How to Mirror a Feature in SOLIDWORKS

Mirroring a feature in SOLIDWORKS copies an existing feature across a plane or flat face. It is useful for symmetrical parts, matching holes, repeated cuts, bosses, ribs, and details that need to appear on the opposite side of a model. A mirrored feature can save time and help keep both sides of a part consistent.

Create the original feature first

Start by creating the feature you want to mirror. This could be a cut, boss, fillet, hole, rib, or other feature. Make sure the original feature rebuilds correctly before using it as the source for a mirror.

If the source feature already has warnings or weak references, the mirrored feature will usually be harder to troubleshoot. Repair the original first so the mirror starts from stable geometry.

Choose the mirror plane

The mirror plane controls where the copied feature appears. You can use a default plane, reference plane, or planar face. Choose a reference that represents the true symmetry of the part. If the mirror plane is wrong, the mirrored feature may appear in the wrong location or orientation.

For symmetrical parts, default planes often work well if the model was built around the origin. For off-center geometry, create a reference plane that clearly represents the intended mirror location.

Use the Mirror command

1. Go to Features > Mirror.
2. Select the mirror face or plane.
3. Select the feature or features to mirror.
4. Preview the result.
5. Accept the feature when the mirrored geometry is correct.

Mirror features vs bodies

Feature mirror copies selected features. Body mirror copies a body. Use feature mirror when you want the design tree to show the mirrored version of specific features. Use body mirror when the whole solid or surface body needs to be mirrored as a body operation.

If a feature mirror fails, body mirror may still work, but it changes how the model is structured. Choose the method that best matches how the part should be edited later.

Feature mirrors are usually better for design intent because the mirrored details remain connected to the original feature. Body mirrors can be useful for multi-body workflows or when the part is being built from separate solid bodies.

Check dependent features

Some features depend on sketches, faces, or edges that may not mirror cleanly. If the mirror fails, try mirroring fewer features or include related features in the correct order. For example, a fillet that depends on a cut may need the cut to be mirrored first.

Pay close attention to features that reference a specific face direction, contour, or endpoint. Those references may not exist on the mirrored side in the same way.

Troubleshooting mirror failures

If the preview is missing or the feature fails, check the mirror plane, source feature, and selected bodies. Suppress later features temporarily if they make the geometry harder to solve. You can also create a simpler reference plane and try the mirror again.

After mirroring, rebuild the model and inspect both sides of the part. Confirm that the mirrored feature matches the design intent and does not create overlapping or unwanted geometry.

If the mirrored feature will appear in a drawing, open the drawing after the model update. Dimensions, notes, and section views should still describe the part clearly.