SOLIDWORKS review

SOLIDWORKS is the long-standing desktop CAD package in many engineering offices, and the main reason to pick it for CNC work is that your customers, suppliers or colleagues already send SOLIDWORKS files. Dassault Systèmes sells SOLIDWORKS Design online as yearly or quarterly licenses, while reseller partners also offer perpetual licenses and portfolio products such as PDM, Simulation and Manufacturing. Makers and hobbyists get separate cloud-native and cloud-connected editions, eligible makerspace members can get Maker solutions free, and the SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program gives eligible hardware founders free SOLIDWORKS Design access. A product trial runs the latest release with no installation. For CNC, the modeler itself does not hand you toolpaths the way Fusion does: manufacturing tools are a separate purchase, or you export to CAM software. We could not confirm a USD price on the vendor page from our location, so the price is marked pending. Compare a reseller quote with Fusion before committing.

Who it is for

engineering teams that already work in SOLIDWORKS

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending); yearly, quarterly or perpetual licenses.

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Locally installed 3D CAD with a connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and Cloud Services
• Yearly or quarterly licenses online, and perpetual licenses through reseller partners
• Portfolio add-ons for PDM, Simulation and Manufacturing through resellers
• Cloud-native and cloud-connected editions for makers and hobbyists
• Free SOLIDWORKS Design access for eligible hardware startups

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Product trial runs the latest release with no installation
• Strength: Perpetual licenses are available through reseller partners
• Strength: Eligible makerspace members can get Maker solutions free
• Weakness: We could not confirm a USD price from the vendor page
• Weakness: Manufacturing tools are sold as separate portfolio products
• Weakness: Online purchase is available only in some countries

Key facts

• Licensing: Yearly, quarterly or perpetual
• Free trial: Yes, no installation required
• Maker edition: Yes, cloud-native and cloud-connected
• Startup program: Free for eligible hardware startups

Where it ranks

SOLIDWORKS is No. 7 in our Best 3D Modeling Software for CNC verdict.