Is it possible to mirror a whole assembly to create a left-hand version in SolidWorks?

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, you can mirror a whole assembly to create a left-hand version by using Mirror Components inside the assembly and, when needed, creating opposite-hand part files. This is the most common professional method for LH/RH variants. Limitation: some parts, mates, and external references may not rebuild correctly.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Mirroring an assembly does not always produce fully independent left-hand geometry automatically. Parts with in-context features, handed threads, sheet metal details, or asymmetric mates can fail or create invalid opposite-hand results if you do not choose the correct file-creation options.

How to Create a Left-Hand Assembly in SolidWorks

• Command: Mirror Components

• Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut

• Quick Steps:

  1. In the Assembly environment, go to Insert > Mirror Components, then select a plane or planar face as the mirror reference.
  2. Select the components to mirror, then choose the appropriate output option such as Create opposite hand version for handed parts or reuse mirrored positioning for symmetric components.
  3. In the PropertyManager, review options like Propagate visual properties and file naming/location, then finish the command and rebuild the assembly.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Create opposite hand version

  This option controls whether SolidWorks makes new derived left-hand part files instead of only placing mirrored component instances. Use it for parts that must physically exist as unique LH components for manufacturing, bom control, or downstream drawings.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): Features such as text, threads, sheet metal forms, lofts, or directional cuts may not produce valid opposite-hand geometry.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Read-only files, PDM state restrictions, or insufficient write permissions can block creation of new mirrored part files.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): If you only mirror component placement instead of creating opposite-hand parts, the assembly may look correct visually but still reference the original right-hand parts in the BOM.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: Re-run Mirror Components and enable Create opposite hand version for all truly handed parts, then rebuild and verify mates and file references.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use assembly mirroring for product families and LH/RH variants, but avoid it when the model contains many in-context dependencies or complex manufacturing features unless you validate each mirrored part carefully.

FAQ

Can SolidWorks create new left-hand part files during assembly mirroring?
Yes, by using the Create opposite hand version option.

Will mirrored assembly components keep their mates?
Some mates transfer, but complex or directional mates often need repair.

Can I use mirrored components for manufacturing drawings?
Yes, but only if proper opposite-hand files are created and checked.

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