How to Copy a Part in a SOLIDWORKS Assembly

You can copy a part in a SOLIDWORKS assembly when you need another instance of the same component. This is useful for fasteners, brackets, repeated purchased parts, and components that appear several times in one assembly.

Copy an existing component

The simplest method is to select the component in the graphics area or FeatureManager tree, hold Ctrl, and drag it to a new location. SOLIDWORKS inserts another instance of the same part file into the assembly.

This method is fast when you need another copy of an existing component with the same configuration and part number. It is commonly used for screws, washers, spacers, clamps, and repeated brackets.

Understand copy vs independent copy

A normal copied component is another instance of the same file. If you edit the part, every instance updates. If you need a separate part that can be edited independently, use Make Independent or save a copy with a new file name.

This distinction is important. Copying a component in an assembly does not create a new part file. It only places another reference to the same file unless you deliberately make a separate copy.

Mate the copied part

After copying, add mates to locate the new instance. A copied part may appear close to the original, but it is not necessarily constrained correctly. Use concentric, coincident, distance, width, or other mates as needed.

Check the component status in the FeatureManager tree. If the part is still under-defined, it can move when other assembly components are dragged or rebuilt.

Use patterns for repeated parts

If the same part repeats in a predictable direction or around a circle, a component pattern may be better than manual copies. Patterns are easier to edit when spacing or quantity changes.

Manual copies are fine for a few unique placements. For a long row of fasteners or repeated holes, a linear, circular, or pattern-driven component pattern is usually cleaner.

Check BOM behavior

Copied instances usually increase the quantity of that part in the bill of materials. After copying repeated components, check the BOM quantity and make sure excluded or reference components are handled correctly.

If one copied instance should not appear in the BOM, change its component properties deliberately. Do not rely on hiding or suppressing it unless that matches the intended assembly state.

Troubleshooting

If the copied component moves unexpectedly, it is probably under-defined. Add the missing mates. If editing one copied part changes all copies, remember that they are instances of the same file, not separate part files.

If the copy appears in the wrong orientation, rotate it before adding final mates or use temporary reference geometry to position it. It is easier to mate a copy cleanly when it starts near its final location.