SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

SOLIDWORKS AI is a suite of intelligent, engineering-specific capabilities built directly into SOLIDWORKS Design. It combines embedded AI features—like Command Predictor, Generative Drawings and Auto-Fastener Recognition—with natural language Virtual Companions (LEO and AURA) to automate repetitive tasks, accelerate documentation and surface smarter design alternatives without leaving your workspace.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools, SOLIDWORKS AI is context-aware. It understands your active session, your parts, your assembly structure and your engineering workflows—giving it a meaningful advantage over prompt-only AI-driven tools. The result is a force multiplier that helps engineers move faster from concept to manufacturing-ready output.

AI refers to features and capabilities built on machine learning that enhance current design workflows. Virtual Companions are AI assistants that can be prompted with natural language to reveal knowledge and perform specific tasks. Both AI features and Virtual Companions are available within the SOLIDWORKS Design user interface.

AI in CAD often involves predictive or assistive features that leverage past actions, such as the Command Predictor in SOLIDWORKS Design. These features can offer advice, help with research, and advise on your workflow. Generative AI goes a step further by creating new content. It can produce a complete assembly structure for your 3D models or generate 2D drawings from a simple text prompt, offering a new way to start the design process.

As AI automates technical tasks, soft skills are becoming more valuable. Prompt engineering, the ability to clearly define a problem, critical thinking to evaluate AI-generated outputs, and strong communication within engineering and manufacturing teams are key. The quality of AI outputs depends entirely on the operator's expertise; a knowledgeable designer is crucial for refining results and delivering outstanding designs. Your understanding of core engineering principles and the ability to articulate design intent to an AI agent are also crucial to creating great products.

Explore the resources below — from getting started guides to deep-dive content on how AI is transforming design and engineering workflows.

SOLIDWORKS AI Overview

Getting Started with Cloud Services

Latest Features & Updates

AI CAD Tools & Workflow Optimization

How AI is Changing Daily Life for Mechanical Engineers

AI Innovations You Can’t Ignore: The Future of Design

SOLIDWORKS AI Demo

• Active SOLIDWORKS Design (Named-User)
• SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services
• Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS
• SOLIDWORKS xDesign on Public Cloud, Private Cloud, or VAR Use tenants

(Academia, Makers, and Student tenants are excluded from this initial rollout and will be evaluatedseparately.)

All allocated tokens are visible to administrators in the Members Control Center on the 3DEXPERIENCEplatform. Admins can track licenses and remaining token balances at the tenant level.

For questions about monitoring and consumption, your organization's tenant admin is the first point of contact — they have full visibility in the Members Control Center and can track token usage across your team. For purchasing, billing or account questions, contact your SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partner. You can share questions and feedback about tokens, skills and more directly in the SOLIDWORKS application within the Prompt Library through the feedback button.

SOLIDWORKS AI is purpose-built for engineering workflows—it doesn't just respond to prompts, it understands your full 3D design context, including your 3D model, assembly structure, drawings and data. General-purpose AI-powered tools only have prompt context. SOLIDWORKS AI has engineering context, and that difference determines the quality of every output it produces.

No. AI assists with automating repetitive tasks and revealing knowledge, but engineers remain responsible for design intent, validation, and decision making.

No, AI is not set to replace engineers. Instead, it is a force multiplier acting as your powerful design assistant. AI handles time-consuming jobs, like drawings and assembly structure. This frees up engineers to focus on higher-level problem-solving, system integration and innovation. Your expertise in mechanical engineering and critical judgment remain essential.