# Evaluating SOLIDWORKS Design Standard, Professional, Premium, and Ultimate Which CAD Software Package is Right for Your Business? ![SOLIDWORKS software tool used by a user on a laptop](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/2026-10/solidworks-design-packages-bestfit-hero-banner.jpg.webp) - [Buy online](/how-to-buy/solidworks-design-plans-pricing) - [Talk to an expert](/how-to-buy/contact-sales) Choosing CAD tools is a lot like choosing power tools. The basics get real work done, but as your projects, team, and business grow, so do your needs. Every SOLIDWORKS Design package scales with you, so you're never stuck replacing your whole toolset just to keep up. Here's what Standard, Professional, Premium, and Ultimate each bring to your workbench. [![](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/bg_large/public/2025-11/Which-SOLIDWORKS-is-Right-For-You_Thumb.jpg.webp)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSqSSK0OgyU) Explore SOLIDWORKS Design capabilities - [Learn more](/product/solidworks-design) ## Quick SOLIDWORKS Design Package Highlights #### SOLIDWORKS Design Standard *Core 3D CAD, Built Right* Model parts and assemblies, produce production-ready drawings, and run basic stress checks, with dedicated tools for sheet metal, weldments, and mold tooling built in early. #### SOLIDWORKS Design Professional *Faster Data, Fewer Repeats* Pull from a searchable fastener library, estimate manufacturing costs as you design, recreate parts from scanned data, and automate repetitive drawing tasks with Task Scheduler. #### SOLIDWORKS Design Premium *Validate Before You Build* Run stress and motion analysis, route pipe, tube, and wire in 3D, and flatten complex surfaces, proving designs work before they reach the shop floor. #### SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate *All-in-One, Start to Finish* Builds on Premium with cloud-based CAD and simulation, marketing, management, and documentation tools, unifying design, manufacturing, and go-to-market work for rapid iteration and higher-quality product delivery. - [Download the full capabilities list](/sites/default/filesd10/26docs10/SOLIDWORKS_Design_Product_Matrix.pdf) ## AI and Cloud Design Features Aren’t An Upgrade, They’re Already In The Box SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions and access to the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform come with every commercial SOLIDWORKS Design license, Standard through Ultimate, at no added cost. So as you weigh tiers, don't count AI assistance or cloud data management as a reason to move up, count the design, simulation, and collaboration tools instead. ### SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions: AURA and LEO Modern product engineering demands speed, precision, and smart use of resources. AURA and LEO plug directly into your design environment, reading your intent so they can automate routine steps, provide expert guidance and optimizations, and surface predictive insights that help keep projects on schedule. - [Learn more](/product/solidworks-design/ai-virtual-companions) ### Cloud Services, Out Of The Box CAD-aware cloud storage and tools like Share and Markup let you collaborate and manage data without local PDM vaults or servers. Anyone can open and review a model straight from the browser, no viewer download required, so every package stays focused on designing rather than administering files. - [Learn more](/lp/get-started-cloud-services) ## How To Choose The Right SOLIDWORKS Design Package If you find yourself between two options, work through what your day-to-day actually looks like or contact SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partner for expert guidance on your decision. ### Choose SOLIDWORKS Design Standard if you... - Need trusted, professional 3D CAD without extras - Build parts, assemblies, and drawings mostly solo - Work on solids, surfaces, sheet metal, weldments, or mold tooling - Don't yet need data management or advanced analysis ### Choose SOLIDWORKS Design Professional if you... - Want a standard fastener and hardware library on hand - Need on-premise document control as your team and file count grow - Work from scanned data or reverse-engineer existing parts - Want repetitive jobs like drawing creation automated ### Choose SOLIDWORKS Design Premium if you... - Need real strength and motion validation, not a guess - Design routed systems: piping, tubing, wiring, or HVAC - Want to flatten complex surfaces - Need to import circuit board designs directly into your assemblies ### Choose SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate if you... - Need product development to reach past design and simulation - Want cloud-based project and lifecycle management tools - Create technical documentation or marketing content in-house - Need cloud-based, shared planning with Lean Team Player Launch the SOLIDWORKS Online Product Trial today![Sign up now](https://my.solidworks.com/try-solidworks) ## What Does Each SOLIDWORKS Design Package Include? The following overview names the specific tools and capabilities included in each tier. Use this section to identify which package aligns with your team's simulation depth, data management requirements and collaboration needs. #### SOLIDWORKS Design Standard --- SOLIDWORKS Design Standard is the entry-level tier for professional 3D CAD design. It includes: - 3D parametric modeling for parts and assemblies of any scale - 2D production drawings with automatic associativity to 3D models - Sheet metal tools with automatic flat-pattern generation - Weldments for structural member design - Mold Tooling for cavity, core and parting surface design - SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions: AURA and LEO access included at no extra cost. SOLIDWORKS AI usage is based on a Token consumption model. - SOLIDWORKS Simulation Xpress for basic linear static stress analysis for individual components (not assemblies) - SOLIDWORKS CircuitWorks — direct import of PCB and ECAD data into 3D assemblies for electromechanical design collaboration - **3D**EXPERIENCE platform access (included at no extra cost), which provides access to cloud storage, data management, change management, issue management and more - SOLIDWORKS Design Standard suits individual designers and small teams producing machined parts, sheet metal components and weldment structures who don't yet require advanced simulation or data management. #### SOLIDWORKS Design Professional --- SOLIDWORKS Design Professional includes all capabilities of SOLIDWORKS Design Standard, plus: - SOLIDWORKS Toolbox — a library of over one million standards-based fasteners and hardware covering ANSI, ISO, DIN and other international standards - SOLIDWORKS Costing — automated cost estimation for machined and sheet metal parts, giving designers real-time manufacturing cost feedback during design - SOLIDWORKS Scan to 3D — reverse engineering from imported point clouds and mesh data directly into editable 3D geometry - SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler — batch processing for file conversions, updates and print jobs - SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard — on-premise document control with version history, check-in/check-out workflows and secure file vault - SOLIDWORKS Design Professional is suited for growing teams that need to standardize hardware selection, automate cost estimation and introduce controlled document management. SOLIDWORKS Visualize to increase rendering performance and create professional, photo-quality images, and other 3D content #### SOLIDWORKS Design Premium --- SOLIDWORKS Design Premium includes all capabilities of SOLIDWORKS Design Professional, plus: - Simulation Capabilities — full Finite Element Analysis (FEA) covering linear static, non-linear static, frequency, thermal, drop test and fatigue analysis - SOLIDWORKS Motion — kinematic and dynamic motion analysis for mechanism and assembly validation - SOLIDWORKS Routing — automated 3D routing for pipe, tube, electrical wiring harnesses and HVAC systems - SOLIDWORKS Flatten — complex surface flattening for manufacturing flat patterns from curved geometry - SOLIDWORKS Design Premium is the right choice for engineering teams in industries such as industrial equipment, aerospace, electronics and automotive that require validated structural analysis, motion studies and electromechanical integration within a single environment. #### SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate --- SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate includes all the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS Design Premium, along with additional Cloud CAD, cloud simulation, and more. [Contact sales](/how-to-buy/contact-sales) to learn all the details or visit the - [SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate product page](/product/solidworks-ultimate). ## Whichever Tier You Pick, You're Not On Your Own Every SOLIDWORKS Design package is supported through a certified, local Reseller Partner that sticks around long after the purchase to help you get real value out of whichever tier you choose. SOLIDWORKS may be the industry standard, but a local, certified partner is what turns a license into a working process. ### Solution Advice Helps you match a package and add-ons to how your team actually works, and plans out when to scale up. ### Local Support Certified engineers who know your setup and can troubleshoot in your own time zone and language. ### Onboarding & Training Hands-on setup, templates, and structured courses that get your team productive from week one. ### Health Checks Periodic reviews of how you're using SOLIDWORKS, so you're not leaving capability on the table. ## Frequently Asked Questions #### What is included in every SOLIDWORKS Design license regardless or tier? --- Every SOLIDWORKS Design license (Standard, Professional, Premium and Ultimate) includes 3D parametric CAD modeling, 2D production drawing tools, SOLIDWORKS Simulation Xpress (basic linear static stress analysis), sheet metal design with flat-pattern generation, Weldments, Mold Tooling, SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions AURA and LEO, and full **3D**EXPERIENCE platform access. None of these are upgrades or add-ons. #### Are AI and cloud tools included in SOLIDWORKS Design? --- Every SOLIDWORKS Design license (Standard, Professional, Premium and Ultimate) includes access to AI Virtual Companions and full **3D**EXPERIENCE platform access. These are not add-ons or upgrade items; they're included in every tier at no extra cost. SOLIDWORKS AI usage is based on a Token consumption model. **3D**EXPERIENCE platform access gives every SOLIDWORKS Design user cloud-based collaboration tools, connected data management and access to Dassault Systèmes' broader ecosystem of applications — all included from day one for designers and engineers. #### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS Design Standard and Professional? --- SOLIDWORKS Design Standard provides core 3D CAD modeling, 2D drawings, basic stress analysis (Simulation Xpress), sheet metal and weldment tools. SOLIDWORKS Design Professional adds SOLIDWORKS Toolbox (a library of over one million standards-based fasteners), SOLIDWORKS Costing for automated cost estimation, SOLIDWORKS Scan to 3D for reverse engineering from point clouds, SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler for batch processing and SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard for on-premise document control and version management. #### Does SOLIDWORKS Design require an internet connection? --- The core 3D CAD tools of SOLIDWORKS Design, such as modeling, simulation, and drawing creation, operate locally and do not require a constant internet connection. However, features on the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform, including cloud simulation and cloud-based PLM tools, do require internet connectivity. #### Can I upgrade from one SOLIDWORKS Design tier to a higher one? --- Yes, you can upgrade from one SOLIDWORKS Design tier to a higher one. SOLIDWORKS Design licenses are structured so that each tier builds on the previous one. You can upgrade from Standard to Professional, Professional to Premium or Premium to Ultimate at any point. Your authorized SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partner can advise on upgrade paths, licensing terms and any applicable costs based on your current subscription or perpetual license status. ## How Can We Help? ### Find the Flexible Solution for You Speak with a SOLIDWORKS expert to discuss your business needs. - [Contact us](/how-to-buy/contact-sales) ### Find SOLIDWORKS Support Get technical support for SOLIDWORKS products and explore ways to grow your engineering design skills. - [Get help](/support/home) ### Buy SOLIDWORKS Solutions Flexible purchasing options give you the power to choose a license that best suits your needs. - [Buy SOLIDWORKS](/how-to-buy/solidworks-solutions) # Have Questions about SOLIDWORKS Design? We can help you determine the best option for your team. ![Customer support people answering questions - SOLIDWORKS](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/migration/2024-04/solidworks-3d-cad-footer-banner.jpg.webp) - [Request a demo](/how-to-buy/request-a-demo-3dexperience) - [Call +1 (781) 810-5011](tel:1-781-810-5011) SOLIDWORKS Design Packages: Find Your Best Fit- [](mailto:?subject=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-design-packages-find-your-best-fit) - [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-design-packages-find-your-best-fit) - [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-design-packages-find-your-best-fit) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-design-packages-find-your-best-fit)