Open the Onshape Sketch Constraints, Shortcuts &
A plain-language Onshape guide: what every sketch constraint does, how to fully define a sketch, how to fix over-defined sketches and broken profiles.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
A sketch won't extrude because the profile is open: zoom into each corner, add Coincident constraints between the endpoints that look joined but are not, and the region lights up so it can be extruded.Open the Onshape Sketch Constraints, Shortcuts &
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
Shown running with its default sample values. Pressed Fix a broken sketch.
What is the Onshape Sketch Constraints, Shortcuts &?
Almost every Onshape beginner hits the same walls: the sketch will not fully define, it says the sketch is over-defined, the profile refuses to extrude, a feature suddenly fails after an edit. This guide explains the logic behind sketch constraints — what coincident, horizontal/vertical, parallel, perpendicular, tangent, concentric, equal, midpoint, fix, symmetric and dimension do, when to use each, and the classic mistakes — then walks through fixes for the most common problems: under-defined (blue) geometry, conflicting constraints, open profiles, jumping sketches and regeneration errors.
It also collects the habits that make parametric models robust: start at the origin, constrain before dimensioning, use construction geometry and variables, name features, fillet last, use planes instead of faces as sketch references, and make versions before risky edits. A short table covers mouse mapping and the shortcuts most people use, with a pointer to Onshape's own shortcut list for your version.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
What each does, when to use it and what to avoid.
Fixes for under-defined, over-defined, open profiles and regeneration errors.
Twelve practical modelling rules.
The essentials, with where to check the full list.
AZRS tools are free to open and use.
It opens in your browser, so there is nothing to download.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
How it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This 3d tool | Desktop software | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Nothing to install | Usually an app or program to install |
| Account | No signup | Depends on the product |
| Cost | Free to use | Free or paid, depends on the product |
| Where it runs | In your browser tab | On your computer |
Questions people ask
What colour means fully defined?
Black; blue geometry is still free to move.
Why does Onshape say over-defined?
You added a constraint or dimension that duplicates an existing one; remove the last addition.
Why won't my sketch extrude?
The profile is not closed (or overlaps itself); join the endpoints with coincident constraints.
Are the shortcuts correct for my version?
Defaults can change; confirm in Help ▸ Keyboard shortcuts.
How do I use the Onshape Sketch Constraints, Shortcuts &?
1. Open the constraint table and match what your sketch needs. 2. Use the troubleshooting tab when something goes wrong. 3. Apply the modelling habits to your next part. 4. Check Onshape's Help for the exact shortcuts of your version.
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Understand sketch constraints, fix over-defined sketches, and learn good Onshape habits. Free to use.
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