SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Made in 3D community to share your builds, get feedback and find inspiration.

You can import reference images or 3D scans directly into your workspace using the Sketch Picture tool. By including a ruler or known dimension in the photo, you can accurately scale your model. This makes it easy to recreate parts such as dash panels, brackets, or body sections without manual re-measuring.

Start with the Get Started video playlist, then the online tutorials. The interface and the common commands come quickly with practice, and the Made in 3D community answers beginner questions.

Makers use DIY CNC software to cut panels, engrave designs, mill parts, and prototype components for furniture, art, and mechanical builds. With SOLIDWORKS for Makers, you can model assemblies, generate 2D drawings, and export DXF or DWG files for use with routers, mills, or laser cutters.

SOLIDWORKS for Makers makes it easy to design jigs, templates, and fixtures that can be 3D printed to match your wood parts. You can check the fit and tolerances in your 3D CAD model, then export parts for printing to create cutting, drilling, and assembly guidance that is more accurate and repeatable.

You can always access your tools here: Makers Dashboard. Bookmark this link for easy access.

You can always access your tools here: Makers Dashboard . Bookmark this link for easy access.

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.

Use the mesh and geometry analysis tools in SOLIDWORKS for Makers to detect thin walls, unsupported overhangs, and weak spots before printing. These checks help ensure your design is strong, printable, and ready for your slicer software.

Use motion studies to simulate propeller rotation and verify that your blades clear the frame and surrounding components. You can also test multiple configurations digitally before committing to physical parts.

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.

Buy the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers package, then download the desktop edition for Windows from your 3DEXPERIENCE platform account. SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers needs no download and runs in the browser.

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.

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.

Start by refining your CAD model—use fillets, smooth transitions, and mesh repair before exporting. Print at a finer layer height (0.1–0.15 mm) and sand or prime the finished part for a polished look. SOLIDWORKS for Makers helps visualize surface quality and ensure a clean final print.