How Do You Autotrace in SolidWorks?

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How Do You Autotrace in SolidWorks?

If you are a SolidWorks user, you may have encountered the need to convert an image or a sketch into a vector format. This process, known as autotracing, allows for easier editing and manipulation of the drawing. In this tutorial, we will explore how to autotrace in SolidWorks and achieve accurate results.

Step 1: Importing the Image

The first step is to import the image that you want to autotrace. To do this, go to File > Open and select your image file. SolidWorks supports various file formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.

Step 2: Preparing the Image

Before we can autotrace the image, we need to prepare it by adjusting its size and resolution. To resize the image, go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Sketch Picture, then click on your imported image and drag its corners until it reaches the desired size.

To adjust the resolution of the image, right-click on it and select Edit Sketch Picture. In the popup window, you can modify the Scale value to increase or decrease the resolution.

Step 3: Autotracing

Now that our image is ready, we can proceed with autotracing. In SolidWorks, there are two methods for autotracing – using a sketch or using a spline.

A) Autotracing with Sketches

  1. Select Sketch > Sketch Picture.
  2. Pick any point on your imported image as a reference.
  3. Start tracing the contours of your image using the Line, Arc, and other sketching tools. Ensure that you create closed loops for each shape.
  4. Once you have finished tracing, right-click on the sketch and select Convert to Sketch Entities.
  5. Delete the original imported image, as it is no longer needed.

B) Autotracing with Splines

  1. Select Sketch > Spline.
  2. Click on points along the contours of your image to create a spline. SolidWorks will automatically generate a smooth curve.
  3. Repeat this step for each shape in the image.
  4. Delete the original imported image once you are done.

Step 4: Refining the Autotraced Drawing

After autotracing, you may notice that your drawing requires some refinement. To make adjustments, select the sketch or spline and use SolidWorks’ editing tools such as Edit Sketch, Mirror Entities, or Fillet.

Step 5: Saving and Exporting

Once you are satisfied with your autotraced drawing, it’s time to save and export it. To save your work, go to File > Save As. Select a location on your computer and choose a file format that suits your needs – such as DWG or DXF for use in other CAD software.

Note: The autotraced drawing created in SolidWorks is a vector graphic that can be scaled without losing quality.

Congratulations! You have successfully autotraced an image in SolidWorks. With this newfound skill, you can easily convert sketches or images into editable vector drawings, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for your designs.