SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

SOLIDWORKS for Makers costs only $48 USD/per year (or $15 USD/per month), excluding taxes. It’s an affordable way to access the same professional 3D CAD trusted by engineers, now priced for personal, non-commercial use. Whether you’re designing a 3D print, fixing something at home, or working on a hobby project, your subscription gives you full access to pro-grade tools at a maker-friendly price. Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel them in your My Account portal. See details in the Makers FAQs.

Make sure you are using the same email address you used to purchase your subscription. Try clearing your browser cache or opening the platform in an incognito window. If your subscription is more than 30 days old, it may have lapsed. You can renew from the Makers store or submit a Support Form for help.

First, check your spam or junk folder. If you still don't see it, you can access your account through the Get Started page using the email address you used at checkout. If you are still unable to log in, contact support by submitting a Support Form.

SOLIDWORKS for Makers is currently available in: Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. See the Makers FAQ for the latest availability information.

Yes. Both SOLIDWORKS for Makers packages are designed to be easy to learn and accessible for new users. You’ll find all the help you need within your platform’s Resources section, which brings together step-by-step tutorials, the Getting Started video playlist to learn at your own pace, and the Welcome App with tours, videos, tips, and training to help you make the most of your tools.

You can also join the Makers Made in 3D community to connect with others, share ideas, and find inspiration for your next DIY project.

Not at all. Whether you’re creating your first prop or building a full suit of armor, SOLIDWORKS for Makers combines professional CAD precision with maker-friendly tools and tutorials. You’ll find guides, videos, and community support to help at every step.

SOLIDWORKS for Makers includes 25 GB of 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform storage through 3DDrive and 3DSpace, providing ample capacity for your designs. Features such as file versioning, history tracking, and recovery help keep your personal workspace organized. This is usually more than enough for personal and hobby projects.

Currently, storage cannot be expanded, and the 25 GB limit applies only to SOLIDWORKS for Makers licenses.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers requires Windows 11. To confirm your system is compatible, use the Cloud Eligibility Tool, or check the list of Certified Hardware Requirements.

SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Makers runs in your browser and requires a stable internet connection. It is compatible with Chrome, Firefox and Edge on Windows, Mac, Chromebook and most tablets. No additional hardware requirements apply beyond a supported browser and a reliable internet connection.

SOLIDWORKS for Makers is intended for personal, non-commercial projects. You can design and even sell parts you create, as long as you generate less than $2,000 USD/per year in revenue.

For broader or professional use, you’ll need a SOLIDWORKS commercial or startup license. There is no direct upgrade path from a SOLIDWORKS for Makers license to a commercial one—if you decide to expand your work, you’ll need to purchase both separately.

You can design anything from tables and chairs to cabinets, shelving, and custom storage pieces. SOLIDWORKS for Makers lets you turn sketches into 3D CAD models, test how parts fit, and create detailed plans for cutting, assembling, or 3D printing.

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.

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.

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.

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.