3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers

First, check your spam or junk folder. If you still don't see it, you can access your account through the Get Started page using the email address you used at checkout. If you are still unable to log in, contact support by submitting a Support Form.

Make sure you are using the same email address you used to purchase your subscription. Try clearing your browser cache or opening the platform in an incognito window. If your subscription is more than 30 days old, it may have lapsed. You can renew from the Makers store or submit a Support Form for help.

Your email address can't be changed for the first 30 days after purchase. After that, log in to your 3DEXPERIENCE ID profile, edit your email, and click Update. Until the 30-day period ends, use your original email to access the platform.

Go to the password reset page and follow the steps to create a new password for your account.

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 for the latest availability information.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers requires Windows 11. To confirm your system is compatible, use the Cloud Eligibility Tool, or check the list of Certified Hardware Requirements.

Yes, depending on what you plan to use:
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS (desktop apps) require installation:

• SOLIDWORKS Connected
• NC Shop Floor Programmer

SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers (browser-based apps) do not require installation.

Note: SOLIDWORKS Connected cannot be installed on the same computer as a commercial SOLIDWORKS installation with the same release year.

After purchase, open your Get Started email. Use the link in that email, or go to the Makers Dashboard to begin the install. You can also find step-by-step guidance in the Learning Hub: First Login and Install video.

Visit the Maker | Support community and follow the clean reinstallation guide. This covers clean installs after a previous desktop license and reinstalls if a hotfix update fails.

Post a screenshot of the error in the Maker | Support community. Other makers and the support team can review it and suggest next steps.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers includes desktop CAD software: SOLIDWORKS Connected, CAM tools: 2.5 and 3-Axis CAM with NC Shop Floor Programmer, 3D modeling tools: subdivision modeling via 3D Sculptor (xShape), and browser-based CAD with 3D Creator. Collaboration tools (3DSwymer, Collaborative Industry Innovator) and 25 GB of 3DEXPERIENCE cloud storage are included with your subscription.

SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers runs in your browser and includes 3D Creator, 3D Sculptor, 3D SheetMetal Creator, 3D Structure Creator, 3D Mold Creator, 3D Motion Creator and Manufacturing Definition Creator. You also get 3DSwymer, Collaborative Industry Innovator, Product Communicator and cloud render credits. An internet connection is always required. This subscription does not include desktop SOLIDWORKS or CAM tools.

You can export files in common formats such as .stl, .step, .iges, .dxf, and .obj,These formats are widely used for 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC work. For CNC machining, you can generate NC code directly from the Shop Floor Machining app. See the full list of import and export formats in SOLIDWORKS Connected.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers has the same core CAD functionality with the addition of the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform for file storage, sharing, and version control. It is not compatible with commercial SOLIDWORKS licenses or third-party Add-Ins. Files are watermarked and can only be opened with a SOLIDWORKS for Makers license.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers supports offline mode for up to 30 consecutive days. Before going offline, make sure you have local copies of your files and a desktop shortcut for SOLIDWORKS Connected. SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers always requires an internet connection and does not support offline use.

Yes. Files are digitally watermarked and can only be opened using a SOLIDWORKS for Makers license. They cannot be opened with commercial or academic versions of SOLIDWORKS. This applies to native formats: .3dxml, .sldprt, .sldasm and .slddrw. You can export in neutral formats like .stl, .step or .iges to share or use your designs without restrictions.

Use the Search bar at the top of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to find files by name. For recently created files, click the clock icon or 'Show my recent content.' In SOLIDWORKS Connected, use the 3DEXPERIENCE Open dialog to search for files saved to the platform. For a full guide to all search methods, visit the Maker | Support community.

In SOLIDWORKS Connected, the default Save writes to the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud. To save locally, choose 'Save to my PC' from within SOLIDWORKS Connected, or edit your keyboard shortcut to set Ctrl+S to save locally. In offline mode, all files save to your local computer automatically.

Enable Offline Mode in 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers before the update begins — click your profile icon in the top right of SOLIDWORKS Connected and select "Work Offline." Make sure your files are downloaded locally first. See the Maker | Support community for full setup details.

CAM tools for CNC machining are available through the NC Shop Floor Programmer role, included in your 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers subscription. To install it, log in to your Makers platform, click the Compass, and select Shop Floor Machining. Your computer needs Windows 10 or 11, an active internet connection and at least 13 GB of free disk space. Run the Cloud Eligibility Checker first to confirm compatibility.

Log in to your My Account Portal, go to the Payment Methods tab. If you need help, submit a Support Form.

Stop your current monthly subscription in the Subscriptions tab of your My Account Portal, then wait until the renewal date. On that date, purchase the yearly plan from the Makers store using the same email address to keep your existing files. Do not start the new plan before the current one ends or both subscriptions will overlap. For help, submit a Support Form.