How to Use Mate Reference in SOLIDWORKS

Contents

Mate References in SOLIDWORKS let parts automatically create mates when they are inserted into an assembly. They are useful for pins, fasteners, fittings, handles, brackets, electrical connectors, and repeated components that always mate the same way.

A Mate Reference stores one or more mating references inside the part file. When the part is dropped into an assembly near matching geometry, SOLIDWORKS can infer the intended mate setup.

Mate Reference example in SOLIDWORKS — Mate References help repeated parts snap into assemblies more predictably.

Create a Mate Reference

Open the part that will be reused in assemblies.
Go to Insert > Reference Geometry > Mate Reference.
Select the primary reference entity, such as a face, edge, axis, or point.
Choose the mate type and alignment.
Add secondary or tertiary references if needed.
Save the part.

Creating a Mate Reference in SOLIDWORKS — The Mate Reference PropertyManager stores the intended mating references.

Use the part in an assembly

After the Mate Reference is saved in the part, insert that part into an assembly and move it near compatible geometry. SOLIDWORKS can use the saved reference to create the appropriate mate automatically or with less manual selection.

Using Mate Reference in a SOLIDWORKS assembly — Insert the part near matching assembly geometry to use the saved mate reference.

Use multiple references when needed

A simple part may only need one reference. A part that must align orientation as well as location may need secondary and tertiary references. Use only as many references as needed; too many can make the behavior harder to predict.

Multiple Mate Reference selections in SOLIDWORKS — Secondary references can control orientation when one reference is not enough.

Common use cases

Fasteners and washers that align to holes.
Pins, shafts, and bushings that use concentric mates.
Electrical connectors that always attach to a matching face.
Hardware library parts reused across many assemblies.

SOLIDWORKS Mate Reference result — Mate References are strongest for reusable parts with predictable assembly behavior.

Troubleshooting Mate References

The part does not snap: check that compatible geometry exists in the assembly.
The mate flips: edit mate alignment or add a secondary reference.
The behavior is inconsistent: simplify references and avoid fragile faces.
The wrong mate type appears: edit the Mate Reference in the part file and save it again.

For related assembly tools, see Path Mate in SOLIDWORKS and Smart Fasteners in SOLIDWORKS.

Finished Mate Reference setup in SOLIDWORKS — Save the part after editing the Mate Reference so assemblies can use it later.

Reference: SOLIDWORKS Help describes Mate References as references added to parts so automatic mates can be created when components are inserted into assemblies.