SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

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 Subscription Services restore access to interoperability improvements, version flexibility (like the ‘save as previous release’ capability), live technical support from a local reseller partner, and ongoing 3D CAD workflow enhancements that support smoother collaboration across evolving engineering environments. This helps teams reduce rework, simplify handoffs, and collaborate more efficiently across customers, suppliers, and partners, restoring several of the core reasons many customers choose to buy SOLIDWORKS in the first place.

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.

We offer two types of technical support with SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service:

Live Technical Support: Get live assistance from your local SOLIDWORKS value-added reseller (VAR). Each VAR is a trained and certified SOLIDWORKS expert to help you troubleshoot many technical issues.

Electronic Support: Access a wealth of online resources through the SOLIDWORKS Support web page, formerly the Customer Portal. This includes the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base, tech tips, help files, best practices, technical alerts, webcasts, SR reporting and tracking, enhancement requests, and much more.
 

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.

The offer includes SOLIDWORKS Design Standard. It does not include other SOLIDWORKS products like Simulation, CAM, Visualize, and others, nor does it include certification 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.