Understanding SOLIDWORKS features and their role in 3D modeling

Features is the term we use to refer to the tools that allow us to construct 3D models based on sketches. We usually use features directly after sketching to go from two-dimensional sketches to 3D models, which are mostly built based on sketches.

For example, if we were to model a cube, we would follow these steps:

1. First, we would create a sketch of a square.
2. Then, we would apply a feature in order to make the square into a cube. We do this by extruding it.

The following screenshot illustrates these two steps:

Now that we know what features are, as well as their purpose, we can address how features differ in terms of simple and complex models.