How to Use the Indent Feature in SOLIDWORKS

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The SOLIDWORKS Indent feature creates a pocket or protrusion in a target body using the shape of one or more tool bodies. It is useful for packaging forms, molded parts, clearance pockets, stamped impressions, and quick fit studies where one body needs to leave a shaped offset in another.

Indent works best in multibody parts, but it can also be used from assembly context in some workflows. The important idea is simple: choose a target body, choose a tool body, then control whether the tool creates a cut-like pocket or an added region.

SOLIDWORKS Indent feature example — Indent uses one body to shape another body.

Prepare the target and tool bodies

Before starting the command, make sure the bodies are positioned correctly. The target body is the body that will receive the indent. The tool body is the shape that controls the pocket or protrusion.

Target and tool bodies for Indent in SOLIDWORKS — Position the target and tool bodies before creating the feature.

Create an Indent feature

Open the multibody part or edit the part in assembly context.
Go to Insert > Features > Indent.
Select the target body.
Select the tool body or bodies.
Choose the indent type and thickness or clearance options.
Preview the result.
Accept the feature and rebuild the model.

Indent command in SOLIDWORKS — The Indent PropertyManager controls the target body, tool body, and offset options.

Use cut, thickness, and clearance options

Indent can create an offset pocket that follows the tool body, and it can also keep a controlled thickness or clearance. Use clearance when the pocket must leave space around the tool. Use thickness when the formed region needs a wall-like result.

Indent thickness and clearance options in SOLIDWORKS — Thickness and clearance control how closely the indent follows the tool body.

Check the result

After accepting the feature, rotate the model and inspect the affected region. Look for thin walls, failed edges, self-intersections, or details that would be difficult to manufacture. If the feature creates too much complexity, simplify the tool body or use a more direct cut feature.

Inspecting an Indent feature in SOLIDWORKS — Inspect the indent carefully before using it in a released model.

When Indent is a good choice

Creating clearance pockets around another part.
Making packaging or molded forms from a product shape.
Testing formed or pressed geometry quickly.
Building a contour that would be slow to sketch manually.

SOLIDWORKS Indent result — Indent is strongest when the tool body naturally defines the needed shape.

Troubleshooting Indent

The feature fails: check that the target and tool bodies intersect or are positioned as intended.
The result is too thin: increase clearance, change thickness, or simplify the tool body.
The pocket is not the expected shape: confirm you selected the correct target and tool bodies.
The model becomes slow: simplify small tool-body details before using them for Indent.

Troubleshooting SOLIDWORKS Indent geometry — Most Indent problems come from body selection, positioning, or overly detailed tool geometry.

For related shaping features, see the SOLIDWORKS Flex feature and the SOLIDWORKS Freeform tool.

Finished SOLIDWORKS Indent feature — Use Indent when a body-to-body shape relationship is the clearest way to model the part.

Reference: SOLIDWORKS Help describes Indent as a feature that creates an offset pocket or protrusion on a target body matching the contour of a selected tool body.