SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

Ensure that via HTTP is open on your firewall for port 80, which is used by the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager during the update process.

You can choose between two SOLIDWORKS for Makers packages:

• SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers – 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 easy sharing for quick hobby or repair projects.
• 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers – full SOLIDWORKS desktop CAD for Windows, with both local and 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform storage, CAM features, and photorealistic rendering. You can install it and work offline for up to 30 days before syncing your data online.

Each subscription is sold separately, allowing you to purchase one or both, depending on your specific project needs. Access your tools anytime through Start Making, using the same email address you used to subscribe, to ensure your platform links are set up correctly.

Each user wishing to claim their exam vouchers needs 2 things:

1) A SOLIDWORKS ID linked to a SOLIDWORKS serial number on Subscription Service and

2) A VirtualTester ID

You will receive certificates for each exam that you pass. You receive an email that directs you to our electronic certificate access page. There you can login and download your electronic certificate(s) and electronic business card logo(s); CSWP’s also receive discounts to partner products and SOLIDWORKS World events. For more information refer to www.solidworks.com/cswp.

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.

We use the computer-specific information only to verify that your product is used within the scope allowed by the SOLIDWORKS End-User License Agreement (EULA). The information is stored in a database used only for product activation data.

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.

For every seat of SOLIDWORKS that a company has on Subscription Service, users at that company can receive one free core exam, one free advanced exam, and one specialty exam each half of the year (January to June and July to December).  Basically, every January 1 and July 1, the system resets and users will be able to claim a fresh set of exam vouchers.

You can export in DXF, DWG, STEP, or IGES formats to communicate with CNC routers, laser cutters, or waterjets. Files are dimensionally accurate and ready for post-processing in your chosen CAM software or directly in 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers.

You can export your models in STL, STEP, or IGES formats for slicing and printing. STL is the standard file type used by most 3D printers, while STEP retains editable geometry, allowing you to modify or share your design later. These options make it easy to move from design to print smoothly.

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.

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. See the full list of supported formats in SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers help documentation.

Product activation is a series of simple steps that takes place upon first launch of your SOLIDWORKS product. Users enter their serial number, which is authenticated with the SOLIDWORKS product activation system to activate the product. The entire activation process is quick and easy, and the majority of users will experience product activation only once.

Future releases of SOLIDWORKS and support services will not be provided without subscription.

If you do not activate your product by the 30th day after you first installed and launched your SOLIDWORKS product, it will stop working until you activate it.