Is the ʼOriginʼ point fixed and unmovable in every SolidWorks file?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes. In SolidWorks, the Origin point is fixed in every part, assembly, and drawing file and cannot be directly moved with Move/Copy Bodies or sketch drag methods. The standard professional method is to move or redefine the model relative to the Origin instead. Limitation: you can only reposition geometry, not the actual Origin.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your model is built far from the Origin, rebuild performance, mates, mass properties, and drawing alignment can become less reliable. A common failure is importing geometry off-origin and then trying to “move the Origin,” which SolidWorks does not allow.

How to Move the Model Relative to the Origin

  • Command: Move/Copy Bodies

  • Shortcut: None by default

  • Quick Steps:

    1. In a part file, go to Insert > Features > Move/Copy or use the Features toolbar.
    2. In the PropertyManager, enable Translate/Rotate and select the solid or surface body to move.
    3. Enter the X, Y, and Z translation values, or use Constraints if needed, then click OK to place the body relative to the fixed Origin.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Translate/Rotate toggle in Move/Copy Bodies

  • Expert Setting: This option lets you precisely shift body position relative to the fixed coordinate system. If it is off, you will not be able to numerically reposition the body using the most direct method.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Sketches and features may be fully defined to the Origin or default planes, so moving bodies can break design intent or create downstream feature issues.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): In assemblies, fixed components or mate constraints can prevent repositioning relative to the assembly Origin.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users often try to move the Origin itself, but SolidWorks treats it as a permanent reference entity in the file coordinate system.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Use Move/Copy Bodies in part files, or edit sketch dimensions and reference relations so the model is rebuilt in the correct location relative to the Origin.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Keep critical geometry centered on or intentionally referenced to the Origin from the start. For imported parts, move the body once early in the workflow and avoid repeated positional corrections later.

FAQ

Can you relocate the Origin in a solidworks part?
No, the Origin itself cannot be moved.

Can an assembly Origin be changed?
No, but components can be mated or moved relative to it.

What is the best fix for imported geometry far from Origin?
Use Move/Copy Bodies or reimport and align it properly during setup.

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