What is a ʼSection Viewʼ in SolidWorks?
Short Answer
A section view in SolidWorks is a drawing or model display that cuts through geometry to reveal internal features using the Section View command. The most common professional method is creating it from a selected cutting line in a drawing view. It does not automatically simplify overly complex assemblies.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Section views can fail or display misleading results if the parent view is misaligned, broken, or based on lightweight/incorrect assembly data. In assemblies, hidden internal parts may appear incomplete if components are excluded or not fully resolved.
How to Create a Section View in SolidWorks
Command: Section View
Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut
Quick Steps:
- In a drawing, go to the CommandManager View Layout tab and click Section View.
- Click the parent drawing view, then sketch the cutting line across the area you want to section.
- In the PropertyManager, choose options like Auto hatching or Exclude fasteners, then place the section view.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Auto hatching
Expert Setting: This option automatically applies hatch patterns to cut components, improving clarity in assemblies and detail drawings. If the hatch looks crowded or confusing, adjust component hatch settings manually in the section view properties.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): The cutting line does not properly pass through the model area needed to expose internal features, or the source view is not suitable for sectioning.
Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The drawing view or annotations may be on a hidden or locked layer, making the section line or resulting view appear missing.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Section View cannot be created correctly from certain dependent, broken, or misconfigured views, and some components may be excluded by section scope settings.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
Quick Fix: Recreate the section from a clean base view and check the Exclude fasteners and hatch options in the Section View PropertyManager before placing it.
Manager’s Verdict: Use Section View whenever you need to document internal geometry clearly in production drawings, but avoid overusing it on crowded assembly sheets where detail views or broken-out sections communicate better.
FAQ
Can you make a Section View in a part file?
Yes, you can create a sectioned model display in part and assembly documents.
Why is my Section View not showing hatch?
Auto hatching may be disabled, or the cut component is excluded from sectioning.
Can Section View be used in assemblies?
Yes, it is commonly used in assembly drawings to show internal relationships between parts.
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