SolidWorks: 3D Modeling Software with parametric construction

SolidWorks is computer-aided design (CAD) software owned by Dassault Systèmes. It uses the principle of parametric design and generates three kinds of interconnected files: the part, the assembly, and the drawing. Therefore, any modification to one of these three fileswill be reflected in the other two.

For more information, please refer to our page dedicated to  preparing files for 3D printing with SolidWorks.

Computer Aided Design
SolidWorks screen

Founder Jon Hirschtick started working on SolidWorks in 1993 with a team of developers in order to make CAD more accessible.

In 1995, the first version of the software was published.

In 1997, Dassault Systèmes became the major shareholder and continued to develop the software’s tools.

Solidworks helps you perform 2D and 3D modelling, and this CAD software is known for its ease-of-use and intuitiveness.

SolidWorks software enables you to:

  • design very precise 3D objects
  • develop products
  • double-check your file's design
  • maintain a library of your 3D files
  • create 2D drawings
  • create images and animations of your 3D objects
  • estimate the manufacturing cost of your 3D objects

SolidWorks software supports the following 3D file formats:

3D XML, ACIS, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Portable Document Format, Autodesk Inventor, CADKEY, CATIA Graphics, DXF/DWG files, DXF 3D, SolidWorks eDrawings, Highly Compressed Graphics, HOOPS, IDF 2.0, IDF 3.0, IDF 4.0, IFC, IGES, JPEG, Mechanical Desktop, PADS, Parasolid, PDF, Pro/ENGINEER, ProStep EDMED, Rhino, ScanTo3D, Solid Edge, STEP, STL, TIFF, U3D, Unigraphics, VDAFS, Viewpoint, VRML, and XPS.

SolidWorks software is not a free software but a trial version is available so you can see some of its functionality. You can also check all Solidworks alternatives and competitors.

In our collection of tutorials about modelling with CAD software, you will find our tutorial about SolidWorks software as well as all the steps to support you when creating your own 3D model using SolidWorks. Once your file is created, don’t forget to export it in STL format to be able to print it more easily! If you encounter difficulties with the export, our transfer a 3D file section explains how to do this when using SolidWorks software.

If you encounter difficulties printing a file designed with SolidWorks, see our eBook, “Fix your Files“. These resources will help you improve your 3D files to make them printable!

Is your 3D file ready? Then upload it and bring your object to life!

Read our Tutorial: 3D Print with SolidWorks

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