SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

You can sketch, dimension, and generate drawings or cut lists to ensure your parts fit correctly and that you know exactly what materials you will need. You can start with simple 2D sketches and quickly transform them into precise 3D models for efficient and accurate home builds.

We use the industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to transmit data to product activation servers that are both physically secure and have limited employee access.

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 helps 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Services helps teams reduce delays caused by troubleshooting, unsupported issues, compatibility problems, and outdated workflows.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.

Your data is securely stored in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, granting access to current files. You have control over access to data and receive live design updates through instant notifications.

In addition we perform daily customer data backups to ensure the safety and security of your data. By securely storing your data on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, users always work with the latest version, eliminating the danger of overwriting data.

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The SOLIDWORKS xDesign includes the 3D Render role (xStudio) to generate photorealistic renderings.

Rendering credits are needed to carry out a rendering job using xStudio. The number of credits required generally varies based on factors such as image size, resolution, and complexity, usually falling within the range of a few credits to 8 per rendering. The number of required credits is indicated and updated in real-time on the rendering job queue.

This offer provides you with 135 credits; if your project demands more, additional credits can be purchased here.

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.

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.