Articles by Scott Woods

When you compare the two versions of SOLIDWORKS side by side it really boils down to only a handful of distinct differences. In fact, these two CAD options have more in common than they do differences. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is still SOLIDWORKS; it installs locally and has 95 percent of the same functionality as traditional desktop SOLIDWORKS. The files are the same, the user interface is nearly identical, and, just like traditional SOLIDWORKS, there is a standard, professional, and premium package.

Dassault Systèmes has been a trusted provider of CAD solutions since 1981 when they introduced CATIA to the world, and then SOLIDWORKS in 1997. Dassault Systèmes listens to the user community and has consistently provided software adjustments and improvements focused solely on customer feedback, streamlining design and manufacturing processes. Today, millions of SOLIDWORKS users trust Dassault Systèmes to provide their solution for 3D parametric design, simulation, data management, and collaboration.    

Whether you’re an avid SOLIDWORKS user or just a fan of the software, you have heard a lot about the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. But, what exactly is it? More importantly, what does it mean for traditional SOLIDWORKS users?

While the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is not new, there are still a lot of unanswered questions about the cloud-based platform. I will provide answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.

There are more options for 3D CAD than ever before – with SOLIDWORKS alone there are three distinct choices. In this article, I'll break down these options to make your decision for a CAD solution easier.

First, let’s start with SOLIDWORKS desktop, the easy one.

SOLIDWORKS desktop has been the industry standard 3D CAD package for manufacturing since the early 1990s. SOLIDWORKS desktop offers complete 3D CAD design software that is installed locally on your computer. It is a proven solution and includes a complete design package for parts, assemblies, and drawings. This is our CAD tool of choice for most situations and design teams of all sizes.

The world of CAD is evolving and that’s a good thing. Like with all technology, advancement is good, if it’s controlled.   

To start off, let's take a little peek back to the beginning of CAD.

With the invention of Sketchpad in 1964, computer-aided design, or CAD as it’s widely known, was introduced to the world. 

Like any new technology, there was a bit of skepticism, and its adoption was not immediate. In the early 80s Autodesk’s 2D AutoCAD and Dassault Systèmes’ 3D CATIA entered the market.