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SOLIDWORKS

Dassault Systèmes' widely used parametric 3D CAD for mechanical and product design.

Paid3D modeling and CAD software
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About SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is probably the most widely taught and used mechanical CAD program, found in engineering firms, universities and makerspaces worldwide. It offers parametric part and assembly modeling, sheet metal, weldments, surfacing, drawings, and add-ons for simulation, electrical design, CAM and product data management. Dassault Systèmes now connects it to its cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform for sharing, storage and collaboration, and offers browser-based design apps alongside the classic desktop version. Its large user base means plenty of trained engineers, tutorials and supplier models, but licences are expensive and are usually bought through resellers, and the desktop app runs only on Windows. Pricing comes in desktop perpetual licences with annual maintenance or subscriptions in several tiers, plus a cheaper version for makers and student editions.

Best for: Mechanical engineers and product designers who need the most common CAD in industry.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Huge user base, training resources and supplier models
  • Mature part, assembly, sheet metal and drawing tools
  • Cloud collaboration through 3DEXPERIENCE

Why people leave

  • Desktop version is Windows only
  • Expensive, usually sold through resellers
  • Licensing options are complicated

Top SOLIDWORKS alternatives

See all 6
  1. 1So
    Solid Edge

    Similar capability with synchronous modeling and free editions for makers.

    62.6
  2. 2Onshape logo
    Onshape

    Browser-based CAD from the SOLIDWORKS founders' team, with built-in version control.

    59.6
  3. 3Au
    Autodesk Inventor

    Comparable mechanical CAD that bundles well with AutoCAD in Autodesk shops.

    56.0
  4. 4FreeCAD logo
    FreeCAD

    Free and open source parametric CAD for those who can't justify the licence.

    55.3
  5. 5CATIA logo
    CATIA

    Dassault's high-end CAD for aerospace and automotive surface and systems design.

    53.6

Why people left SOLIDWORKS

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SOLIDWORKS: common questions

Is SOLIDWORKS free?

No, SOLIDWORKS is a paid product.

Is SOLIDWORKS open source?

No, SOLIDWORKS is not open source. Open-source alternatives include FreeCAD.

What platforms does SOLIDWORKS run on?

SOLIDWORKS is available for Windows and Web.

What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS?

The highest-ranked SOLIDWORKS alternatives right now are Solid Edge, Onshape and Autodesk Inventor. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 SOLIDWORKS alternatives