Foreshorten May 2026

Foreshortening allows for clear documentation of large features in limited space by using "zigzag" symbols or shortened dimension lines.

In the context of computer-aided design (CAD), specifically within , "foreshorten" refers to a technique used in engineering drawings to represent dimensions when an object's geometry—such as a radius or a linear edge—extends beyond the boundaries of a drawing view or interferes with other elements. SolidWorks Foreshortening Overview foreshorten

Tip: If the option is missing, ensure you are right-clicking the itself, rather than the dimension value. How to Add Foreshortened Dimensions in SOLIDWORKS How to Add Foreshortened Dimensions in SOLIDWORKS :

: Automatically shortens a radius dimension when it is dragged from a main view into a detail view, keeping the center point and dimension updated even as they move. Choose Foreshorten

the side of the dimension line you wish to shorten. Select Display Options from the context menu. Choose Foreshorten .