# About SOLIDWORKS > A global leader in 3D CAD design software, SOLIDWORKS® streamlines product development with powerful modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.solidworks.com/solidworks-homepage-welcome.md): Innovators around the world trust SOLIDWORKS® CAD and cloud product development solutions to create, collaborate, and deliver extraordinary product experiences. ## Key terms - SOLIDWORKS, 3D CAD, CAD design software, CAD programs - 3D CAD programs, 3D CAD modeling, 3D CAD design software - CAD software, SOLIDWORKS download, CAD engineering software - CAD software programs, SOLIDWORKS certification, SOLIDWORKS news - SOLIDWORKS AI, AI CAD ## Solutions for design, engineering, and business professionals - [Design Engineering and 3D CAD Modeling Software](https://www.solidworks.com/domain/design-engineering.md): Discover powerful SOLIDWORKS solutions for 3D CAD, 2D CAD, ECAD, and Cloud-Native CAD. Elevate your product development with trusted, professional CAD software. - [Cloud PDM and 3D Product Collaboration Software](https://www.solidworks.com/domain/data-management-collaboration.md): Discover SOLIDWORKS data management solutions designed to scale with your needs. Boost productivity and collaboration with modern tools. Explore now. - [Engineering Simulation Software and Analysis Tools](https://www.solidworks.com/domain/simulation.md): Accelerate the process of evaluating the performance, reliability, and safety of materials and products before committing to prototypes. - [DELMIAWorks Manufacturing ERP](https://www.solidworks.com/delmiaworks-manufacturing-erp.md): An end-to-end ERP System developed with a “shop floor first” focus to help mid-market manufacturers increase efficiency and visibility of performance on the plant floor - [Manufacturing Production and Machining Software](https://www.solidworks.com/domain/manufacturing-production.md): The way in which we create products is always evolving, and so should our manufacturing processes, from design through supply chain. - [SOLIDWORKS Electrical](https://www.solidworks.com/domain/solidworks-electrical.md): SOLIDWORKS Electrical - a purpose-built product portfolio dedicated to electrical design including schematics, wire harnessing, 3D, and more. - [DraftSight 2D CAD](https://www.solidworks.com/product/draftsight-2d-cad.md): Explore the benefits of SOLIDWORKS and DraftSight for AEC professionals. Achieve sustainability, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration with cutting-edge tools. ## Core Products - [SOLIDWORKS Design](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-design.md): Discover SOLIDWORKS Design, the industry-standard 3D CAD software with cloud collaboration, secure file management, and AI-powered features. - [SOLIDWORKS xDesign: Cloud-Native 3D Design and CAD Software](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-xdesign.md): Next-generation browser-based design tools from SOLIDWORKS that run on any device. - [SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-electrical-3d.md): SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D is an advanced electrical CAD software that integrates schematic designs with your 3D product model and offers real-time synchronization. - [SOLIDWORKS Electrical Professional](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-electrical-professional.md): SOLIDWORKS Electrical Professional offers 3D design and schematic software for collaborative design and integrated tools for electrical and mechanical parts. - [SOLIDWORKS PDM: Data Management for CAD Manufacturing and Engineering](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-pdm.md): Securely store and manage data for fast retrieval, eliminate version control issues, and facilitate reuse. - [SOLIDWORKS PLM](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-plm.md): Discover the power of scalable, cloud-based PLM that reduces your IT overhead and transforms your product lifecycle management to a more efficient, agile process. - [Simplify Design Collaboration with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services](https://www.solidworks.com/lp/focus-design-cloud-services.md): Streamline design collaboration with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services. Connect 3D CAD data to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for easier sharing and storage. - [SOLIDWORKS Simulation](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-simulation.md): Make better design decisions with high-performance structural finite element analysis (FEA) software. - [SOLIDWORKS NC Shop Floor Programmer: CNC Simulation Software](https://www.solidworks.com/product/nc-shop-floor-programmer.md): Easily create instructions for CNC machines to ensure your parts can be manufactured quickly without delays or errors. - [What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2026](https://www.solidworks.com/product/whats-new.md): New AI features are here to help save time, reduce manual effort, and improve design accuracy. Explore hundreds of user-driven enhancements in SOLIDWORKS 2026. - [What’s New in SOLIDWORKS Design](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-design/whats-new.md): Major enhancements to SOLIDWORKS Design, cloud, and product development solutions are released throughout each year. Explore the latest. ## Solutions for Educators, Students, Startups, Small Teams and Makers - [Educators](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/job-functions/educators.md): In today’s competitive job market, your students need every advantage they can get. With SOLIDWORKS®, they can learn the universal design and engineering skills they need to build rewarding careers. - [SOLIDWORKS for Students: 3D CAD Software for Education](https://www.solidworks.com/product/students.md): As the industry standard for design and engineering, SOLIDWORKS is the perfect software platform to help you jumpstart your career. - [SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-for-startups-program.md): Empower your startup with free access to SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software, offering essential tools and resources for innovative hardware design. - [SOLIDWORKS for Small Teams](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/explore-leading-cad-software-small-design-teams.md): Discover leading CAD product development tools for small teams needing collaboration, cloud data and revision management. - [SOLIDWORKS for Makers](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-makers.md): SOLIDWORKS for Makers provides full-functionality 3D CAD tools for personal use. Just $48 USD a year. Perfect for makers, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts. - [SOLIDWORKS for Makers and Maker Spaces](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-makers/makerspaces-offer.md): Discover how SOLIDWORKS for Makers empowers maker spaces with free, powerful 3D design tools, collaboration, and innovation for creators. ## Product Related Topics - [What Is 3D CAD Software?](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/what-is-3d-cad.md): Discover how 3D CAD software improves precision and teamwork, and how SOLIDWORKS Design can transform your workflow. - [Why Choose SOLIDWORKS?](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/why-choose-solidworks.md): Technology, Community, Support. SOLIDWORKS Design has the tools to bring your projects and career to the next level. - [AI Product Design with Embedded AI Tools](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-design/ai-overview.md): Accelerate product development with AI Product Design in SOLIDWORKS. Securely refine with Virtual Companions and AI CAD automation. - [Meet the SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-design/ai-companions.md): SOLIDWORKS AI Companions guide ideas, craft geometry, fix issues, and accelerate design, simulation, and manufacturing decisions. - [SOLIDWORKS AI: CAD Tools for Workflow Optimization](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-ai-cad-tools-workflow-optimization.md): See how SOLIDWORKS AI helps you automate tasks, improve accuracy and streamline workflows. Try AI-powered CAD tools today. - [AI CAD Tools and Product Design](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/how-ai-is-augmenting-cad-tools-better-product-design.md): Discover advancements in AI-enabled CAD tools and their impact on AI product design and how this delivers real-world outcomes for SOLIDWORKS designers. - [What is Schematic Design?](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/what-is-schematic-design.md): Learn what schematic design is, examples of how it is used, the industries using it, and how SOLIDWORKS Electrical simplifies the process. - [PDM and PLM: A Remarkably Robust Relationship](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/what-is-the-difference-between-pdm-and-plm.md): Confused about PDM vs PLM? Uncover the core differences between product data and lifecycle management. Find out which system is right for you. - [What is Bill of Materials (BOM) Management?](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/what-is-bill-of-materials-bom-management.md): Learn about Bill of Materials (BOM) Management, its benefits, and how BOM software optimizes inventory and supply chain processes in manufacturing. - [The Power of Computational Fluid Dynamics](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/cfd-computational-fluid-dynamics.md): Explore Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation: a powerful tool for modeling fluid flow and heat transfer in engineering and science. - [How Robotics Can Help SMBS Automate for a Smarter Future](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/how-robotics-can-help-smbs-automate-smarter-future.md): What is industrial robotics? Learn how robotics transforms industrial manufacturing with automation, precision, and productivity gains. Discover key applications and trends. - [What is Wire Harnessing?](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/wire-harnessing.md): Learn what 3D electrical wire harness design is, explore tools and processes, and discover how Solidworks streamlines wire harness design efficiently. ## Getting Started and Training - [Getting Started with your SOLIDWORKS Solutions](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/getting-started.md): Learn how to get started with SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE, select the right product, access setup guides, training, and support. - [Get started with SOLIDWORKS Design](https://www.3ds.com/store/get-started/professionals/solidworks-design.md): Everything you need to start using SOLIDWORK Design, your Cloud-based product development and collaboration solution enabled by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform - [Get Started with SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services](https://www.3ds.com/store/get-started/professionals/solidworks-design-cloud-services.md): Everything you need to start using SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services, your desktop installed product development with access to cloud-enabled collaboration solutions on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform - [Getting Started 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-makers/3dexperience-solidworks-makers.md): Learn how to get started with 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers and create professional 3D designs using powerful tools for hobbyists and makers. - [xDesign for Makers Online 3D CAD Software](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-makers/solidworks-xdesign-makers.md): Learn how to get started with SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers and create 3D designs online with powerful, accessible CAD software for hobbyists and makers. - [SOLIDWORKS Training](https://www.solidworks.com/lp/solidworks-training.md): Ensure your success with SOLIDWORKS training - [SOLIDWORKS Certification Program](https://www.solidworks.com/solidworks-certification-program.md): Earn your SOLIDWORKS Certification and showcase your CAD expertise. Explore CSWA, CSWP, and CSWE exams, get study materials, and access exclusive digital badges. Advance your career with SOLIDWORKS certification today. ## Support - [Support](https://www.solidworks.com/support/home.md): Get technical support with SOLIDWORKS and DELMIAWorks products, and explore ways to grow and share your skills - [SOLIDWORKS Community](https://www.solidworks.com/community.md): The world’s largest design community is at your fingertips: engage at any age or experience level. - [Student Support](https://www.solidworks.com/support/student.md): Get technical support with SOLIDWORKS products, access a wide range of product resources, explore ways to grow and share your design and engineering skills - [System Requirements](https://www.solidworks.com/support/system-requirements.md): These requirements apply to all SOLIDWORKS products except where noted. Use this information to ensure you are always working with a SOLIDWORKS-supported and optimized system for hardware, operating system and Microsoft products. - [SOLIDWORKS Hardware Benchmarks](https://www.solidworks.com/support/hardware-benchmarks.md): Applications and references that can be used to help determine hardware performance ## Purchasing SOLIDWORKS - [How to Buy SOLIDWORKS](https://www.solidworks.com/how-to-buy.md): Buy SOLIDWORKS CAD and product development licenses for business users, students, educators, startups, and makers. Buy direct online or with a Reseller Partner. - [Buy SOLIDWORKS Design Solutions](https://www.solidworks.com/how-to-buy/solidworks-solutions.md): Buy SOLIDWORKS Design solutions online. Cloud native and connected 3D CAD, collaboration, and data management software for designers and engineers. - [Buy SOLIDWORKS Solutions from a Reseller Partner](https://www.solidworks.com/how-to-buy/from-solidworks-reseller.md): Access local support and tailored solutions from a SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partner dedicated to your success. - [SOLIDWORKS Licensing](https://www.solidworks.com/how-to-buy/solidworks-licensing.md): Flexible purchasing options give you the power to choose a license that best suits your needs. - [SOLIDWORKS Design Offer Plans and Pricing](https://www.solidworks.com/how-to-buy/solidworks-design-plans-pricing.md): Review plans and pricing for SOLIDWORKS Design. Explore SOLIDWORKS licensing costs and purchase 3D CAD licenses online. - [SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services Plans and Pricing](https://www.solidworks.com/how-to-buy/solidworks-design-cloud-services-plans-pricing.md): Buy SOLIDWORKS Design licenses online. Get professional 3D CAD and collaboration tools trusted by millions of designers and engineers. - [SOLIDWORKS xDesign: Cloud-Native 3D Design and CAD Software](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-xdesign.md): Next-generation browser-based design tools from SOLIDWORKS that run on any device.