How to Make an Isometric Section View in SolidWorks

You know the things in life you’ve always dreamt you would have the chance to do? If creating an Isometric Section View in SolidWorks is one of them, get ready to mark it off the list.

Actually, dreaming about something like this may be a bit odd. Harnessing frustration might be a better term. Similar for some people, I suppose, although the later usually leaves you bitter and wrinkled. There is hope however. Have a look.

Yes, you read that correctly. In SolidWorks 2007 SP 2.0 you can now create Isometric Section Views and you can do it very easily.

Two easy steps

1. Create a section view as you normally would
2. Right click on the section view and select Isometric Section View

To change it back
Just right click on the view again and select Remove Isometric View.

Exceptions
You can’t do it with Partial Section or with Display only Cut Face(s) selected. Just make sure you draw the section line across the entire view and don’t have those selected.

Prior to 2007?
If you’re running an earlier version, the best method I’ve found is to create a configuration of an assembly with an assembly cut. If you want a hatch pattern in the drawing though, you’ll have to select each area manually, go to the Insert menu and select Annotations, Area Hatch/Fill.