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, delivering individuals and engineering teams with the opportunity to collaborate with an exchange of ideas and data to make products and processes come to life.
Hailed as one of the most innovative products in its class, SOLIDWORKS was developed over more than three decades. The software has been continuously improved and enhanced by thousands of dedicated engineers who are committed to making it their mission to provide you with a user-friendly environment that will help you in your day-to-day activities.
SWYFT Solutions is dedicated to helping designers and engineers successfully navigate the most effective tools and solutions available to achieve business goals and meet the demands of customers.
The Engineering Design Platform of Choice
SOLIDWORKS delivers engineers with the power to design, simulate and communicate with confidence. The latest version of SOLIDWORKS 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 learn to succeed with SOLIDWORKS.
SOLIDWORKS Perpetual vs. Subscription (Term) License Options
Perpetual SOLIDWORKS License
A Perpetual SOLIDWORKS license, or an individual product license, never expires. You’ll always have access to the version you purchased and can pay an additional fee to access the latest version of the software and receive technical support. This license is ideal for teams and individuals who provide occasional design work. While SOLIDWORKS still offers Perpetual Licensing, the CAD market continues to shift towards Subscription Licensing and there are more options than ever. 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
Unlike the Perpetual license, a SOLIDWORKS Subscription License requires a fee for each seat and gives you access to cloud compatibility, updated tools, technical support, and the latest version of SOLIDWORKS after every update. While subscription-based licenses were originally designed for engineering teams producing a high-volume of work, it is becoming the ideal go-to choice for users who want continued support, access to the latest version, 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
As of July, 2023, all new SOLIDWORKS licenses come with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services. 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 SOLIDWORKS 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 also opens the door to extensive capabilities, such as advanced simulation, connected CNC programming, and so 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. SOLIDWORKS Standard includes 2D drawings, 3D design, with part assembly, and specialized toolsets for working with sheet metal, surfaces, weldments, configuration of products, molds and design analysis. SOLIDWORKS Standard is fully integrated for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) to help streamline part production.
SOLIDWORKS Standard Key Differentiators
World Class 3D CAD
2D Manufacturing Drawing/Print Creation
CAD Import/Export from/to 30+ File Types
SOLIDWORKS Professional License
Stepping up to a SOLIDWORKS Professional license provides you with all of the capabilities you have come to expect from Standard, with advanced collaboration and estimation tools. Electronic Computer-Aided Design (ECAD & MCAD), matched with advanced renderings and an ever-expanding component library, allows you to quickly solve complex engineering problems. SOLIDWORKS Professional also delivers you with the opportunity to easily collaborate across departments and automate cost estimation for manufacturability.
SOLIDWORKS Professional Key Differentiators
Photorealistic Rendering (SOLIDWORKS Visualize)
Prebuilt CAD Library of Fasteners and Hardware (SOLIDWORKS Toolbox)
SOLIDWORKS Premium License
SOLIDWORKS Premium includes all of the features that you have come to expect from Professional, with more advanced tools to aid in reverse engineering, routing of electrical cable 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 - consider SOLIDWORKS Premium as your go-to license option.
SOLIDWORKS Premium Key Differentiators
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 provides you with the same local installation of SOLIDWORKS you know and love, with the addition of cloud-based data management. Since your work resides in the cloud, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS allows you to work across time zones and devices. Find out how your engineering team can scale up with 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS.
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. Whether you’re designing on a Windows computer, a Mac, or even a mobile device such as a tablet, this solution provides more flexibility than ever before. 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.