How to Move a Sketch in SOLIDWORKS

Contents

You can move sketch entities in SOLIDWORKS with the Move Entities tool. This is useful when copied geometry lands in the wrong place, a profile needs to shift relative to the origin, or a sketch layout needs repositioning without redrawing it.

If the sketch is on the wrong plane, use Edit Sketch Plane instead. Move Entities changes sketch geometry inside the active sketch; it does not move the sketch to another plane.

Sketch selected to move in SOLIDWORKS — Select the entities you want to move inside the active sketch.

Move sketch entities

Edit the sketch.
Select the sketch entities to move.
Click Tools > Sketch Tools > Move, or use Move Entities.
Choose the from point and to point, or enter move values.
Preview the result and accept the command.
Repair dimensions and relations if needed.

Moved sketch result in SOLIDWORKS — After moving the sketch, make sure the geometry is still fully defined.

Move versus copy

Move changes the selected geometry’s location. Copy creates another set of geometry. If you need the original profile to remain, use Copy Entities or copy the sketch before moving it.

Repair relations after moving

Moving sketch entities can break or overdefine relations, especially when the original sketch referenced model edges, the origin, or other entities. Check the sketch status and repair dangling relations before using it for a feature.

A good habit is to rebuild immediately after the move and check whether the sketch is still fully defined. If the profile drives a cut, boss, sweep, or revolve, also confirm the feature still uses the intended contour.