SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

Product activation is a simple one-time process. Most users activate their software as soon as they install it, and never have to worry about it again.

No. If you upgrade or replace your computer, you can transfer your license to the new or upgraded machine at your convenience. Simply deactivate your license through the Transfer License option in the Help menu; then, after upgrading or replacing your computer, reinstall the product and reactivate it.

No. The core technology of product activation only runs when you run your SOLIDWORKS software, and will have no noticeable effect on the overall performance of your computer.

No, SNL product activation will not affect triad licensing using license files.

No special hardware is required to use SOLIDWORKS AI or Virtual Companions. The tools are designed to run within your existing SOLIDWORKS Design environment. Access to SOLIDWORKS AI capabilities and Virtual Companions is included with your license. AI usage is measured through a Token consumption model. To get started, activate Cloud Services from your account settings. For a full walkthrough see the Getting Started Guide.

No. SOLIDWORKS AI doesn't train on customer data at any point. AI models are trained exclusively on proprietary SOLIDWORKS data and synthetically generated datasets—never on client files, designs or intellectual property.

When you interact with SOLIDWORKS AI, your session data is used locally to inform responses, but it's never shared with other tenants or used to improve the underlying model. SOLIDWORKS adheres to the Dassault Systèmes Trust Center's rigorous standards for AI security, privacy and governance. For full details on data handling protocols, visit the 3DS Trust Center.

No. Customer data is not used to train AI models. Governance controls ensure protection of intellectual property and you can learn more by visiting the 3DS Trust Center.

Yes, SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions integrate directly into your design environment to reduce repetitive tasks and optimize decision-making. These advanced tools function as intelligent assistants that understand your design intent, automate routine operations and provide predictive insights to keep your projects on schedule. AI usage is measured through a consumption model using Tokens. View the getting started guide to learn how to access and utilize the SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions.

Visit the Virtual Companions page to learn more or get an introduction to SOLIDWORKS AI features by viewing the AI overview page.

Yes. All SOLIDWORKS Design solutions include access to cloud collaboration and data management tools.

SOLIDWORKS Design licenses are locally installed, with two options for deployment and connecting your design data to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and Cloud Services.

• Single-user license: SOLIDWORKS Design includes an automatic connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and Cloud Services.
• Device license: SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services allows users to connect to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and advanced cloud-enabled features.

If you are interested in a cloud-native, browser-based solution, explore the suite of next-generation product development solutions available with SOLIDWORKS xDesign.

SOLIDWORKS Design is a locally-installed program deployed from the cloud. A named user license gives you the flexibility to install SOLIDWORKS Design on multiple devices. If you are interested in a purely browser-based solution, explore the suite of next-generation product development solutions available with SOLIDWORKS xDesign. 

Yes, SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation integrates directly with SOLIDWORKS Simulation (finite element analysis software). You can automatically map fluid and thermal data as loading conditions in a structural analysis. This allows you to perform one-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and thermal stress studies to see if fluid forces or temperature changes will cause a part to deform or fail.

You can easily create or reuse custom component libraries for motors, batteries, propellers, and controllers. This allows you to assemble your full drone virtually, verify fit and weight balance, and adapt existing open-source designs.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS for Makers enables you to visualize the direction of wood grain and experiment with joinery details, such as mortise and tenon, dados, rabbets, or dowel joints. You can test how each connection fits, refine clearances, and ensure a smooth build before you start cutting.

Yes. You can export DXF or DWG files directly from your CAD models for CNC machining or laser cutting. This ensures precise alignment, smooth tool paths, and accurate results for wood, metal, or acrylic parts.