# SOLIDWORKS for Makers 3D Modeling and Cloud-Based Design Tools for Ambitious Makers ![Jason Pohl holding his 3D-printed bat next to the same model open in SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers, 3D CAD for personal use](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/2026-09/solidworks-makers-hero-banner-2026.jpg.webp) Start making today, at half the usual price ## What is SOLIDWORKS for Makers? SOLIDWORKS® for Makers is a full 3D CAD **license** for personal use, for just $48 USD a year. It is built for makers, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who generate less than $2,000 USD in annual revenue from their projects. Choose from two design packages, cloud or desktop, built for your maker projects. The same SOLIDWORKS tools engineers use, priced for personal use. ## Pick the Makers package that's right for you: ![3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers desktop edition running on a Windows monitor after download](/sites/default/filesd10/2026-01/sw_design_monitor.png) #### 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers ##### **Proven and powerful SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD** **Features include:** - 3D CAD: Locally Installed - Local & Cloud Storage - Photorealistic Rendering - 2.5 & 3-Axis CAM - Access to Learning Content and Maker Communities ​ **Devices Supported:** - Windows PC - Installation required \*USA price for single user excluding local taxes. Local pricing listed in cart. 15-day money-back policy on yearly subscriptions. - [Buy $24 USD/year\*](/makers-promo) - [Buy $15 USD/month\*](https://my.3dexperience.3ds.com/cart/Makers_Sculptor?licencingScheme=MSC) ![SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers browser version open on a tablet, no installation needed](/sites/default/filesd10/inline-images/sw_tablet_xdesign-3.png) #### SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers ##### **Browser-based SOLIDWORKS xDesign 3D CAD** **Features include:** - Cloud 3D CAD: Browser-based - Cloud Storage - AI-powered Design Guidance and Design Assistant - Cloud Rendering and Interactive 3D Presentations - Simulation: Motion Studies - Access to Learning Content and Maker Communities **Devices Supported:** - Chromebooks, MACs, Tablets, Windows PC - No installation required \*USA price for single user excluding local taxes. Local pricing listed in cart. 15-day money-back policy on yearly subscriptions. - [Buy $24 USD/year\*](/makers-cloud-promo) - [Buy $15 USD/month\*](https://my.3dexperience.3ds.com/cart/Makers_SWcloudapps?licencingScheme=MSC) ### Need a detailed comparison between these packages? | Capabilities | 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers | SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers | |---|---|---| | Parts & Assemblies | | | | Drawings | | | | Freeform Designs | | | | Sheetmetal | | | | Structural & Framing | | | | Mold Design | | | | Motion Studies | | | | CAM (NC Programming) | | | | Rendering | | | | Interactive 3D Presentations | | | | No Installation Required | PC Installation | | | Learning Content | | | | Online Communities | | | Start making today with SOLIDWORKS for Makers ## Learn More About SOLIDWORKS for Makers ### Explore SOLIDWORKS for Makers: Woodworking, CNC, DIY, and 3D Printing ### 3D Printing Print parts that fit the first time. Model in SOLIDWORKS for Makers, check wall thickness and overhangs before you print, then export .stl or .obj files for your slicer. - [Learn more](/solution/solidworks-makers/3d-cad-printing-software) ### DIY Projects Measure once in CAD, cut once in the shop. Plan your DIY projects in SOLIDWORKS for Makers, check the parts fit before you buy material, then export files for your 3D printer, CNC machine or laser cutter, so measurements are right the first time. - [Learn more](/solution/solidworks-makers/diy-personal-cad) ### Woodworking Plan the joinery before you touch the lumber. Lay out exact dimensions in SOLIDWORKS for Makers, change one part and the mating parts update, then export files for CNC or laser cutting. - [Learn more](/solution/solidworks-makers/cad-woodworking-software) ### CNC Machining Model the part, then program the toolpaths in the same package. SOLIDWORKS for Makers gives you built-in 2.5 and 3-Axis CAM and prepares the files for your machine. CAM is included in the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers desktop package. - [Learn more](/solution/solidworks-makers/diy-cnc-machine-software-hobbyists) ### Learn More – **3D**EXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers ### Learn More – SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers ### Connect with Your Maker Community Share your projects and get feedback from people who understand the work. Thousands of makers and hobbyists post updates, ask questions, and help each other troubleshoot along the way. - [Join the community](https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexperience.3ds.com/#community:17) ## SOLIDWORKS for Makers | FAQs #### How much does SOLIDWORKS for Makers cost? --- SOLIDWORKS for Makers costs $48 USD per year, or $15 USD per month, excluding taxes. It is the same professional 3D CAD engineers use, priced for personal, non-commercial use. Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel them in your - [My Account portal](https://go.3ds.com/account). #### Is SOLIDWORKS for Makers available in my country? --- SOLIDWORKS for Makers is currently available in: Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. See the - [Makers FAQ](https://www.3ds.com/store/faq/makers) for the latest availability information. #### What do I get with my subscription? --- You can choose between two SOLIDWORKS for Makers packages. SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers is a browser-based 3D CAD app that works on Mac, tablets, Chromebooks and Windows. It includes an AI design assistant, rendering tools, motion studies and sharing. **3D**EXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers is full SOLIDWORKS desktop CAD for Windows, with local and cloud storage, CAM and photorealistic rendering, and it works offline for up to 30 days before syncing. Each subscription is sold separately, so you can buy one or both. #### How do I know which offer is best for me? --- Choose **3D**EXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers if you want the SOLIDWORKS Connected desktop experience on Windows, for detailed hobby builds and precision work. Choose SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers if you want to design in your browser on a Mac, Chromebook or tablet. SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers does not include SOLIDWORKS Connected. Both connect to the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform for sharing, version tracking and cloud storage. #### Is SOLIDWORKS for Makers good for beginners? --- Yes. Both packages are built to be learned from scratch. Your platform's - [Resources section](https://www.solidworks.com/maker-cloud) carries step-by-step tutorials, the - [Getting Started video playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiKqXuECiKNLf2CytpaYF-OpXz47Lsjqi) and the Welcome App with tours and training. You can also join the - [Made in 3D community](https://www.solidworks.com/makers3d) to ask questions and see what other makers are building. #### Can I use SOLIDWORKS for Makers to design for 3D printing? --- Yes. Both packages let you design parts for 3D printing, from simple repairs to detailed builds. Export your models as .stl or .obj files and prepare them in any slicer. Many makers combine 3D printing with woodworking, metalwork or small gadget design. #### Are my SOLIDWORKS for Makers files, formats, or data restricted? --- Yes. Files created with a SOLIDWORKS for Makers account are digitally watermarked and open only with a SOLIDWORKS for Makers license. They cannot be opened in commercial or academic versions of SOLIDWORKS. This applies to the native formats .3dxml, .sldprt, .sldasm and .slddrw. You can export in neutral formats such as .stl, .step, .iges, .dxf and .dwg to share or use your designs without that restriction. #### What are the usage restrictions for SOLIDWORKS for Makers? --- SOLIDWORKS for Makers is for personal, non-commercial projects. You can design and even sell parts you make, as long as you generate less than $2,000 USD per year in revenue from them. For professional or broader use you need a SOLIDWORKS commercial or - [startup license](https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-for-startups-program). There is no upgrade path from a Makers license to a commercial one, so you would purchase the - [commercial license](https://www.solidworks.com/how-to-buy/solidworks-solutions) separately. #### Is there a storage limit in SOLIDWORKS for Makers? --- Yes. SOLIDWORKS for Makers includes 25 GB of **3D**EXPERIENCE cloud storage across 3DDrive and 3DSpace. File versioning, history tracking and recovery are included. Storage cannot be expanded, and the 25 GB applies only to SOLIDWORKS for Makers licenses. #### Can I cancel if I change my mind? --- Yes. Yearly subscriptions carry a 15-day money-back policy. Request cancellation within 15 days of purchase and the order is refunded in full. The refund does not apply to renewals or monthly subscriptions, but you can cancel a monthly subscription before the next renewal. To cancel, use your - [My Account portal](https://go.3ds.com/account) or submit the - [Online Support Form](https://www.3ds.com/online-store/support-form/). #### How long does my purchase of SOLIDWORKS for Makers last? --- You can purchase a monthly or yearly subscription of SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers or **3D**EXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers. Your subscription will be automatically renewed, except for India where subscriptions are not automatically renewed. You can manage your subscription in your - [My Account](https://go.3ds.com/account) portal. You can stop the renewal up to 5 days before your yearly renewal date or up to 5 days before your monthly renewal date. Even if you stop your renewal, you can still use the tools included in your offer until the renewal date, after which time you will lose access. You can always sign up again in the future for a monthly or yearly subscription–please use your same **3D**EXPERIENCE ID to re-purchase. #### How can I access and manage my subscription at any time, even if my subscription has lapsed? --- Please visit your new My Account portal. You can manage your subscription(s), update your payment method, view previous and/or pending orders and unfinished carts, and even re-subscribe if your subscription has lapsed. You can also increase the number of your subscriptions (capped at maximum of 5), and request to cancel your subscription. There are also very helpful links, such as a direct link to your maker platform, resources to kickstart your creativity and support links. Make sure to bookmark this helpful - [My Account link](https://go.3ds.com/account)! #### What kind of support will I get? --- Three places, depending on what you need. For purchases, subscriptions and platform access, use the - [Online Support Form](https://www.3ds.com/online-store/support-form/). For setup and how-to questions, the - [Makers Support Center](https://www.3ds.com/store/support-center/makers) has guides and troubleshooting. For technical questions and project feedback, the - [Maker | Support community](https://go.3ds.com/makerssupport) and the - [Made in 3D community](https://www.solidworks.com/makers3d) are staffed by experts and other makers. #### Can I use SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers offline? --- No. SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers always needs an internet connection. If you need to work offline, **3D**EXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers runs on Windows and works offline for up to 30 consecutive days before it has to sync. #### How can someone who is new to CAD learn how to use SOLIDWORKS for Makers? --- Start with the - [Get Started video playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiKqXuECiKNLf2CytpaYF-OpXz47Lsjqi), then the - [online tutorials](https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexperience.3ds.com/community/swym:prd:R1132100503382:community:kKnaKWHGTPC4ut-q1X_9uA/wiki?content=swym:prd:R1132100503382:wikitree:ZUwWh34URL6XBeg-_4rOPQ). The interface and the common commands come quickly with practice, and the - [Made in 3D community](https://www.solidworks.com/makers3d) answers beginner questions. #### Who can use the SOLIDWORKS for Makers packages? --- SOLIDWORKS for Makers is DIY CAD software designed for personal, non-commercial use. If you sell your products and make more than $2,000 USD in revenue per year, you will no longer be eligible to use the software. #### Can I use SOLIDWORKS for Makers on a Mac? --- Yes, in the browser. SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers runs in a web browser on Mac, tablets, Chromebooks and Windows, and needs an internet connection. **3D**EXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers is a Windows desktop install and does not run natively on macOS. #### Do I need a special license to use SOLIDWORKS for Makers at home? --- SOLIDWORKS for Makers is the license for home and hobby use. It covers makers, hobbyists and DIY builders working on personal, non-commercial projects, with a yearly revenue limit set out in the usage restrictions above. Work done as a business needs a commercial license. #### How do I download SOLIDWORKS for Makers? --- Buy the **3D**EXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers package, then download the desktop edition for Windows from your **3D**EXPERIENCE platform account. SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers needs no download and runs in the browser. #### Is there a free version or a free trial of SOLIDWORKS for Makers? --- No. There is no free version and no free trial. The subscription is $48 USD a year and carries a 15-day money-back policy, so you can try it and request a refund inside that window. ## Level-Up Your Maker Game Design your next project with SOLIDWORKS for Makers. ![Jason Pohl in his workshop with his 3D printer and CNC machine, projects designed in SOLIDWORKS for Makers](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/2026-10/solidworks-makers-bottom-banner-2026.jpg.webp)