SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

You can export your models in STL, STEP, or IGES formats for slicing and printing. STL is the standard file type used by most 3D printers, while STEP retains editable geometry, allowing you to modify or share your design later. These options make it easy to move from design to print smoothly.

Product activation is a series of simple steps that takes place upon first launch of your SOLIDWORKS product. Users enter their serial number, which is authenticated with the SOLIDWORKS product activation system to activate the product. The entire activation process is quick and easy, and the majority of users will experience product activation only once.

Future releases of SOLIDWORKS and support services will not be provided without subscription.

If you do not activate your product by the 30th day after you first installed and launched your SOLIDWORKS product, it will stop working until you activate it.

In the unlikely event that the activation servers are unavailable, the customer will be asked to try back at a later time. The customer will be given a 30-day, unrestricted grace period in order to get their product activated. During this time, the customer may use their SOLIDWORKS product without any restrictions.

Although most customers activate their software as soon as they install it, you have a 30-day grace period after your first launch to activate the product (evaluation and other products will have different timing requirements). The software, which is fully functional during this period, will automatically remind you to activate at regular intervals. After 30 days, the product will stop working until you activate it.

You have a 30-day grace period before activation is required. Activating over the Internet is a quick, one-time process. If your computer is temporarily offline, you can activate the next time it's online. Once the product is activated, the activation process no longer needs to connect to the Internet. If you are installing on a computer that will never be connected to the Internet, you can activate your license by emailing your request file directly to SOLIDWORKS.

• Check your internet connection quality using www.speedtest.net.
• Switch to an ethernet-wired instead of wireless connection.
• Try a different, supported web browser.
• Try reconnecting at a later time.

Today, SOLIDWORKS requires local installation on a Windows PC. See system requirements here.

We do not currently offer any SOLIDWORKS tools through the browser platform - it is limited to free evaluations and trials only.

To move your software to a new computer you, first need to transfer your software license. Transferring your software license will immediately deactivate the software on your original computer so that you can activate your software on a new computer.

We collect the minimum information required to successfully verify the product license for each product installation, which includes: the product serial number, name, version, and language; the operating system name, version, and language; and your computer’s processor and hard-disk type. This information is combined, encrypted, and then sent to SOLIDWORKS for verification.

A CNC machine (Computer Numerical Control) uses programmed instructions to cut, carve, or engrave materials like wood, metal, or plastic with high precision. When paired with personal-use CAD software such as SOLIDWORKS for Makers, you can design accurate parts and send toolpaths directly to your machine for detailed hobby or repair work.

A SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partner, also known as a Value-Added Reseller (VAR), is an independent business that sells and supports SOLIDWORKS design and product development software. SOLIDWORKS resellers work directly with customers to help them implement, optimize, and get the most value out of their purchase.

A license server is a workstation that is set up to serve license clients. The license server grants permission to license clients to execute SOLIDWORKS.

Drone CAD software enables you to design and test drones with precision before building them. With SOLIDWORKS for Makers, you can create frames, arms, propeller mounts, and housings for multirotor or fixed-wing drones, ensuring a perfect fit, strength, and balance for your build.