There are three ways to project a sketch on a surface in SolidWorks. Each method has some advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we are going to explain all 3 of them along with their differences. So, let’s get started.

In order to project a sketch, you obviously need a sketch and a surface/face to project on.

Method 1: Using Split Line Command:

1. Initialize the Split Line command from the Curves toolbar present in the Features Tab.

2. Under the Type of Split menu, choose Projection. In the Selections menu, select the Sketch and the face you want that sketch to be projected on.

If required, select the Reverse Direction check box, or click the handle which is present at the center of the sketch in the graphics area that shows the projection direction, to reverse it.

Deselect the Single Direction option if you want to create a projection that extends on both sides of the sketch.

3. Click Ok and the sketch will be projected onto that surface.

Method 2: Using Project Curve Command:

Tip: Project Curve Command does not split the surface on which we are projecting our sketch, while both Split Command and Wrap Command do.

1. Click Project Curve present in the Curves toolbar in the Features Tab, or go to Insert -> Curve –> Projected.

2. In the Property Manager, under Selections, set the Projection type to Sketch on faces.

• In the Sketch to Project box, select the sketch from the graphics area or from the FeatureManager design tree.
• If needed, in the Direction of Projection box, select a plane, edge, sketch, or face as the direction of the projected curve. You can also leave it empty.
• Under Projection Faces, select the face/faces on the model where you want to project the sketch.
• If required, select the Reverse projection check box, or click the handle in the graphics area that shows the projection direction to reverse the direction of projection.
• Select Bi-directional if you want to create a projection that extends on both sides of the sketch.

3. Click Ok and the sketch will now be projected on the surface. Notice this projection is in Blue color because the surface is not split by this command.

Method 3: Using Wrap Command:

Tip: This is the only command that can truly project a sketch all around the surface. Other methods don’t allow this. But, this method doesn’t allow the use of open contours in the projection sketch.

1. Use the Wrap Command present in Features Tab or go to Insert -> Features -> Wrap.

2. In the Property Manager, define your Wrap.

• Under the Wrap Type, select Scribe.
• Under the Wrap Method, select whichever defines your surface the best. The first icon, the Analytical method wraps a sketch onto a planar or non-planar face such as those from cylindrical, conical, or extruded models. The second icon, the Spline Surface method wraps a sketch on any face type. A limitation of this method is that it cannot wrap around a model.
• Under Wrap Parameters, select the sketch and the surface you want to project the sketch on, in their respective boxes.
• Increase the Accuracy if the sketch is poorly projected.

3. Click the Green Checkmark and your sketch should now be scribed on the Surface.

So, in this quick and easy tutorial, you learned different ways of projecting a sketch onto a surface and the difference between them.