SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SOLIDWORKS recommends that resellers encourage and assist SolidNetWork License customers to create an internal support team responsible for coordinating support efforts with the reseller. It is in the best interest of both the reseller and the customer to "limit" the number of users contacting the reseller to the number of concurrent licenses purchased.

The free product is meant for individual students only.

We strongly encourage schools and institutions to use the full SOLIDWORKS EDU Edition. It includes the complete suite of desktop products – SOLIDWORKS Design Premium, CAM, Simulation, Flow, Visualize, Composer and more – giving students the skills and experience needed to succeed in the engineering world. Along with dedicated local Partner support, training, many free certification exams, and curriculum resources, students also get access to the Premium version of SOLIDWORKS for use at home.

The free product is meant for individual students only.

We strongly encourage schools and institutions to use the full SOLIDWORKS EDU Edition. It includes the complete suite of desktop products – SOLIDWORKS Design Premium, CAM, Simulation, Flow, Visualize, Composer and more – giving students the skills and experience needed to succeed in the engineering world. Along with dedicated local Partner support, training, many free certification exams, and curriculum resources, students also get access to the Premium version of SOLIDWORKS for use at home.

No, The SNL can only float SOLIDWORKS Licenses and those of SOLIDWORKS supplied add-in products, such as PhotoWorks, FeatureWorks, Animator etc.

SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions, like LEO, are designed to support generative design workflows by simplifying the creation of assembly structures (beta), for instance. With just a simple prompt, LEO can generate a complete assembly structure, including top-level assemblies and subassemblies, giving you a strong starting point without starting from scratch.

From there, you can refine the structure with ease:

• Use prompts to iterate and align the design with your intent.
• Remove or replace components, adjust the hierarchy, and make other modifications.
• Once satisfied, easily generate the structure as SOLIDWORKS assembly and part files.

This capability not only accelerates the design process, but also ensures flexibility and precision, paving the way for more efficient and innovative workflows.

Yes, customers can have a combination of standalone and SNL licenses

Yes, your reseller can discuss the agreements and fees required to convert standalone licenses to an SNL.

Yes. Whether you’re designing a new tool, puzzle, game or gadget, SOLIDWORKS for Makers supports creative prototyping at home with detailed visualization and precision tools, allowing you to refine and test ideas before building.

Yes. You can generate assembly drawings with exploded views and bills of materials to support the design of cabinets and furniture. You can also render your models to visualize materials and finishes before you start building, helping you plan, organize, and present your build efficiently.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS for Makers lets you create accurate cut lists, bills of materials, and part drawings to plan every piece of your woodworking project. It helps you organize materials, avoid waste, and make sure you have exactly what you need before you start building.

Yes. Within 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers, you can define machining operations, toolpaths, and speeds, then export G-code compatible with most hobby CNC controllers. This ensures smoother, more accurate cutting and helps you verify operations before starting the job.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS for Makers can manage large assemblies with many parts while running efficiently on standard home computers used for personal projects.

Yes. Whether you’re working on a single bracket or a full machine enclosure, SOLIDWORKS for Makers enables the management of multi-part assemblies with motion studies and constraints, allowing you to visualize every moving component before machining.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS for Makers enables you to create detailed, curved, or organic shapes, such as helmets, armor, masks, and props. You can combine surface and solid modeling tools to sculpt smooth, wearable parts that capture every contour of your design.

Yes. You can design modular sections that fit your workspace, printer, or CNC bed, then assemble them virtually to ensure proper fit and alignment before building the physical model.