SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

As a worldwide 3DEXPERIENCE Company, we discover companies inadvertently use unlicensed software due to a lack of proper software asset management and software procurement policies. This in turn puts them at risk of liability from improper software license usage.

We recommend companies to carry out a regular review of your organization’s software usage to ensure that you remain protected and compliant.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses a mathematical method called Finite Element Analysis(FEA) to predict how a physical object will behave under realistic loads. SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses a direct CAD-to-simulation link, meaning your simulation model alwaysstays parametrically up-to-date with your CAD geometry.

Subscription Services help organizations maintain stability by providing access to supported configurations, ongoing compatibility improvements, technical support, performance optimizations, and supported upgrade paths. With an active SOLIDWORKS Subscription, you'll receive new software releases directly via email. Each Service Pack will also be available for download through the SOLIDWORKS Support page, formerly the Customer Portal. This helps teams adapt more predictably as surrounding technologies and engineering requirements continue evolving.

Subscription Services help both teams and the individual SOLIDWORKS user. Subscription Services helps teams reduce delays caused by troubleshooting, unsupported issues, compatibility problems, and outdated workflows. Access to live technical support from SOLIDWORKS experts, supported upgrade paths, interoperability improvements, and ongoing software optimizations through service packs help teams recover faster and maintain momentum across engineering projects.

SOLIDWORKS supports generative design by offering AI-powered companions, specifically LEO, with tools like assembly structure generation, and even more advanced feature releases planned. These features will enable designers to explore optimized solutions quickly, ensuring efficient and innovative product development.

SOLIDWORKS Sustainability is an integrated tool within SOLIDWORKS for analysis of a product's lifecycle footprint. Using built in material libraries that inform decisions, designers can optimize materials, and optimize product designs aligned with manufacturing planners. All this can occur in the early design phases to have the most impact.

The SolidNetWork License Server contains a License File that has information regarding the version of SOLIDWORKS and the number of purchased licenses. The number of concurrent users is based on the number of purchased licenses.

Tokens are the currency behind AURA and LEO. Instead of charging you for simply asking a question, tokens are directly tied to the value of the result you receive.

How It Works

• Guidance Costs Less: Quick guidance and best-practice answers from AURA require fewer resources than generative or analytical tasks, such as model conversion or performance analysis.
• Pay for the Outcome: You only use tokens when a result is delivered — whether that’s a quick piece of guidance, a generated model, or a full assembly performance analysis.
• Value-Based Scaling: The bigger and more substantial the outcome, the more tokens it utilizes.

SOLIDWORKS is leveraging the latest technology to deliver you incredible 3D software over the internet. With that in mind, we do suggest using this with a broadband connection of at least 3000/300 Kbps (Download/Upload). For best experience, we have found 5000/500 Kbps to be ideal for 1920x1080 resolution. For an acceptable experience, a minimum of 1000/100 is as low as a user should go.

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.

SOLIDWORKS AI for CAD designers and mechanical engineers integrates artificial intelligence directly into the design environment. Tools like the AI-Powered Assembly Structure Generator and What's Wrong Analysis are built to speed up the workflow. It helps you move from concept to manufacturing faster by automating the design process and offering intelligent suggestions. This enhances the SOLIDWORKS Design experience.

SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers runs entirely in your browser and works on any device with an internet connection. 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.

You receive 1 year of access. If you are still a qualified student at the end of your 1-year access, you may sign up again by completing the same web form. You may be asked to provide proof of student verification.

SOLIDWORKS Design is available to purchase online in quarterly and yearly term licenses.

SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services is available to purchase online in yearly term licenses.