SOLIDWORKS Design
Industry-leading 3D design software for product development and innovation. SOLIDWORKS Design is a professional mechanical design solution used by engineers and designers to develop production-ready parts, assemblies, and drawings. Built for parametric modeling workflows, it supports everything from early design iteration to manufacturing documentation within a single, proven CAD environment.
SOLIDWORKS Design Overview
SOLIDWORKS Design is an industry-leading 3D design solution for engineers and designers who need a reliable, parametric environment for product development. As the foundation of the SOLIDWORKS product lineup, it supports the full design workflow for parts, assemblies, and production drawings, while helping teams reduce errors, improve collaboration, and move from design to manufacturing with confidence. Built on a feature- and relationship-driven modeling approach, SOLIDWORKS allows changes to propagate predictably across designs, preserving design intent and minimizing downstream rework.
SOLIDWORKS Industries and Use Cases
SOLIDWORKS Design is used across a wide range of industries for mechanical design, product development, and manufacturing documentation:
Industrial Equipment
Design complex machinery, automation systems, and production tools using parametric models that support large assemblies and ongoing design changes.
Consumer Product Design
Create manufacturable consumer products in SOLIDWORKS, balancing industrial design requirements with engineering and production constraints.
Aerospace & Defense
Develop and document aerospace components and assemblies that meet strict safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.
Automotive
Design automotive components and full vehicle assemblies, supporting fit, motion, and integration across large, multi-part systems.
Medical Devices
Design regulated medical devices and equipment in SOLIDWORKS with detailed documentation to support validation and compliance workflows.
Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)
Use SOLIDWORKS for mechanical and structural components within building systems, infrastructure projects, and construction documentation.
SOLIDWORKS Features & Benefits
SOLIDWORKS Design includes a broad set of tools designed to support real-world product development workflows, from concept modeling through manufacturing documentation:
Create and edit parametric part and assembly models, then generate 2D drawings that update automatically as designs change.
Work efficiently with large, complex assemblies using tools built to manage performance, visualization, and design structure at scale.
Develop sheet metal parts using dedicated features for bends, flat patterns, and manufacturing-ready output.
Design structural frames and welded assemblies using standard profiles, with automatic cut lists and bill of materials generation.
Support mold-focused workflows with integrated tools for part design, mold layout, and validation.
Exchange data with other CAD systems using support for a wide range of neutral and native file formats.
Produce high-quality renderings and animations to communicate design intent, appearance, and functionality.
Prepare models for additive manufacturing workflows, including print-ready geometry and visualization.
SOLIDWORKS Design Licensing & Packages
SOLIDWORKS Design is available in three packages:
Standard
Professional
Premium
Each package builds on the same core CAD capabilities, with additional tools added for productivity, manufacturing workflows, and advanced analysis. A detailed feature comparison is below to help you determine the best fit for your team.
MLC CAD Systems supports two licensing and deployment options, depending on how your organization prefers to manage access:
- Single-user (Named User) License: A license assigned to a specific user, with activation and access managed through a cloud-based platform.
- Device-license: A stand-alone or network license with a serial number, tied to a specific workstation or shared across multiple users via a license server.
Pricing varies based on package level and licensing type. To get accurate pricing and guidance based on your workflow and team size, please request a quote.
SOLIDWORKS Design Package Comparison
3D Design and Modeling Comparison Matrix
Features
Standard
Professional
Premium
Part and Assembly Modeling
2D Drawings and 3D Manufacturing Documentation
Productivity Tools
Design Reuse and Automation
Resolving Manufacturing Issues Before Going to Manufacturing
Advanced CAD File Import/Export
Linked CAD Models
Industry 3D Component Catalog
Specialized Design Tools
Intelligent CAD Libraries
CAD Standards and Drawings Checking
Automated Tolerance Stackup Analysis
Manufacturing Cost Analysis
Reverse Engineering
Advanced Surface Flattening
Pipe and Tube Routing
Electrical Cable and Wiring Harness Routing
Duct and Tray Routing
Simulation Comparison Matrix
Features
Standard
Professional
Premium
Linear Static Analysis for Parts and Assemblies
Motion Analysis
Cloud Collaboration Comparison Matrix
Features
Standard
Professional
Premium
Share and Markup
ECAD/MCAD Collaboration
Local Data Management Comparison Matrix
Features
Standard
Professional
Premium
Local Data Management
Manufacturing Comparison Matrix
Features
Standard
Professional
Premium
Additive Manufacturing
Marketing Comparison Matrix
Features
Standard
Professional
Premium
Animation and Visualization
AR/VR Exporter
SOLIDWORKS Design FAQ
What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, and Premium?
SOLIDWORKS Standard provides a powerful 3D design solution with core capabilities for part, assembly, and drawing creation. SOLIDWORKS Professional builds on Standard with additional features for productivity, collaboration, and design for manufacturing, including CAD libraries, cost estimation, and photorealistic rendering. SOLIDWORKS Premium is the most comprehensive solution, adding advanced simulation capabilities, motion analysis, and specialized routing tools for pipes, tubes, electrical cables, and wire harnesses.
Is SOLIDWORKS better than AutoCAD?
SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD serve different purposes. AutoCAD is primarily a 2D drafting tool, while SOLIDWORKS is a comprehensive 3D parametric modeling solution designed specifically for product design and engineering. SOLIDWORKS excels at creating complex 3D parts and assemblies with built-in simulation, data management, and manufacturing capabilities. For organizations focused on mechanical design and product development, SOLIDWORKS provides a more complete solution than AutoCAD.
How much does SOLIDWORKS cost?
SOLIDWORKS pricing varies based on the package level (Standard, Professional, or Premium) and licensing type (single-user or device license). For accurate pricing tailored to your specific needs, please request a quote from MLC CAD Systems.
How can I learn SOLIDWORKS?
MLC CAD Systems offers multiple learning resources to help you master SOLIDWORKS. We provide instructor-led training courses for all skill levels, or you can access on-demand learning through SolidProfessor. The MLC CAD Systems YouTube channel also features free tutorials, tips, and best practices to help you get the most out of your SOLIDWORKS software.
Related Resources
Blogs & Articles
Get your SOLIDWORKS software installation files directly from the official SOLIDWORKS download portal using your 3DEXPERIENCE ID and active subscription. Choose your version, accept the license agreement, and download the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager to begin installation—whether for a fresh setup or full file share download for offline installs.Start your SOLIDWORKS download and prepare for installation now!
Boost your design efficiency by mastering the most helpful keyboard shortcuts in SOLIDWORKS. From sketching and selection to view control and command access, these hotkeys help you navigate the interface and complete tasks faster with fewer clicks. Speed up your workflow—learn the key shortcuts today!
Ensure SOLIDWORKS leverages your high-performance GPU instead of integrated graphics for smoother 3D navigation, faster redraws, and better overall performance. Improve stability and speed—force SOLIDWORKS to use your graphics card today!
Webinars & Videos
Explore organic shapes and hard-surface design seamlessly by combining 3D Sculptor’s subdivision tools with SOLIDWORKS parametric workflows—boost creativity and design flexibility. Elevate your modeling capabilities—unlock hybrid modeling with 3D Sculptor today!
Before performing complex operations like thickening, knitting, or molding, proactively check your model’s geometry using SOLIDWORKS’ Check and Check Entity tools to catch invalid faces, edges, or curvature issues that cause feature failures and delays. Avoid costly CAD setbacks—validate your geometry early and keep your designs flowing!
Use Path Mate to guide components along a defined curve or rail in your assembly animations for more realistic movement and visual storytelling. This tool lets you animate parts evolving along a path with natural, fluid motion. Bring your designs to life—animate along a path in SOLIDWORKS today!