how to select a sketch plane onshape

3 min read 07-02-2025

Selecting the right sketch plane is fundamental to creating successful parts in Onshape. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods for choosing and working with sketch planes, ensuring you're always starting your designs on the correct foundation. Mastering this skill will significantly improve your Onshape workflow.

Understanding Sketch Planes in Onshape

Before diving into the selection process, let's clarify what a sketch plane is. In Onshape, a sketch plane is a two-dimensional surface where you create 2D geometry. This geometry then forms the basis for 3D features like extrudes, revolves, and sweeps. Choosing the correct plane is crucial because it directly impacts the orientation and geometry of your final part.

Onshape offers multiple ways to create and select sketch planes, providing flexibility for various design scenarios. Let's explore the most common methods.

Methods for Selecting a Sketch Plane

1. Selecting from the Pre-defined Planes

Onshape automatically provides three primary sketch planes: the XY Plane, the XZ Plane, and the YZ Plane. These are readily accessible at the start of a new part design.

XY Plane: This is the default plane, parallel to the screen when you begin a new part. It's ideal for base features and designs where you want the primary geometry oriented horizontally.
XZ Plane: This plane is vertical and perpendicular to the XY plane. Useful for side profiles or features extending vertically.
YZ Plane: This also is a vertical plane, running perpendicular to both the XY and XZ planes. Often used for profiles viewed from the side.

To select one of these, simply click the "New Sketch" button and choose the desired plane from the dropdown menu.

2. Creating a Plane from a Face

This method is vital for creating sketches on existing geometry.

Select the Face: Locate the face on your part where you want to create a sketch. This could be a planar face of a previously created feature or a complex surface that can be approximated as a plane.
Click "New Sketch": Select the "New Sketch" button.
Choose the Face: From the selection menu or by clicking directly on the face, select the planar face of the model. Onshape will automatically create a sketch plane coincident with that face. Onshape will automatically align the sketch to this face.

3. Creating a Plane from a Plane Feature

This provides maximum control and precision.

Insert Plane Feature: Access the "Insert" menu and choose the "Plane" feature.
Specify Plane Parameters: Onshape offers various methods to define the plane's position and orientation. You can define it by:
- Point and Normal Vector: Specify a point and a vector that is perpendicular to the plane.
- Three Points: Select three points to define the plane's position.
- Offset from Plane: Create a new plane parallel to an existing plane or face at a specified offset distance.
- Offset from Point and Axis: Create a plane at a specified offset distance from a point and perpendicular to a line.
Create Sketch: Once the plane is created, select it as the sketch plane as in method 2. This is perfect for complex assemblies and detailed designs.

4. Using the Plane Tool for Advanced Plane Creation

For even finer control, utilize the dedicated Plane tool. This offers more options compared to simply selecting a face. It allows defining planes using equations or other parameters. This method is most useful in scenarios requiring precise plane alignment. This level of precision is useful when working with complex geometries or when requiring specific alignment to other features.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Incorrect Plane Selection: Double-check your selected plane before starting a sketch. An incorrectly chosen plane can lead to significant design errors.
Non-planar Surfaces: You can't directly create a sketch on a non-planar surface. Consider creating a plane using a tangent or offset plane feature to approximate the surface.
Sketch Visibility: If your sketch isn't appearing, ensure its visibility is turned on in the model tree.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct sketch plane is paramount in Onshape. By understanding the various methods and applying the best approach for your design needs, you’ll improve accuracy and efficiency. Remember to always review your selected plane before starting your sketch to prevent errors and streamline your workflow in Onshape.