SOLIDWORKS Desktop Suite

Hawk Ridge Systems has been supporting SOLIDWORKS customers for over 20 years across every industry and we have one of the largest SOLIDWORKS technical teams in North America. When we say that we’ve been there, we really have seen almost any challenge you present. Our dedicated services team has helped thousands of customers implement and become truly successful with SOLIDWORKS solutions.

SOLIDWORKS solutions have been designed to be highly intuitive and easy to learn and while they feature powerful tools, most users pick up the software quickly. With multiple modes of training for every learning style available from Hawk Ridge Systems, new user ramp-up time can be shortened even further.

SOLIDWORKS desktop solutions run on Microsoft Windows, with optional connections to the cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes.

Yes, you can get a free trial of the software that gives you access to try the latest release of SOLIDWORKS Premium, as well as SOLIDWORKS Simulation, SOLIDWORKS MBD, SOLIDWORKS CAM, and SOLIDWORKS Visualize. If you want to try other products, contact us and we can get a trial setup for you.

Learn more about the SOLIDWORKS free trial.

Yes! SOLIDWORKS now offers term licenses, which gives you the flexibility to choose from either 3- or 12-month term contracts. This allows you to take advantage of lower upfront costs. Term licenses are a good solution if you hire interns or contract workers who will only need to use the software for a limited time.

Full subscription benefits, including technical support, is included with term licenses.

SOLIDWORKS offers both term licenses – where you are essentially renting the software for 3 or 12 months – and perpetual licenses, where you own the software and can add subscription to keep the licenses up to date. For perpetual licensing, there are three main options:

• Standalone Licenses (installed on a specific computer)
• Online Licenses (tied to a particular user)
• Network Licenses (float between different users and computers on a specific network)

SOLIDWORKS Desktop is available for purchase in different packages, each designed to cater to different levels of design and engineering needs. These packages vary by the range of tools and functionalities they include, allowing users to select the suite that best fits their project requirements. Each tier builds upon the previous, adding more advanced features and capabilities.

Additionally, customers have the option to purchase individual add-ons or extensions to customize their setup.

Each package includes Cloud Services via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which offers complete cloud data management and connects SOLIDWORKS to a broader range of future options and capabilities.

SOLIDWORKS Desktop and 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS are nearly identical in capability. We offer a bite-sized infographic on SOLIDWORKS Desktop vs. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS to help you figure out
which is best for your business.

Essentially, if you were to use a random computer with SOLIDWORKS installed, you might have a hard
time telling which version you are using. Both are installed locally, support the same file types and deliver the full functionality expected of SOLIDWORKS software.

While SOLIDWORKS Desktop operates on traditional serial-based licensing and does not require an
internet connection, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS uses cloud-based licensing through a named-user
model and can operate offline for up to 30 days.

Additionally, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is constantly updated to the most recent version,
eliminating any guesswork about file versions when collaborating with partners or internally.

Importantly, both versions support saving backwards with feature history, ensuring compatibility even with stakeholders using older versions of SOLIDWORKS. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS supports nearly
all SOLIDWORKS Desktop add-ins. However, it does not support third-party add-ins.

Yes, Cloud Services are included with all versions of SOLIDWORKS with an active subscription. This links SOLIDWORKS Desktop to the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform.

This connection extends the capabilities of the desktop software to the cloud, enabling users to access a range of 3DEXPERIENCE apps. These cloud applications are fully compatible with SOLIDWORKS, enhancing its features with advanced data management, collaboration and specialized tools. They seamlessly integrate SOLIDWORKS with the innovative potential of the cloud.

No. No version of SOLIDWORKS runs directly in the cloud. SOLIDWORKS Desktop and 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS both install locally, with the latter using cloud-based licensing.

However, the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud CAD suite delivers comprehensive CAD tools entirely through a browser for those seeking a fully cloud-based CAD solution. This suite provides complete CAD functionality with the added flexibility of being accessible from anywhere, on any device, supporting a broad range of design, engineering and collaboration capabilities entirely online. It includes advanced tools for mechanical design, surfacing and organic sub-d modeling, along with powerful simulation capabilities.

Additionally, it offers integrated data management and leverages advanced technologies such as machine learning and design guidance, enabling the development of AI-enhanced solutions.

Importantly, these Cloud CAD tools integrate seamlessly with all versions of SOLIDWORKS, expanding SOLIDWORKS capabilities and providing a more comprehensive design and engineering environment.