Whenever we add a fillet or chamfer to a corner, we remove the existing intersection point between two sketch entities, which can make it difficult to add certain dimensions.
A virtual sharp is a sketch point created at the virtual intersection point between two sketch entities - dimensions and relations can then be added to this sketch point.
To create a virtual sharp in an open sketch, hold down the CTRL key and select two sketch entities.
Select the Point command from the Sketch toolbar in the Command Manager and a virtual sharp is created at the point where the sketch entities would intersect.
The Smart Dimension tool offers an alternative method to add virtual sharps to sketches.
Select the Smart Dimension tool, then right click on the first sketch entity and select Find Intersection.
Now select the second sketch entity and the virtual sharp will be created and selected automatically, ready for you to select the second dimension reference.
This method is especially useful when working with drawing views on 2D technical drawings in SOLIDWORKS.
If the virtual sharp doesn’t stand out enough or comply with your company standards, then it can be modified within the System Options.
To change how virtual sharps display, navigate to the Options cog > Document Properties > Virtual Sharps, where the virtual sharp point can be represented by various symbols.
Remember that as these are document properties, they will either need to be modified for each file, or saved into a template.
Check out our blog tutorial to learn how to save custom part templates, or discover how to create your own custom drawing borders and templates by attending our SOLIDWORKS Drawings training course.
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