Introduction

Selecting hidden edges easily in SolidWorks is an essential skill for engineers and designers aiming to streamline their modeling workflow. Hidden edges often clutter the workspace, making it challenging to identify critical lines for modifications or measurements. Knowing how to efficiently select these concealed features enhances design accuracy and speeds up the modeling process. Whether you’re working with complex assemblies or simple parts, mastering techniques to locate and select hidden edges is invaluable. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step methods, practical tips, and best practices to confidently select hidden edges in SolidWorks.

Why Accurate Edge Selection Matters in SolidWorks

Selecting edges, especially hidden ones, plays a vital role in:

• Creating precise sketches and features
• Troubleshooting complex models
• Applying consistent fillets or chamfers
• Conducting detailed analysis or inspections

Misinterpreting or overlooking hidden edges can lead to flawed designs, errors in assemblies, or extra time spent correcting mistakes. Therefore, mastering methods to select hidden edges ensures higher modeling accuracy and a more efficient workflow.

Fundamentals of Hidden Edges in SolidWorks

What Are Hidden Edges?

Hidden edges are lines on a part that are not visible in the current view because they are obscured by other features or faces. These edges are crucial for understanding the full geometry, especially in complex models.

Why Edges Are Hidden in SolidWorks

• Part geometry – internal features or backside edges
• View orientation – certain perspectives hide intricate details
• Layer or display style settings – wireframe or shaded with edges modes

Common scenarios where hiding edges occur

• Internal cuts or holes
• Hidden features behind other surfaces
• Isometric or angled views for clarity
• Assemblies with overlapping components

Recognizing when edges are hidden is the first step to selecting them effectively.

How to View Hidden Edges in SolidWorks

Before selecting hidden edges, they need to be visible. Here’s how to make hidden edges visible:

1. Enable Wireframe Mode

• Go to the Heads-up View toolbar
• Click on the display style dropdown
• Select Wireframe or Shaded with Edges

This mode displays all edges, including hidden ones.

2. Use the Hidden Edges Display Option

• Right-click in the graphics area
• Select DISPLAY and then Hidden Edges
• Edges will appear as dashed lines indicating they are hidden

3. Temporarily Show Hidden Edges

• In the FeatureManager, right-click the part or assembly
• Choose View Hidden Edges
• All hidden edges turn visible as dashed lines

4. Use the View Orientation to Your Advantage

• Rotate the model to a different perspective
• Use predefined views (e.g., Right, Top, Isometric)
• This often exposes edges that weren’t visible before

5. Use Section Views or Cut-aways

• Create a section cut to reveal internal features
• This exposes hidden edges behind other geometry

Practice switching between display modes to get the best view of hidden edges.

Step-by-Step: Selecting Hidden Edges in SolidWorks

Once hidden edges are visible, follow these steps to select them effectively:

1. Use the Mouse to Hover Over Edges

• Cursor will change based on what is underneath
• Hover over lines to preview which edge is selected

2. Use the Selection Filter

• Access the Selection Filter toolbar
• Enable Edges only
• This reduces accidental selection of faces or vertices

3. Zoom In for Precision

• Use the mouse wheel to zoom in
• Focus on the edge you want to select for accurate clicking

4. Select Multiple Hidden Edges

• Hold down CTRL and click individual edges
• For multiple selections, use box selection with the Shift key

5. Use the “Select Chain” Tool

• Right-click on an edge
• Choose Select Chain
• This selects a continuous chain of edges, including hidden ones if visible

6. Use the “Find Edges” Tool (for complex parts)

• Enable Entity Select from the heads-up toolbar
• Use Ctrl + click to select edges from a list or preview

7. Confirm Selection

• Once selected, use features like Fillet or Chamfer to verify correctness
• Adjust selection as necessary to include or exclude specific edges

Practical Examples of Selecting Hidden Edges

Example 1: Fillet on Internal Corners

• Open a part with internal fillets
• Rotate to an internal view
• Enable Hidden Edges
• Use Edge Selection Filter
• Select the internal corner edge for filleting

Example 2: Adding Detail to an Assembly

• Open an assembly component
• Hide external components for clarity
• Reveal internal edges via View Hidden Edges
• Select edges to add features like cuts or vents

Example 3: Troubleshooting Interferences

• Use Section View to expose hidden geometry
• Select hidden edges involved in interferences
• Edit features accordingly

Common Mistakes When Selecting Hidden Edges

• Not enabling the correct display mode, leading to missed edges
• Selecting behind or in front of the model without rotating
• Forgetting to toggle visibility of hidden edges before selection
• Overlooking the importance of selecting the right edge chain
• Zooming out too far, causing accidental selections of unrelated edges

Best Practices and Tips for Seamless Selection

• Always rotate your model to confirm edge visibility
• Use dedicated display modes (Wireframe/Shaded with Edges)
• Enable selection filters for precise control
• Frequently toggle hidden edges display during modeling
• Utilize section views or temporary cuts for complex internal features
• Customize shortcut keys for frequently used selection tools

Comparing Selection Techniques: Manual vs. Auto-Select

For most cases, combining visibility toggling with selection filters yields the best results.

Conclusion

Selecting hidden edges easily in SolidWorks is a crucial skill that elevates your modeling efficiency and accuracy. By mastering how to view hidden edges through display modes, section views, and strategic model rotation, you can locate critical lines effortlessly. Coupling this with precise selection techniques ensures you can execute complex features confidently. Regular practice and adopting best practices will embed these skills into your workflow, saving time and reducing errors. Unlock the full potential of SolidWorks by becoming proficient in managing hidden edges — a small skill with a big impact.

FAQ

1. How can I quickly make all hidden edges visible in SolidWorks?

Ans: Use the “View Hidden Edges” option from the View menu or right-click menu to instantly reveal all hidden edges.

2. What display mode is best for selecting hidden edges?

Ans: “Wireframe” or “Shaded with Edges” modes are best, as they reveal all edges, including hidden ones.

3. How do I select multiple hidden edges efficiently?

Ans: Enable the Edges selection filter, hold down CTRL, and click each edge or drag a selection box around them.

4. Can I select hidden edges without changing the view mode?

Ans: No, hidden edges are not directly selectable unless they are temporarily shown or exposed.

5. What is the best way to view internal hidden edges in an assembly?

Ans: Use section views or temporarily hide external parts to expose and select internal hidden edges comfortably.

6. How do I prevent accidentally selecting the wrong edge when selecting hidden ones?

Ans: Use precise zooming, selection filters, and rotate the model to ensure correct targeting before clicking.

7. Are there any keyboard shortcuts for selecting hidden edges in SolidWorks?

Ans: While not default, you can customize shortcuts for display toggles or selection tools to speed up the process.