How do I test SOLIDWORKS Preview?

During the Preview program, you can either download and install a Beta release, or run the same release online from a supported web browser (no installation required).

Download

Go to the download page and login using your 3DEXPERIENCE ID.
Select the Beta release from the drop down menu.
Select the Beta Product.
Read and accept the Customer License and Online Services Agreement (CLOSA).
Click ‘Download’, then run SolidWorksSetup.exe and follow the instructions.
Run the SOLIDWORKS Beta Installation Manager to download and install products.

Test online in a Web Browser

Go to https://my.solidworks.com/solidworkspreview (No longer available for SOLIDWORKS 2025 without active subscription)
Select 'Launch'.

Supported browsers:
Chrome 123.0.6312.86/87
Firefox 124.0.2
Microsoft Edge 123.0.2420.65

Is Preview testing confidential?

Yes. You are under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) during the Preview program. You cannot share any information about the SOLIDWORKS Beta products outside of the SOLIDWORKS Preview Community.

How do I participate?

No sign up is required!

Access to the Beta software is automatically available to all subscription customers. If you are currently on subscription, and your serial number is registered in your Customer Portal account, the Beta software is available to download or to run online from a supported web browser.

After the Preview program begins, you have exclusive access to:

Download the Beta release or run it online from a supported browser.
Report bugs that you find to the SOLIDWORKS Preview team.
Connect with the SOLIDWORKS Preview Community and share your feedback with the R&D teams.

For more information, see the How do I submit bugs and feedback? FAQ

How do I set up the Preview release?

We strongly recommend that you install SOLIDWORKS Beta products on a separate machine from your production environment.
Do not upgrade your current production SOLIDWORKS and Toolbox (SOLIDWORKS Data) to the Beta release. Specify a new, dedicated folder for the Beta release installation.
Set ALL file locations in Tools > Options to Beta-specific testing locations.
Keep ALL Beta items like templates and design library data separate from your production data.
Do NOT use SOLIDWORKS Beta products with your production files. If you want to test your production data, make copies of that data for testing purposes.

What can I do to be an effective Preview tester?

Test your normal production workflows using a copy of your production models.
Modify your normal production workflows to accommodate new functionality.
Review the What's New document and test new functionality with new data or with your copied production data. To access the What’s New document, in SOLIDWORKS, click Help> What’s New.
Connect with the SOLIDWORKS Preview community and interact with the R&D and Preview teams.
We encourage you to use the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler Upgrade Assistant to test the migration of your SOLIDWORKS files before converting them to the new release.

How do I submit bugs and feedback?

To submit bug reports:

Go to the SOLIDWORKS Preview community and click ‘+ Add a Question’.
In the ‘Add a title’ box, enter a problem summary.
Under ‘Start writing’, enter a problem description.
Click ‘Add media’ (paperclip icon) to attach a file.
Click ‘Publish’ to complete your question.

Notes for submitting bugs:

Describe your issue in detail and attach relevant images, instructions, and files.
Note: Do NOT attach Rx files or any proprietary files. All file attachments are public and visible to all community members. To submit proprietary files, including Rx files, request a secure 3DS file transfer workspace.
Do not contact your local reseller about Preview issues and bugs. Submit a bug report in the SOLIDWORKS Preview Community.
The SOLIDWORKS Preview Program Support Team will review and respond to your bug reports.

To submit feedback:

Visit the SOLIDWORKS Preview community and create a discussion or ask a question

Is there an easy way to test SOLIDWORKS PDM?

Yes. We provide a hosted database and archive servers for you to use. This setup allows you to create your own vault so that you can test the Beta release without affecting your production environment. For more information, email epdmbeta@3ds.com.

Note: The Preview program includes one Beta release this year and runs from mid-July to mid-August. Submit your request now!

If I install a Beta release, does it affect my production or commercial licenses?

No. Although you use your commercial serial numbers to download and install Beta releases, Beta license activation is completely separate from commercial license activation, regardless of whether you have standalone licenses or SolidNetWork licenses (SNL). You have as many Beta licenses as you have commercial licenses.

For example, you have a commercial SNL server that serves 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS Standard and 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS Premium. During the Preview period, you can mimic your commercial SNL server and install and setup a separate Beta SNL server that serves 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS Standard and 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS Premium.

SOLIDWORKS 2025 Preview

FAQ

How to Participate

User Community

About the SOLIDWORKS Preview Program

SOLIDWORKS Preview Program Schedule

SOLIDWORKS Preview Online

Preview Program FAQs