How Do I Change a Break View in SolidWorks?

Changing the break view in SolidWorks is a useful technique that allows you to create a more detailed and organized drawing. Whether you want to emphasize specific areas of your design or simply improve the readability of your drawing, understanding how to change the break view is essential. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Open the Drawing

To begin, open the drawing in SolidWorks where you want to change the break view. This can be an existing drawing or a new one that you create specifically for this purpose.

Step 2: Select the Break View Tool

Once you have opened the drawing, locate the toolbar at the top of your screen. In this toolbar, find and select the “Break View” tool. It is represented by an icon that looks like two parallel lines with a zigzag pattern between them.

Step 3: Place Break Lines

After selecting the “Break View” tool, move your cursor to where you want to place your break lines on the drawing. Click once to start placing a break line, then move your cursor and click again to set its endpoint. Repeat this process for all desired break lines on your drawing.

Note:

You can change the orientation and length of each break line by clicking and dragging its endpoints after placing it on your drawing.

Step 4: Customize Break Lines

To further customize your break lines, right-click on any of them and select “Properties” from the context menu that appears. In the properties window, you can adjust various settings such as line style, line weight, and color.

Note:

The properties window allows you to customize each break line individually, giving you full control over their appearance.

Step 5: Adjust the Gap Size

By default, SolidWorks automatically determines the size of the gap created by the break view. However, you can manually adjust this gap size to better suit your needs. To do this, simply click and drag the break lines away from each other to increase the gap or towards each other to decrease it.

Step 6: Update Your Drawing

Once you are satisfied with your break view, it is important to update your drawing to reflect the changes. To do this, go to the “File” menu and select “Save” if you have not saved your drawing yet. Then, go to the “File” menu again and choose “Print” or “Print Preview” to see how your drawing will appear when printed.

  • TIP: If you want to remove a break view from your drawing, simply select it and press the delete key on your keyboard.
  • TIP: You can also use the “Undo” command (Ctrl + Z) if you make a mistake while placing or customizing break lines.

That’s it! You now know how to change a break view in SolidWorks.

By following these steps and using the available customization options, you can create professional-looking drawings that effectively communicate your design intent. Remember to experiment with different settings and techniques to find what works best for your specific project.