SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
Get Pricing Sent to You Today
Intuitive and Powerful Product Design With SOLIDWORKS
There’s a reason many designers, engineers, students, and hobbyists choose SOLIDWORKS over any other CAD tool in the market. SOLIDWORKS uses underlying intelligence to drive your design and make changes easy.
You can design and document your products in collaborative workflows, create robust parts and assemblies, and use specialized tools for weldments, sheet metal, plastic molded parts, pipe routing, and more.
SOLIDWORKS uses parametric designs, so when you change parts and assemblies, they automatically update in drawings and other places you use your component. It adds time back to your day when you don’t have to spend updating new dimensions.
-
Part and Assembly ModelingHandle all aspects of your part and assembly design to transform your ideas into 3D models.
-
2D DesignCreate production-ready 2D drawings that are always current and clearly communicate how to manufacture and assemble your designs.
-
Save as Previous VersionsSave SOLIDWORKS parts, assemblies and drawings created or saved in the latest version of SOLIDWORKS as fully functional documents in an earlier version. You can save documents back to the two most recent previous releases.
-
Productivity ToolsEasily analyze, compare, check and report on your designs.
-
Design Reuse and AutomationSimplify the reuse of existing design data and speed up the creation of new designs with search, automation and configuration tools.
-
Interference CheckBefore going into production, verify in 2D and 3D that your parts and assemblies will fit, assemble and operate correctly.
-
Manufacturability ChecksReview your designs for draft, undercut, thickness and hole alignments early in the development process to ensure manufacturability.
-
SOLIDWORKS CAM/CAMWorks ToolsExperience the power of CAMWorks® with SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard. This tool provides a 2.5-axis milling programming solution in one package. SOLIDWORKS CAM can improve communication, reduce errors, shorten cycle times and enhance product quality in your design-to-manufacturing process. A current SOLIDWORKS CAD subscription includes SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard for free.
-
Advanced CAD File Import/ExportConvert incoming CAD data into SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD format and export SOLIDWORKS data to other CAD applications using more than 30 translators.
-
Xtended Reality (XR) ExporterExport CAD data for AR, VR and web viewing experiences while retaining geometry, appearance, motion studies, display states and more.
-
Data Access and Management in the Cloud
Store, share, access and manage the latest product design information from a centralized, secure location.
This feature is available with active SOLIDWORKS subscriptions.
-
Product Lifecycle Management in the Cloud
Manage the lifecycle of any type of content — such as CAD files, simulation models and documentation — across disciplines and CAD solutions. Track issues, changes and routes and reduce conflicting edits from multiple contributors using revision control.
This feature is available with active SOLIDWORKS subscriptions.
-
Collaboration in the Cloud
Collaborate in real time using configurable dashboards, social communities, Kanban-style task management, activity streams, chat and video calls. Easily search, visualize, explore and mark up SOLIDWORKS and other files directly in your browser.
This feature is available with active SOLIDWORKS subscriptions.
-
Governance in the Cloud
Monitor license usage, manage members and assign and remove licenses from a single administrative dashboard, lowering administrative overhead. Stay up-to-date and benefit from the latest enhancements.
This feature is available with active SOLIDWORKS subscriptions.
-
CATIA V5 ImportOpen CATIA V5 CATPart and CATProduct files up to V5R27, including custom properties, material properties and product manufacturing information (additional license required) using 3D Interconnect within SOLIDWORKS.
-
Local Data and File ManagementOrganize your users and teams with SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard (available for free with an active SOLIDWORKS subscription) by storing and managing project data, changes and file access. More advanced data management routines are available with 3DEXPERIENCE Data Management, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional or SOLIDWORKS Manage.
-
SOLIDWORKS ToolboxAccess a library of standard parts and fasteners that you can customize to your company's standards. Help automate the size and location of fasteners, saving time and streamlining the design process.
-
CAD Standards Checking (Design Checker)Establish design standards and check drawings or models against them to create uniform designs and documentation.
-
Tolerance Stackup Analysis with TolAnalyst™Automatically check the effects of tolerances on parts and assemblies to ensure consistent fit of components and verify tolerancing schemes before manufacturing your designs.
-
Design for Cost with SOLIDWORKS CostingContinuously check your designs against cost targets with integrated automatic cost estimation tools.
-
Reverse Engineering with ScanTo3DRecreate designs with the ability to import, edit, evaluate and create solid geometry from scanned point-cloud and mesh data.
-
Advanced Photorealistic Rendering
Easily create photographic-quality images from your 3D models early in the design process to get feedback and make informed design decisions using SOLIDWORKS Visualize.
This is available for free with an active SOLIDWORKS subscription.
-
Advanced Surface FlatteningFlatten complex, non-developable surfaces typically encountered in products made from textiles, like clothing, sheet metal and metal stampings.
-
Pipe and Tube RoutingSimplify the design and documentation of piping and tubing for a wide range of systems and applications, including machinery, skid systems and process plant piping.
-
Electrical Cable and Wiring Harness RoutingQuickly add cables, wires and harnesses to your design. Create flattened drawing representations of your 3D cables and harnesses with wire lists, connection information and bills of materials (BOMs).
-
Rectangular and Other Section RoutingRoute rectangular and round sections that include ducting, cable trays, conveyors, material handling chutes and other systems.
-
Time-Based Motion AnalysisRealistically visualize your product moving throughout its operational cycle world. Measure the forces and loads on your design and use the data to correctly size motors. Ensure product performance, quality and safety.
-
Linear Static Analysis for Parts and AssembliesCalculate the stresses and deformations of geometry using finite element analysis (FEA) methods and run linear stress analyses to determine the response, performance and safety of parts and assemblies.
-
Parametric Modeling in the Cloud with 3D CreatorCreate, review and evaluate 3D models through an intuitive parametric modeling solution. Understand structural requirements due to defined loads and constraints before creating geometry through an easy exploration of optimal material distribution with Design Guidance.
-
Subdivision Modeling (Sub-D) in the CloudCreate organic shapes quickly and easily with an intuitive modeling solution that uses push-pull interactions to shape your design. This tool also automatically converts sub-d surfaces to geometry.
-
3D PMI and 2D Drawings in the CloudStreamline manufacturing processes with Manufacturing Definition Creator, which generates detailed 2D drawings and documentation using PMI directly from 3D models.
-
Sheet Metal design in the Cloud with 3D SheetMetalQuickly design sheet metal parts with 3D SheetMetal, which automates bends, flanges and flat patterns for precise manufacturability.
-
Mold design in the Cloud with 3D Mold CreatorDesign complex molds efficiently with 3D Mold Creator, leveraging cloud capabilities to rapidly develop high-quality tooling designs directly from 3D models.
-
Frame and Structure Design in the CloudEfficiently design structural frameworks with 3D Structure, a tool that leverages predefined templates and custom profiles to quickly create detailed frameworks.
-
Manage Engineer Definitions in the CloudManage and synchronize product development from initial design to final release, ensuring that all engineering items align with company standards and strategy. This role facilitates real-time collaboration, streamlines data access and employs advanced reuse strategies to accelerate product definition while maintaining quality and compliance.
-
Create & Modify Product Structures in the CloudEfficiently manage and visualize multi-CAD product structures, enabling direct modifications in the cloud, including the addition of non-engineering items like paint and glue. This simplifies digital mockups, enhances design understanding, significantly reduces development time and improves cross-team collaboration.
-
Project Tasks & Milestones in the CloudOversee project tasks, durations and milestones, enabling precise planning and monitoring to accelerate project timelines and improve team collaboration.
-
Operational Meetings in the CloudFacilitate real-time team collaboration and decision-making with interactive digital whiteboards that capture, organize and visualize content. Streamline meetings and enhance productivity by incorporating lean practices and leveraging rich 3D content and data.
-
Renderings and Assembly Instructions in the CloudQuickly create compelling technical documents, illustrations and animations directly from your 3D models to enhance product communication and support accurate and engaging presentations.
-
Realistic Virtual Environments with 3D DemonstratorEasily create interactive 3D demonstrations and animations in a realistic virtual environment to showcase product features and functionality, enhancing presentations and customer engagement directly from your 3D models.
-
Cloud Connected Simulation with Structural DesignerConduct comprehensive structural analysis directly from 3D models with Linear Static, Natural Frequency, Buckling and Steady State Thermal simulations, enabling evaluation of strength, stability and durability using cloud-based tools.
-
Dynamic Simulation in the Cloud with 3D MotionPerform mechanical kinematic and dynamic analysis simulations in the cloud, efficiently simulating and analyzing the motion of assemblies and mechanisms to validate designs and optimize performance through dynamic movement analysis.
-
On Demand 3DEXPERIENCE TrainingAccess on-demand 3DEXPERIENCE video training with interactive modules and resources, providing hands-on tutorials to enhance your skills and knowledge of tools and workflows.
Pushing the Limits On and Off the Track: RPG Customer Story
RPG Offroad is an automotive company pushing the envelope in vehicle manufacturing by leveraging cutting-edge technology like SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks. Corey Kausch and the team transitioned from outsourcing expensive machining work to bringing production in-house.
Today, the team has drastically reduced time and costs, streamlined processes with rapid design modifications and maximized tool life for years to come using CAMWorks VoluMill.
Services & Customer Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three levels of SOLIDWORKS available – Standard, Professional, and Premium. Check out the feature matrix on this page for more information on what is available at each level. Our team is also happy to review your design needs and help guide you to the best version for your business.
SOLIDWORKS has a wide range of purchase options that should meet all needs. It is available as a perpetual license with an annual subscription cost and a term license with one-year or one-quarter terms. We’re always happy to help you evaluate the best purchase solution for your business.
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD on desktop is available through three licensing options to suit different needs:
- Standalone licenses allow SOLIDWORKS to be activated on a specific computer, with the flexibility for users to transfer the license as needed.
- Shared network licenses are available for a small additional cost, enabling licenses to be shared among team members on a network, where each license can be used by one user at a time.
- Named User Licensing is exclusive to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, which uses cloud-based named user licensing, providing each team member with personalized access to SOLIDWORKS from any location and engineering workstation, enhancing flexibility and collaboration.
SOLIDWORKS is designed to be the most intuitive 3D CAD package on the market. While it is a very powerful tool, most users pick up the software quickly, and you can learn it even quicker with training. Hawk Ridge Systems offer instructor-led courses and on-demand training with SolidProfessor.
SOLIDWORKS is the most popular professional 3D CAD software in the market, and most universities and vocational training schools worldwide teach students how to use SOLIDWORKS. With an enormous community of users, you should be able to find skilled employees with experience using the software.
SOLIDWORKS reads in all major neutral 3D file formats, such as STEP, IGES, Parasolid, and ACIS. It will read 2D and 3D files from AutoCAD (DWG, DXF) and native files from most other 3D CAD systems (Creo, Inventor, NX, SolidEdge, Rhino).
SOLIDWORKS Premium can open CATIA V5 files. For output, SOLIDWORKS can save PDF and DWG/DXF 2D files and all major neutral formats (STEP, IGES, Parasolid, ACIS) of 3D outputs.
Many other options and file types are always being added to this list. Contact us if there’s a specific file type you’re interested in.
Every license of SOLIDWORKS includes simple finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to provide basic information about the performance and strength of your design. For robust simulations, SOLIDWORKS Simulation for static analysis is part of SOLIDWORKS Premium, and more advanced FEA simulation or CFD analysis tools are available as additional simulation modules.
CAD systems create many interconnected files that are constantly changing as your designs evolve. Most engineering design organizations manage this challenge with a data management system.
We can help you evaluate the best fit for your organization. That might be the PDM Standard functionality included with SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium, more robust workflows in PDM Professional, or cloud-hosted data management with 3DEXPERIENCE Data Management.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is a newer variant of the traditional desktop SOLIDWORKS solution. It contains the same functionality as the desktop SOLIDWORKS and still installs on your system, but there are three significant differences:
- Installs and updates are automatically deployed over the internet, meaning your SOLIDWORKS will always be at the latest version. You cannot run older versions of the software.
- Some add-in functionality, like SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation or Inspection, may not be supported.
- It automatically contains cloud data management routines for safely storing and managing your files in a secure cloud environment.
We’d be happy to discuss the pros and cons of these solutions to help you pick the right tool for your situation.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers is a software offer available for non-commercial applications. It provides a license of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS functionality, but all files and documents are watermarked with a “not for commercial use” message and cannot be opened in a commercial license of SOLIDWORKS. It is only available for direct purchase from the SOLIDWORKS website.
SOLIDWORKS Resources
