- Manager’s Verdict: use copy-paste for simple 2D profiles and reused layout geometry; avoid it for heavily referenced sketches unless you plan to rebuild relations cleanly on the new plane.
FAQ
Can I move a sketch to another plane without copying it?
Yes, use Edit Sketch Plane, but some references may break.
Will dimensions copy with the sketch in SolidWorks?
Yes, many sketch dimensions copy, but linked or external references may fail.
Can I paste the sketch onto a face instead of a reference plane?
Yes, as long as the face is planar and you start a sketch on it first.
.