Inserting an image into a sketch in SOLIDWORKS

We can insert a image into a sketch in SOLIDWORKS and use it as a background for creating 2D sketches. Multiple file formats are supported including .jpg, .tif, and .bmp, to name just a few.

In this example we have a picture of a guitar body we want to model.

We start a new sketch and insert the picture using the “Sketch Picture” command. Using the pulldowns, the command can be found at Tools > Sketch Tools > Sketch Picture. The bottom left corner of the picture is placed at the origin.

Using the sketch picture command

The picture needs to be sized and positioned. An easy way to size it is by using the scale tool. When the scale tool is checked on, a blue line is displayed on the image.

Drag the left end of the scale tool (pink circle) to a start position and the right end (pink arrow) to an end position and then type in what that distance should be.

Modify distance

Once it’s sized, left click on the image and drag it to position it relative to the origin.

Another way to size and position it (without using the scale tool) is to sketch something and dimension it. Sketch whatever makes sense – lines, circles, rectangles, etc. In this case we want the guitar body to be about 20 inches long, so I’ll sketch a single line segment and dimension it 20”.

Sketch a single line segment

After sketching the line, insert the picture, and turn off “Enable scale tool.”

Turn off “enable scale tool”

To move the image, left click on it and drag it. To size it, left click on one of the corner points of the image border and drag it. With “Lock aspect ratio” checked (which is the default), it stays proportional.

When the image is positioned and sized, exit the sketch. Start a new sketch on the same plane and sketch over the picture.

We hope this article demonstrating how to insert an image into a sketch in SOLIDWORKS was useful. For more helpful tips and tricks, check out our other blog articles.