Perhaps I’m missing something or doing something wrong, but it appears that variables are not available for use on the MOVE/ROTATE tool. Would be nice to be able to assign this value programmatically, but I am forced to assign an absolute value. The problem that this feature will solve: Would be …

I realized after submitting this that I could do the same thing by altering my order of operation. Using the MOVE/ROTATE tool to create a copy of a part and then EXTRUDING the part to an object would accomplish what I want to accomplish. Still, wondering why–when variables and expressions are so u…

Use pattern to copy and align to move :+1:

Agree. For now Move/Rotate tool should be used only as a last resort.

Using PATTERN to copy a body does make more sense to me and I will alter my own behavior accordingly. Most of the videos and tutorials I’ve seen seem to specify the MOVE/ROTATE command as a way to create a copy. Thank you for your guidance. Until I saw your vids, I had no idea that MOVE/ROTATE cou…

Seems like history and variables for the Move tool would also be very helpful. I would suggest that the team working on the videos and help files lead folks to using the pattern tool instead of the move tool whenever possible.

I’d like to move a body a small distance as defined by a variable. In my case it’s to create a cabinet door reveal that is adjustable by a variable. I can’t use Move because variables aren’t allowed. I can’t use Pattern because I don’t need to make a copy. I can’t use Align because I need to move th…

Pattern could be one way. Another way is use sketch with variables that you can align the body to.

like this? also there is lot of fun ways to animate with constraints. [image] Animation in Sharp 3D Need help? We are here. I believe this was just a screen recording which you can do right now. They used constraints. [image] …

Thank you. That’s not exactly what I need to do, but you’ve given me some great ideas. I still wish that the Move tool could be modified parametrically though!

Agreed. I made request too, in other CAD programs it would be called MATES. Hopefully when they give us Assembly we get it. Oh what I’m doing above with constraints is basically doing FAUX Mates. Welcome to the SOLIDWORKS Web Help Dassault Systemes' documentation website …

Use of variables in the MOVE/ROTATE Tool

Feature requests

SCALEMODEL February 8, 2026, 6:14am 9

like this?

also there is lot of fun ways to animate with constraints.

Topic		Replies	Views
Allow variables to control move operations Feature requests	6	160	May 27, 2025
Make Move/Rotate part of Parametric System Feature requests	5	237	February 19, 2026
Copy element with his Variable Need help? We are here.	5	88	May 13, 2025
Move/rotate Need help? We are here.	10	80	February 3, 2026
Repeat Copy Body Need help? We are here.	5	126	September 20, 2024

Use of variables in the MOVE/ROTATE Tool

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