Defining patterns 

Patterns are repeated formations that can be commonly found in consumer products, architecture, fabrics, and more. In patterns, we often have a base shape, sometimes called a base cell or patterned entity, which is created from scratch. Then, the basic shape is repeated multiple times. This is then repeated multiple times to form a bigger piece. There are two common types of patterns: linear patterns and rotational patterns. Examples of both types of patterns will be shown in this section.

Linear patterns are ones in which you have a base shape (patterned entity) that is repeated linearly in different directions. Linear patterns are commonly found in curtains, carpets, building tiles, floors, and architecture. The following diagram is an example of a linear pattern. The Patterned Entity is highlighted with a red square:

Rotational patterns are ones in which we have a base shape that is repeated as we rotate it. A common application for the rotational pattern is in car rims, as highlighted in the following photograph. Within the SOLIDWORKS interface, rotational patterns are known as circular patterns:

SOLIDWORKS' pattern tools make it easier for us to create similar linear and circular patterns within sketching. Now that we know what these two types of patterns are, we can start exploring them within SOLIDWORKS, starting with linear patterns.