How to Mirror a Part in SOLIDWORKS

Mirroring a part in SOLIDWORKS is useful when you need an opposite-hand version of an existing component. A mirrored part can save modeling time for left-hand and right-hand brackets, covers, housings, and other parts that share the same shape but face the opposite direction.

Decide what kind of mirror you need

Before using the mirror command, decide whether the mirrored body should stay in the same part file or become a separate opposite-hand part. A same-file mirror is useful for symmetric modeling. A separate mirrored part is better when the left and right versions need their own drawings, part numbers, or revisions.

This choice matters because downstream drawings, assemblies, and BOMs may treat the mirrored geometry differently. For production work, confirm how the mirrored part should be documented before release.

Also check whether the mirrored version should share material, custom properties, and configuration names with the original part. Copying too much information can create a drawing or purchasing mistake if the handed part needs a different part number.

Use a mirror plane or face

A mirror needs a reference plane, planar face, or other valid mirror reference. The Front, Top, or Right plane is often enough, but custom reference planes are useful when the mirror line does not match the default origin planes.

Check the preview carefully. If the mirrored body appears on the wrong side or overlaps the original, select a different plane or adjust the reference geometry.

Create a mirrored body

1. Open the part file.
2. Select the mirror reference plane or face.
3. Use the Mirror command.
4. Choose the features or bodies to mirror.
5. Review the preview and options.
6. Accept the feature and rebuild the part.

Create an opposite-hand part

If the mirrored version needs to become its own file, use the mirrored part workflow instead of only creating a second body in the original model. This can create a new part file that references the original geometry.

After creating the opposite-hand part, check whether the link to the original should remain. A linked mirror is convenient when both versions should update together, but an unlinked copy may be safer when the parts need independent changes.

If the link stays active, make sure the original part is controlled carefully. A change made for the right-hand part may automatically affect the left-hand part, which is helpful only when that relationship is intended.

Check drawings and assemblies

Mirrored parts can create documentation mistakes if the drawing still looks like the original part. Check views, dimensions, hole callouts, notes, and handedness labels. In assemblies, confirm that the mirrored component fits correctly and does not interfere with neighboring parts.

For purchased or fabricated parts, add clear drawing notes when a part is left-hand or right-hand. That helps prevent the wrong version from being ordered or made.

In an assembly, test both versions in their real positions. A mirrored part can look correct by itself but still place holes, slots, labels, or access features on the wrong side once installed.

Troubleshooting

If the mirror fails, check whether the selected feature depends on references that cannot be mirrored cleanly. Mirroring bodies is often more reliable than mirroring a complicated set of features. If the result is inside-out or positioned incorrectly, review the selected mirror reference.

Always rebuild and inspect the part after mirroring. Pay attention to threaded features, text, asymmetric holes, countersinks, and any detail where handedness changes the manufacturing meaning.

Use mirrored parts carefully in released designs. The command is fast, but the final model still needs the same checking as any other production component.

When in doubt, compare the original and mirrored model side by side using section views and reference dimensions. This extra check is quick and can catch the small handedness errors that are easy to miss in a normal isometric view.