How to define a SOLIDWORKS Detail View in a specific shape rather than a circle

When teaching the SOLIDWORKS Essentials course I often get asked “Can you make a SOLIDWORKS Detail View that is not a circle?” The answer is yes, you can!

1. First create a closed contour sketch where you want the detail view using either an ellipse, spline, or any other sketch geometry.
2. Select the sketch and then select Detail View from the View Layout Tab.

SOLIDWORKS Detail View selection

3. You can then choose a style for the Detail Circle: Per Standard, Broken Circle, With leader, No leader, or Connected.

Detail Circle Style

4. Under the Style you will then select Profile to use the sketch you created.

Use Profile

You will now have a SOLIDWORKS Detail View contained within the profile sketch you selected.

Detail View created