How do I use the SOLIDWORKS SketchXpert?

The dictionary defines the word "expert" as a person who has special skill or knowledge in some particular field. Ask yourself "am I an 'expert' when it comes to sketch repairs?" Using SOLIDWORKS constraints has caused everyone's sketch at some point in time to change to an undesirable result.

When a sketch changes color, every color means something. When a sketch changes to an undesired result like Red, Blue or Pink, how you respond is what makes you an expert.  Some of you may invoke Undo and try something different.

Blue = Under – Defined

Black = Fully – Defined

Red = Over – Defined

Yellow = Invalid

Pink = Unsolvable

If you’re brave, you may wade through all the relations to figure out what the conflict is.  This is certainly not a skill everyone possesses. How can anyone be an expert?

Instantly becoming an expert in sketch repair is easy.  It is so easy, in fact, that the only thing you need to know is where to find the tool that will do it for you. The problem is that the tool called “SketchXpert,” is not located on a toolbar and it cannot be added to your S-Key or mouse gestures.  It is only found in one spot: when a sketch changes to an overdefined state, you will notice a warning on the status bar in SOLIDWORKS.

In the image which follows, clicking the phrase "Over Defined" on the status bar will open the SketchXpert.

Once inside the command, select “Diagnose” and SketchXpert will determine how the conflict can be resolved. It may give you multiple solutions to the problem, all of which rid your sketch of errors. 

One thing you don’t want to miss in the SketchXpert Property Manager is the “always open this dialog when sketch error occurs” message. This will make it always pop up when it is needed most.

Find the solution that works for you and accept it. Now you can confidently say that you, too, are a sketch expert using the SOLIDWORKS SketchXpert!