The foundation of any 3D SOLIDWORKS model is a 2D sketch. This is because SOLIDWORKS builds 3D features based on the guidance of 2D sketches. This chapter will get you started with SOLIDWORKS 2D sketching. We will cover multiple sketching commands that will allow you to sketch shapes such as rectangles, triangles, circles, and ellipses. You will also learn how to combine those different sketches and create more complex shapes. Then, we will explore the different levels in which SOLIDWORKS defines a sketch. Mastering SOLIDWORKS 2D sketching is essential if we wish to build a 3D model. 

The following topics will be covered in this chapter:

• Introducing SOLIDWORKS sketching
• Getting started with SOLIDWORKS sketching
• Sketching lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, and ellipses
• Under defined, fully defined, and over defined sketches