How to Use Derived Sketch in SOLIDWORKS

A derived sketch in SOLIDWORKS creates a linked copy of an existing sketch. It is useful when the same sketch shape needs to appear on another plane, in another location, or in a related feature while staying connected to the original sketch.

When to use a derived sketch

Use a derived sketch when two features should share the same profile. For example, you may need the same cut shape on a different plane, a repeated outline in a loft, or a controlled sketch that drives several related features. If the sketches should be independent, a normal copied sketch may be better.

The advantage is consistency. When the parent sketch changes, the derived sketch can follow it, which reduces duplicate editing and keeps related features aligned with the same design intent.

Create the derived sketch

1. Select the original sketch in the FeatureManager tree.
2. Select the plane or face where the derived sketch should be placed.
3. Use the derived sketch command.
4. Position or orient the derived sketch if needed.
5. Use the sketch in the next feature.

Understand the link

A derived sketch remains linked to the parent sketch. Changes to the original sketch can update the derived version. This is useful for consistency, but it also means the original sketch should be stable and clearly named.

Because of that link, avoid deriving from a messy or temporary sketch. Clean parent sketches make derived sketches easier to troubleshoot and less likely to break later.

A good parent sketch should have clear dimensions, stable references, and a name that explains its purpose. If the parent sketch drives several features, it is worth spending extra time making it easy to understand.

Move and orient the sketch

Depending on the workflow, the derived sketch may need to be positioned or aligned. Use dimensions, relations, and reference geometry so the derived sketch is placed intentionally. Avoid leaving it underdefined if its location matters to the design.

If the derived sketch is used on another plane, check its orientation after creation. A sketch that is technically correct may still be flipped or rotated in a way that does not fit the feature.

Use simple reference geometry when possible. Planes, axes, and named sketches are usually easier to follow than derived relationships that depend on a temporary face or an edge that may disappear after a feature change.

Use derived sketches carefully

Derived sketches can simplify repeated geometry, but too many linked sketches can make a model harder to follow. Use them when the shared relationship is part of the design intent. If a later feature only needs a similar shape, a copied sketch may be easier to maintain.

For production models, keep the number of parent-child sketch relationships reasonable. A feature tree full of derived sketches can become confusing unless names and folders are used carefully.

Troubleshooting

If the derived sketch updates unexpectedly, check the parent sketch. If it is in the wrong location, review the selected plane and placement references. If a feature fails after the parent sketch changes, the derived sketch may no longer create a valid profile.

For production models, name both the parent and derived sketches clearly. This makes the relationship easier to understand when another user edits the feature tree later.

Before release, rebuild the part and check every feature driven by the derived sketch. This confirms the linked sketch still creates valid profiles after parent sketch edits.

If another designer will maintain the file, add enough naming and organization to make the relationship obvious in the FeatureManager tree. Derived sketches are most useful when the model intent is visible without needing to inspect every relation manually.