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How to Install SOLIDWORKS MBD

After purchasing a license of SOLIDWORKS MBD (Model Based Definition), customers often have questions regarding installation and where to find the MBD option in the SOLIDWORKS installation manager.

 

Quick notes:

    • SOLIDWORKS MBD is not included in any of the SOLIDWORKS license types (Standard, Professional, Premium, etc.).
    • SOLIDWORKS MBD requires its own serial number but must be installed along with SOLIDWORKS.
    • SOLIDWORKS MBD is installed using the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager.

Step 1

If you have a standalone serial number (starting with 900) you can proceed to the next paragraph. If you have a network serial number for MBD (number starting with 901), then you will first need to install a new or modify an existing SolidNetWork License manager (SNL) to add the serial number and activate.

 

To install SOLIDWORKS MBD, either download the SOLIDWORKS installation manager and or modify an existing installation of SOLIDWORKS to launch the installation manager.

Step 2

In the SOLIDWORKS installation manager, expand Technical Communication and enter your serial number in the SOLIDWORKS MBD fields. When the serial number for a SOLIDWORKS MBD network installation is the same as the SOLIDWORKS network license (bundled together in the same serial number), then enter the same serial number in both fields. You must enter a serial number with MBD included for SOLIDWORKS MBD to be installed. Click Next.

How to Install SOLIDWORKS MBD

Step 3

On the Product Selection screen, SOLIDWORKS MBD will not be listed. This is because the SOLIDWORKS installation manager installs all the necessary SOLIDWORKS MBD components once the serial number is added. Click Next.

How to Install SOLIDWORKS MBD

Step 4

Review the Summary screen. Notice SOLIDWORKS MBD is not listed. Don’t worry, as long as you enter the serial number, the installation will include SOLIDWORKS MBD. Click ‘Install Now’ or ‘Modify Now’ to install MBD.

 

Note, the image below was captured from a machine that already has SOLIDWORKS installed. This image was modifying the existing installation of SOLIDWORKS to include MBD, which is why there is nothing displayed in the ‘Products to Add’ dialog.

How to Install SOLIDWORKS MBD

Step 5

Once the installation is finished, launch SOLIDWORKS and start or open a part file to test MBD. Note that SOLIDWORKS MBD is not listed in Tools > Add Ins like other SOLIDWORKS Add-ins.  However, when it is installed, the MBD toolbar should automatically become active. If you don’t see the MBD menu listed, you can right-click on any CommandManager tab and select MBD and MBD Dimensions from the shortcut menu as shown below.

How to Install SOLIDWORKS MBD

Technical Support

Get help from our team by Calling us at 800-364-1652 x 2. You can also get assistance by clicking the Technical Support button or the Email Our Experts button below. 

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