What is SolidWorks used for?

SolidWorks is 3D CAD software from Dassault Systemes for mechanical design, simulation and product data management. It is a good fit for designing mechanical parts and assemblies, and simulating product behavior before manufacturing.

How much does SolidWorks cost?

SolidWorks is a paid product with no free plan.

Is SolidWorks open source?

No. SolidWorks is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to SolidWorks include FreeCAD, OpenSCAD and Libfive.

What are some alternatives to SolidWorks?

SolidWorks competes with Autodesk Fusion, Onshape and Autodesk Inventor. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source SolidWorks alternatives.

SolidWorks: features, pricing and alternatives

About SolidWorks

SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD application from Dassault Systemes used to design and engineer products. It provides 2D and 3D product development tools for creating, collaborating on and delivering designs, and is positioned for businesses of any size. Engineers use it for mechanical design, simulation and managing product data.

The wider portfolio includes 3DEXPERIENCE Works and DraftSight for 2D CAD. Vendor material points to design and engineering, management and collaboration, simulation, manufacturing and production, ERP and marketing domains. Browser-based and mobile-ready applications add capabilities such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and generative design.

SOLIDWORKS is proprietary commercial software with a try-now option, support services and user communities. Licensing details are handled through the vendor and its resellers.

Key features

2D and 3D CAD modeling
Mechanical design for products
Simulation of designs
Product data management
Browser-based and mobile-ready apps
Generative design capabilities

Good fit for

→Designing mechanical parts and assemblies
→Simulating product behavior before manufacturing

Tags: cad; 3d-design; mechanical-design; simulation; engineering; product-design; pdm

SolidWorks: questions and answers

What is SolidWorks used for?: SolidWorks is 3D CAD software from Dassault Systemes for mechanical design, simulation and product data management. It is a good fit for designing mechanical parts and assemblies, and simulating product behavior before manufacturing.
How much does SolidWorks cost?: SolidWorks is a paid product with no free plan.
Is SolidWorks open source?: No. SolidWorks is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to SolidWorks include FreeCAD, OpenSCAD and Libfive.
What are some alternatives to SolidWorks?: SolidWorks competes with Autodesk Fusion, Onshape and Autodesk Inventor. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source SolidWorks alternatives.