Work planes reference

In a part, a work plane is an infinite construction plane that is parametrically attached to a feature. In an assembly, a work plane is constrained relative to an existing component.

Access: Ribbon: 3D Model tab Work Features panel Plane

Tip: To understand geometric dependencies, right-click a work feature in the browser or the graphics window, and then select Show Inputs. For example, you can right-click a work point to highlight the geometry from which it was created, such as a work axis and a work plane.

The Plane drop-down menu options:

Plane (legacy method)

Select: Appropriate vertices, edges, or faces to define a work plane.
Result: Creates a work plane through the selected objects.

Offset from Plane

Select: A planar face. Click the face and drag in the direction of the offset. Enter a value in the edit box to specify the offset distance.
Result: Creates a work plane parallel to the selected face at the specified offset distance.

Parallel to Plane through Point

Select: A planar face or work plane and any point, in either order.
Result: The work plane coordinate system is derived from the plane selected.

Midplane between Two Parallel Planes

Select: Two parallel planar faces or work planes.
Result: The new work plane is oriented to the coordinate system and has the same outward normal of the first selected plane.

Midplane of Torus

Select: A torus.
Result: The work plane is created through the center, or midplane, of the torus.

Angle to Plane around Edge

Select: A part face or plane and any edge or line parallel to the face.
Result: Creates a work plane angled 90 degrees from the part face or plane. Enter the desired angle in the edit box and click the check mark to reset at the new angle.

Three Points

Select: Any three points (endpoints, intersections, midpoints, work points).
Result: The positive X axis is directed from the first point to the second point. The positive Y axis is perpendicular to the positive X axis through the third point.

Select:
Result:

Two Coplanar Edges

Select:

Two coplanar work axes, edges, or lines.

Result:

The positive X axis is oriented along the first selected edge.

Tangent to Surface through Edge

Select: A curved face and a linear edge, in either order.
Result: The X axis is defined by the line of tangency to the face. The positive Y axis is defined from the X axis to the edge.

Tangent to Surface through Point

Select: A curved face and an endpoint, midpoint, or work point.
Result: The X axis is defined by the line of tangency to the face. The positive Y axis is defined from the X axis to the point.

Tangent to Surface and Parallel to Plane

Select: A curved face and a planar face or work plane, in either order.
Result: The new work plane coordinate system is derived from the selected plane. This method can also be used to create a work plane tangent to a face or plane that is normal to a plane.

Normal to Axis through Point

Select: A linear edge or axis and a point, in either order.
Result: The positive X axis is oriented from the intersection of the plane and axis to the point. Specify the direction of the positive Y axis.

Normal to Curve at Point

Select: A nonlinear edge or sketch curve (arc, circle, ellipse, or spline) and a vertex, edge midpoint, sketch point, or work point on the curve.
Result: The new work plane is normal to the curve and passes through the point.