Beta FAQ's
Here are answers to common questions about the SolidWorks Beta Program:
First and foremost, you are under Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) during the Beta period. You are not allowed to share any information about the prototype product during this period.
- How do I sign up for Beta
- How do I download Beta
- How do I activate Beta
- How is Beta setup on my machine?
- What can I do to be an effective Beta Tester
- How are Beta bugs submitted
The programs indicated are only open to customers with an active Subscription Service contract.
- All programs require a SolidWorks Customer Portal account. To create an account, click here
- To be notified when beta programs become available, visit the Customer Portal and check
"Notify me for Beta Programs." You'll receive an email when a Beta program becomes available.
- From the Beta site, log into the Customer Portal
- Click on Download Beta
- Accept the Beta Program Terms & Conditions
- Download and install the most current Beta version available for SolidWorks CAD, SolidWorks Simulation, and SolidWorks Enterprise PDM
You will need to activate your SolidWorks Beta license.
How is Beta setup on my machine?
- The Program Files location and Common Files/Toolbox locations for Beta do not overwrite or upgrade existing production installations. By default, the SolidWorks Installation Manager for Beta will not overwrite existing production program locations (including Toolbox).
- Make sure all file locations under “Tools, Options” are set to your Beta testing locations.
- Keep your templates, Toolbox, design library files, etc. separate from your production data.
- Do not test the SolidWorks Beta on your production files. Always test Beta on copied versions of your production files.
What can I do to be an effective Beta tester?
- Models used for Beta testing should be representative of your production data in terms of model size and complexity.
- Use your normal production workflow modified to accommodate new features and workflows.
- Review the “What's New” document and try out different features with your models.
- Join in and ask questions in the forums. This is a great place to follow what's going on. Each week there will be topics hosted by SolidWorks discussing new features.
- If you have other suggestions or comments, share them on the Beta Forums!
- Please log in to the Beta site to submit bugs.
- Once you have logged in, please click on the Beta Support tab, and you will be able to access the site to create and view Service Requests.
- Please do not contact your reseller about Beta bugs. Please submit an SR.
- After a service request (SR) is entered, a technical support engineer will review the issue and contact you. Issues relating to a software defect will be assigned an SPR number. You will be notified when the issue has been addressed.
- Check the Beta Forums for Hot Issues, Fixed SPRs, or to review current discussions and blogs.
- Be sure to accurately describe the issue and provide any files that the engineer will need. Create a SolidWorks Rx file with the files and a video if that helps describe your problem.
