SOLIDWORKS Desktop
SOLIDWORKS is a proven, industry-leading CAD solution for designers and engineers
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD Desktop
Our flagship product, SOLIDWORKS® 3D CAD, commonly known as SOLIDWORKS Desktop or just SOLIDWORKS, is the foundation on which our two hybrid cloud offers:
- SOLIDWORKS plus Collaborative Roles
- SOLIDWORKS Design
Who is SOLIDWORKS Desktop for?
Users who
- Need robust, industry-leading 3D CAD functionality
- Require on-premise data management
- Have physical proximity without the need to collaborate in real time during the product development process
Our SOLIDWORKS Desktop packages
SOLIDWORKS Standard
SOLIDWORKS Standard provides all the tools you need for mechanical CAD in 3D with incredible performance and ease-of-use. Create fully detailed parts, assemblies and production-level drawings and access all the tools required to generate complex surfaces, sheet metal flat patterns, and structural welded assemblies.
SOLIDWORKS Professional
SOLIDWORKS Professional gives you all the power of SOLIDWORKS Standard with additional capabilities. Increase design productivity with data management tools, advanced photorealistic rendering, parts library, automated cost estimation, 3D design and design inspection.
SOLIDWORKS Premium
SOLIDWORKS Premium combines the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS Professional with powerful simulation, motion, and design validation tools, advanced wire and pipe routing functionality, reverse engineering capabilities, and much more.
SOLIDWORKS DESIGN
The next generation of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD is ready to deliver an array of enhanced user experiences, ranging from simplified installation and licensing to additional perks such as cloud storage for your files. Learn more about this option now!
Want to see full package features?
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD comes in three different packages scalable to meet the needs of your business. Find the perfect fit for you.
SOLIDWORKS in the cloud
SOLIDWORKS Design is a solution that enables real-time collaboration with other stakeholders, cloud storage including revision management, and quick access to additional productivity tools in a digital ecosystem – all based in the cloud!
| Functions and features | SOLIDWORKS Desktop | SOLIDWORKS Design |
|---|---|---|
| Part & Assembly modelling | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2D Design | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud-based data management | – | ✓ |
| Cloud-based collaboration | – | ✓ |
| Online licensing | – | ✓ |
| Automatic installation | – | ✓ |
Functions and features
| Functions and features | SOLIDWORKS Standard | SOLIDWORKS Professional | SOLIDWORKS Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part and Assembly Modeling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2D Drawings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Design Reuse and Automation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collaborate and share CAD data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interference Check | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| First Pass Analysis Tools | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CAM Programming | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Design for Manufacturing (DFM) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Productivity Tools | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced CAD File Import/Export and 3D Interconnect | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xtended Reality (XR) Exporter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CAD Libraries (SOLIDWORKS Toolbox) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Design for Cost (SOLIDWORKS Costing) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECAD/MCAD Collaboration (CircuitWorks) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| CAD Standards Checking (Design Checker) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collaboration with eDrawings Professional | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automated Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis (TolAnalyst) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced Photorealistic Rendering (SOLIDWORKS Visualize) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| SOLIDWORKS File Management | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Engineering (ScanTo3D) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Time-based Motion Analysis | – | – | ✓ |
| Linear Static Analysis for Parts and Assemblies | – | – | ✓ |
| Pipe and Tube Routing | – | – | ✓ |
| Electrical Cable and Wiring Harness Routing | – | – | ✓ |
| Advanced Surface Flattening | – | – | ✓ |
| Rectangular and Other Section Routing | – | – | ✓ |
“Before introducing additive manufacturing (AM), when customers asked us to make a special radius, there was a lot of guesswork involved, and occasionally we had to reject the project.
Now, we’ve completely shifted our way of looking at requests. We can easily prototype and see if the tool works with the pipe. We even use it for end-use parts.”
Toni Pasanen, Manager Welding Shop Toivalan Metalli
Frequently asked questions
To make an informed choice about SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD, you need all the relevant information. Here are the answers to the questions we are asked most frequently.
Important Information about SOLIDWORKS Business Model Changes Coming in July 2023
Dassault Systèmes has announced that there will be changes in their business models starting from July 1st 2023.
- New SOLIDWORKS Perpetual Licenses: All new purchases of CAD license Subscriptions will automatically include SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services.
- All new SOLIDWORKS Perpetual licenses require two years of initial subscription with Cloud Services at the time of purchase.
- The subscription with Cloud Services will experience an uplift in price to a fraction of the cost of the value included.
- New SOLIDWORKS Term Licenses: All new SOLIDWORKS CAD TERM licenses will automatically include SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services.
- Term licensing will experience an uplift in price to a fraction of the cost of the value included.
- Existing Subscription: It does not affect your current SOLIDWORKS CAD licenses on subscription and the price will not change. However, you will have the flexibility to upgrade to a Subscription with Cloud Services for a nominal fee.
Read about the changes and how they will affect different licenses here: Important Information about SOLIDWORKS Business Model Changes Coming in July 2023
Can I get SOLIDWORKS for free?
SOLIDWORKS software comes in 3 different packages Standard, Professional and Premium, which all have various functionalities and prices. A SOLIDWORKS license is typically not free, but there are some exceptions.
SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program– If you are a startup that meets the requirements, you can join the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program which gives you access to SOLIDWORKS for free for one year with discounts in the following two years.
SOLIDWORKS Education- If you are a student and your school or university already has SOLIDWORKS Education, access is automatically available for you as student. Your professor will provide a license code granting you instant access. If your school does not have SOLIDWORKS, we can still help you gain access. See our options for students here.
SOLIDWORKS Research License- If you are a researcher who meets the requirements, you are eligible for a research license at an attractive discount that allow you to focus on innovation, not cost.
Finally, if you are interested in investing in SOLIDWORKS, but want to test the capabilities of the software first, our free trials may be a great option for you.
Contact us to learn more about your options.
Can I rent SOLIDWORKS?
Yes, you can.
With SOLIDWORKS Term licensing you’ll forget all about expensive one-time licenses. It gives you the opportunity to explore the benefits of having a flexible and scalable solution, where you pay for the software on a subscription basis.
Read more about options for renting SOLIDWORKS.
How do I learn how to use SOLIDWORKS?
Although SOLIDWORKS is one of the most intuitive CAD solutions on the market, its immense capability can be challenging to take advantage of.
We offer an extensive range of trainings, where you and your company can obtain all the skills you need and keep them up to date. With an active subscription, you will also gain unlimited support from our certified local SOLIDWORKS experts.
To learn more, get access to an extensive range of free educational material on our support site and YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Which SOLIDWORKS design solution is the right for my business?
Every company is unique and faces different challenges when trying to find the perfect design tool.
As customer needs and expectations evolve, Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS is offering more varied, cloud-focused product development solutions.
Get the full overview of SOLIDWORKS Design Tools here – Download whitepaper
What are the hardware requirements for SOLIDWORKS?
We recommend that you combine a CPU clock speed of at least 3,3 GHz with 32 GB RAM and an SSD. Dassault Systèmes has official recommendations for which GPU is qualified to use with SOLIDWORKS – visit SOLIDWORKS website.
Read more about the things to consider when choosing hardware for SOLIDWORKS.
Using a workstation, which adheres to these recommendations will give you a smooth experience with SOLIDWORKS software products.
Where can I purchase SOLIDWORKS?
You can only purchase SOLIDWORKS through a certified reseller like PLM Group. The SOLIDWORKS Software offering is a comprehensive solution for all your design needs, and it may be challenging to decipher, which tools you need. Our experts can help you find the perfect solutions for your needs – contact us
Our SOLIDWORKS options
SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services
SOLIDWORKS desktop with cloud services:
This is the CAD workhorse of many companies worldwide. Being a well-proven tool in daily use among many thousands of big and small companies, SOLIDWORKS is one of the most popular CAD packages there and has held that position for more than two decades.
SOLIDWORKS DESIGN
Built-in cloud connection:
SOLIDWORKS Design is a locally installed version of SOLIDWORKS with built-in connection to the cloud. Get the power of the desktop SOLIDWORKS combined with the freedom of the cloud.
It is licensed with a named user licensing, so the user will have access to the license on any workstation he or she is logged into. Read more.
SOLIDWORKS xDesign
Design on the cloud:
On the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, there is a selection of CAD tools that run in your web browser without the need for installation.
They let you create, edit, and manage feature-based parametric 3D CAD content without any need for installation and upgrade.
Read more.
Download resources
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5 Things to Consider When Choosing Hardware for SOLIDWORKS
Choosing the right hardware for your work setup is key, to having an effective output. The e-book takes you through the key things to consider when choosing hardware for SOLIDWORKS. It is created by SOLIDWORKS users for SOLIDWORKS users.
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Buyer’s Guide to CAD
Buyer’s Guide to CAD outlines what questions and criteria you need to consider when choosing your CAD solution. The practical overview helps you find the right 3D CAD solution.
Want to test it?
Want to test before you invest? Contact us to see what our powerful solution can do for you.
Get a quote
Hey there! Ready to talk? We’re here to help you get to where you need to be. Contact us today to get a tailored quote suited to your needs and preferences.