To unhide a section line in SolidWorks, you typically need to either reveal hidden drawing entities or sketches, or, if you're referring to making hidden geometry visible within a section view, adjust the view's display style to Hidden Lines Visible.
Unhiding a Section Line in SolidWorks
Restoring the visibility of a section line in SolidWorks depends on whether the cutting plane line itself was hidden, or if you're looking to show hidden geometry within the section view. This guide covers the common methods to ensure your section lines and their associated views are displayed correctly.
Revealing Hidden Section Line Entities
If the section line (the cutting plane line, arrows, and label) has been specifically hidden, or if it's part of a sketch that is currently invisible, you'll need to make these elements visible.
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Using 'Show Hidden Edges' for Manually Hidden Lines:
If you or another user manually hid specific edges of the section line in a drawing view, you can toggle their visibility.- Go to the SolidWorks menu View > Hide/Show.
- Select Hidden Edges. This option will make all edges that were individually hidden visible again. You might need to select the specific section view first to ensure the context is correct.
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Displaying Hidden Sketches:
Often, a section line might be created as part of a sketch. If that sketch is hidden, the section line will also be invisible.- In the FeatureManager Design Tree (typically on the left side of the SolidWorks window), navigate to the drawing sheet containing your section view.
- Expand the relevant drawing view and look for any sketches associated with your section line.
- Right-click on the hidden sketch icon (it often appears faded or has a special symbol) and select Show (the 'eye' icon). This will make all entities within that sketch, including your section line, visible.
Adjusting Display Style for Hidden Lines in Section Views
The term "unhide a section line" can also refer to displaying the hidden geometry of the model within a section view itself. SolidWorks provides specific display styles for this purpose.
If your section view is not showing the internal, obscured edges of your model, you need to change its display style to make them visible. This is a common requirement for detailed technical drawings.
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Via the Heads-up View Toolbar:
This toolbar is located at the top of the graphics area.- Select the section view you wish to modify.
- Click Display Style (the icon often looks like a shaded cube) on the Heads-up View toolbar.
- From the dropdown menu, select Hidden Lines Visible.
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Via the View Toolbar:
This toolbar is usually docked or can be accessed via View > Toolbars > View.- Select the section view.
- Click the Hidden Lines Visible icon directly.
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Using the PropertyManager:
You can also control the display style for individual views through their properties.- Select the section view in your drawing.
- In the PropertyManager (which appears on the left), scroll down to the "Display Style" section.
- Choose Hidden Lines Visible from the available options.
Here's a quick overview of common display styles:
| Display Style Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Hidden Lines Visible | Shows all edges of the model, including those obscured by other geometry, using dashed lines. |
| Hidden Lines Removed | Hides edges obscured by other geometry, providing a cleaner, simplified view. |
| Shaded with Edges | Displays the model with shading and visible edges. |
| Shaded | Displays the model with shading only, no edges. |
| Wireframe | Displays all edges as solid lines, revealing all internal geometry. |
Troubleshooting Other Visibility Issues
Beyond the primary methods, other factors might prevent your section lines or their associated views from appearing correctly:
- Layers: Ensure the section line is not assigned to a layer that is currently hidden or turned off. Check the Layer toolbar (View > Toolbars > Layer).
- Drawing View Properties: Right-click on the section view, select Properties, and review any specific display options or overrides that might be active.
- Component Visibility: If the section line is linked to a specific part or assembly component that has been hidden in the drawing view, you will need to unhide that component.
- Corrupted View: In rare cases, a drawing view might become corrupted. Deleting and recreating the section view can sometimes resolve persistent visibility issues.
Practical Tips for Section View Management
Effective management of your drawing views, especially section views, is key to preventing and quickly resolving visibility issues.
- Utilize the FeatureManager Design Tree: This is your primary tool for managing all elements within your drawing. Right-clicking the section view in the tree provides quick access to its properties and context-specific commands.
- Understand View Dependencies: Section views are dependent on their parent views. Ensure the parent view's settings are not inadvertently affecting the section view's display.
- Consult SolidWorks Help: For detailed information on specific commands and features, the SolidWorks Help documentation is an invaluable resource, often accessible by pressing F1 or through the Help menu. For more information on displaying hidden lines, refer to the SolidWorks documentation on displaying hidden lines visible.
By following these steps, you can effectively unhide section lines and ensure all relevant geometry is displayed in your SolidWorks drawings.
