SOLIDWORKS Software
SOLIDWORKS is an industry-leading 3D CAD design software used by engineers and designers worldwide. Widely accepted across industries as the design platform of choice, SOLIDWORKS is feature-rich, providing individuals and engineering teams with the ability to collaborate with an exchange of ideas and data to bring products and processes to life.
Thousands of dedicated engineers have developed SOLIDWORKS for more than 30 years and continue to improve it. This brings you a user-friendly environment to help with your day-to-day activities.
SWYFT Solutions helps designers and engineers find the best tools and solutions. We aim to support their business goals and meet customer needs.
The Engineering Design Platform of Choice
SOLIDWORKS delivers engineers with the power to design, simulate and communicate with confidence. The latest version allows you to design and simulate more efficiently, with greater speed and accuracy. Software capabilities include intuitive tools, integrated 3D measurement tools, and collaboration features that follow industry specific best practices.
Design, simulate and communicate with confidence using SOLIDWORKS. SWYFT Solutions has helped companies of all sizes succeed with 3D modeling, design, and simulation.
SOLIDWORKS Perpetual vs. Subscription (Term) License Options
Perpetual SOLIDWORKS License
A perpetual license, or an individual product license, never expires. You'll always have access to the version you purchased, however, you can upgrade your version for an additional fee. This license is ideal for teams and individuals who provide occasional design work.
Perpetual Licensing is still available, but the 3D CAD market is moving towards Subscription Licensing. Our team of experts can assist you with making sure you have the license and version that is right for your needs.
Pros & Cons of a SOLIDWORKS Perpetual License
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The license is owned
Lower ongoing costs
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Higher upfront costs
Less Flexibility
Access to latest version and updates dependent upon maintenance renewal
SOLIDWORKS Subscription License
A Subscription License is different from a Perpetual license as the fee provides software access for a set period of time. A subscription license also gives you access to cloud capatibilities (such as cloud PLM), updated tools and technical support.
Plus, as long as you keep your license active, you receive acess to the latest version of SOLIDWORKS after each update. Subscription-based licenses provide flexibility for changing needs, however, they are a great choice for users who want ongoing support. These licenses also provide access to the latest versions, tools, and elements.
Pros & Cons of a SOLIDWORKS Subscription License
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Consistent annual cost
Flexible licensing
Easy to scale up and down according to current needs
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Access is dependent on subscription renewal
SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services
All SOLIDWORKS licenses come with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services (starting with purchases made after July 2023). This combines the power of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD with the extensive capabilities of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Whether you’re looking for secure cloud storage that understands your data’s references, enhanced revision management capabilities, or even fully controlled change management, SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services has the tools for you!
Connecting your data to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services gives you many new options. You can access advanced simulation, connected CNC programming, and much more!
SOLIDWORKS Version Comparison
SOLIDWORKS Version Tiers
SOLIDWORKS Standard
SOLIDWORKS Professional
SOLIDWORKS Premium
SOLIDWORKS
Standard
Professional
Premium
World Class 3D CAD
✓
✓
✓
2D Manufacturing Drawing/Print Creation
✓
✓
✓
CAD Import/Export (30+ File Types)
✓
✓
✓
Photorealistic Renderings (SOLIDWORKS Visualize)
✓
✓
Prebuilt Hardware Library (SOLIDWORKS Toolbox)
✓
✓
Linear Static FEA (Parts and Assemblies)
✓
Time-Based Motion Analysis
✓
Routing (Pipe/Tubing, Electrical Cable, etc.)
✓
SOLIDWORKS + 3DEXPERIENCE
Out of the Box Cloud Data Management
✓
✓
✓
Named User Licensing
✓
✓
✓
Browser Based Parametric CAD
✓
✓
✓
Browser Based Sub-Division CAD
✓
✓
Photorealistic Animations (SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional)
✓
✓
SOLIDWORKS Standard License
SOLIDWORKS Standard is a feature-rich and powerful 3D design solution with manufacturers in mind. It includes 2D drawings and 3D designs. It also has part assembly and special tools for sheet metal work.
You can design surfaces, weldments, and product configurations. It fully integrates computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) to help streamline part production.
SOLIDWORKS Standard Key Features
World Class 3D CAD
2D Manufacturing Drawing/Print Creation
CAD Import/Export from/to 30+ File Types
SOLIDWORKS Professional License
Upgrading to a Professional license gives you all the features of the Standard license. It also includes advanced tools for collaboration and estimation.
Electronic Computer-Aided Design (ECAD & MCAD) comes with advanced renderings and a growing component library. This helps you quickly solve complex engineering problems. Professional also delivers you with the opportunity to easily collaborate across departments and automate cost estimation for manufacturability.
SOLIDWORKS Professional vs Standard
Some key features SOLIDWORKS Professional has over Standard are:
Photorealistic Rendering (SOLIDWORKS Visualize)
Prebuilt CAD Library of Fasteners and Hardware (SOLIDWORKS Toolbox)
SOLIDWORKS Premium License
Premium expands the feature set to include reverse engineering, cabling, and piping. For power users who need to perform analysis on the structural integrity of their designs, or better understand the motion and surfacing of a design, Premium is right for you.
SOLIDWORKS Premium vs Professional
Some key features SOLIDWORKS Premium has over Professional are:
Linear Static FEA Analysis for Parts and Assemblies
Time-based Motion Analysis
Routing (Pipe/Tube, Electrical Cable/Harness, Rectangular/Other Section)
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS allows you to design and collaborate with key stakeholders and team members, no matter their location. This solution gives you the same local installation you know and love. It also adds cloud-based data management.
Since your work resides in the cloud, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS allows you to work across time zones and devices. This allows your engineering team to scale.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Key Differentiators
Out of the Box Cloud-Based Data Management
Named User Licensing
SOLIDWORKS Cloud
SOLIDWORKS Cloud provides a fully cloud design experience that can be accessed from a web browser. No matter if you are using a Windows computer, a Mac, or a tablet, this solution offers great flexibility. SOLIDWORKS Cloud also includes integrated cloud-based data management to help you collaborate with your team anywhere and anytime. For users that don’t currently have a need to work with SOLIDWORKS native files (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW), consider SOLIDWORKS Cloud.
SOLIDWORKS Cloud Key Differentiators
Out of the Box Cloud-Based Data Management
Accessible on any device with a web browser (Windows, Mac, tablet, etc.)
FAQs about SOLIDWORKS
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Upgrading to the latest version of SOLIDWORKS is as simple as checking for an update inside the application. On a Windows machine, go to Start > SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager > Check for Updates.
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The process for renewing and reactivating your SOLIDWORKS license will depend on the version and type of license you have already. Please contact the support team at Swyft to assist you in your renewal process.
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We make upgrading your SOLIDWORKS demo or student account easy. Depending on your needs, our team can easily walk through the different options and license types, ensuring you have the version that is right for you - and that you’re not paying for the items you don’t need.
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Absolutely we do! Our SWYFT Academy is a highly-curated approach to training, with modules that break down many of the complexities inside of 3DEXperience, SOLIDWORKS and more.
Let’s Talk SOLIDWORKS
Have questions about SOLIDWORKS? Our team of experts will help you choose the best SOLIDWORKS license and version for your needs. Reach out to our team today.