SolidWorks 2027: Free Download of the Full Version

SolidWorks trials are not straightforward. You can’t just register and download. Oh, no. The software’s publisher, French tech giant Dassault Systèmes, keeps a close eye on whoever wants to test drive their software.

Typically, Dassault Systèmes provides an online trial (running SolidWorks in a browser) for a short period (often around 7 days) or a downloadable evaluation for a limited time (often around 30 days for a full install).

If you want the longer-trial install,  you have to request it via a form on the company’s website and wait for a sales representative to reach out for the next steps, or contact a reseller. After the free trail ends, this sales rep will no doubt in back in touch to discuss how you’d like to proceed. This is the only way to run your trial locally and get an idea of how well your hardware handles SolidWorks. Just be sure you’re contacting the correct sales team, as there are different forms for commercial users, academics, and researchers.

Test Drive SolidWorks Online Anywhere, Anytime

If you don’t want to deal with a sales rep., Dassault offers one instant trial delivered via virtual machine and accessed through a web browser via My.SolidWorks. This offer is by far the most straightforward, enabling users without a CAD-capable machine to test SolidWorks’ many functions with the help of sample content or by designing and even downloading personal creations. Bear in mind though that, given the nature of a virtual machine, “locally” saved files will be erased if the session ends. For example, after being idle for 30 minutes or if the internet connection is interrupted for too long.

To test SolidWorks via MySolidWorks’ virtual machine system, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Try SolidWorks page on MySolidWorks.
2. If you do not already have an account, click “Sign Up” and register to receive a SolidWorks ID.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions and select your preferred language to launch your SolidWorks online product trial.
4. Accept the License Agreement.
5. Enjoy the functionalities of SolidWorks Premium as well as a handful of other software like SolidWorks Visualize, eDrawings, and Treehouse.

Good news for students! As of July 2026, Dassault Systèmes offers SolidWorks Design Standard for Students completely free of charge. Unlike a limited-time trial, this is a fully installable version of the professional 3D CAD software, available for one year and renewable as long as you remain eligible.

The free edition includes the essential tools for 3D part and assembly modeling, 2D technical drawings, sheet metal design, and weldments. It’s an excellent way to learn industry-standard CAD software without spending a dime, whether you’re studying engineering, developing your design skills, or building a portfolio.

To qualify, you must be enrolled in a secondary school, college, university, or another formal educational institution. Eligible instructors can also apply. The license is strictly for educational use, not commercial projects or research.

How to Download SolidWorks for Free as a Student

Getting your free copy is straightforward, and you don’t need your school to provide a license. Simply follow these steps:

• Visit the official SolidWorks Design Standard for Students page and click “Get Started for Free”.
• Enter your email address, school or university name, country, education level, and field of study.
• Accept the license terms and confirm your eligibility as a student or instructor.
• Submit the form to obtain your download instructions and unique serial number. These details are also sent to your email address.
• Download the installation files and launch the SolidWorks Installation Manager on your Windows PC.
  Select “Install on this computer”, follow the installation instructions, and enter your serial number when prompted.

That’s it! You’ll have access to SolidWorks Design Standard for 12 months at no cost. When your license expires, you can apply again through the same form, provided you’re still an eligible student. Dassault Systèmes may request proof of enrollment.

There are a few limitations worth knowing about. The free edition runs only on Windows PCs and doesn’t include advanced tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, CAM, or Visualize. Certification exam vouchers are also excluded.

For students who need these additional capabilities, SolidWorks Design Premium for Students costs $60 per year and includes advanced simulation and manufacturing tools, along with two certification exam attempts (CSWA and CSWP).

Before purchasing, check whether your school already has a SolidWorks educational license. Participating institutions may provide students with free home access to the more capable Premium edition.

For most students looking to learn professional 3D CAD, however, the free Design Standard edition is a compelling place to start.

Want to use professional CAD software for your 3D printing projects, woodworking, or other DIY creations without paying professional prices? Dassault Systèmes offers SolidWorks for Makers, an affordable subscription designed specifically for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts.

Normally priced at $48 per year or $15 per month, the Makers subscription provides access to powerful 3D design tools at a fraction of the cost of a commercial license. At the time of writing, Dassault Systèmes is also advertising a promotional annual price of just $24.

There are two separate Makers packages to choose from, depending on whether you prefer traditional desktop CAD software or a browser-based design experience:

• 3DExperience SolidWorks for Makers: This package includes a locally installed version of SolidWorks Connected for Windows 11, offering the familiar desktop CAD interface for designing parts, assemblies, and technical drawings. It also includes 2.5- and 3-axis CAM tools, photorealistic rendering, browser-based modeling applications, and 25 GB of cloud storage. You can save files locally or to the cloud and work offline for up to 30 consecutive days before reconnecting.
• SolidWorks xDesign for Makers: If you’d rather skip installing software, this version runs entirely in a web browser on Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, and tablets. It includes parametric and freeform 3D modeling, sheet metal and structural design tools, AI-powered design assistance, motion studies, and cloud rendering. However, it doesn’t include the traditional SolidWorks desktop application or CAM tools, and an internet connection is required.

Both packages are sold separately, so make sure you select the version that best suits your projects before subscribing.

There are some important licensing restrictions. SolidWorks for Makers is intended for personal, non-commercial use. However, you can sell products you design or manufacture, provided you generate less than $2,000 in annual revenue from your maker projects. Note that this limit applies to revenue, not profit. If your activities grow beyond that threshold, you’ll need a commercial or eligible startup license.

Another limitation concerns file compatibility. Native SolidWorks files created with a Makers license are digitally watermarked and cannot be opened in commercial or educational versions of SolidWorks. Fortunately, you can export designs in standard formats such as STEP, STL, IGES, DXF, and DWG for sharing, 3D printing, or manufacturing. There is also no direct upgrade path from a Makers license to a commercial license.

How to Get SolidWorks for Makers

1. Visit the official SolidWorks for Makers website.
2. Choose between 3DExperience SolidWorks for Makers (desktop) and SolidWorks xDesign for Makers (browser-based).
3. Select a monthly or annual subscription and complete your purchase using a 3DExperience account.
4. Follow the instructions in your welcome email to access your Makers dashboard.
5. If you purchased the desktop edition, download and install SolidWorks Connected through the 3DExperience platform. For xDesign, simply launch the application in your browser.

Unfortunately, there is no free trial of SolidWorks for Makers. However, Dassault Systèmes offers a 15-day money-back guarantee on new annual subscriptions, giving you an opportunity to try the software with the option to request a refund. This policy doesn’t apply to monthly subscriptions or renewals. Subscriptions generally renew automatically unless canceled.

For hobbyists interested in learning professional CAD, designing parts for 3D printing, or tackling more ambitious DIY projects, SolidWorks for Makers remains one of the most affordable ways to access the SolidWorks ecosystem. Just keep the licensing and file compatibility restrictions in mind, particularly if you might eventually use your designs professionally.

Dassault Systèmes is the only CAD software publisher we know that offers a special program for military personnel. Reserve, active duty, and retired or discharged U.S. or Canadian military personnel can purchase the on-premise SolidWorks Student Edition at a reduced price of only $20 USD or $40 CAD. The 12-month license includes SolidWorks Premium as well as supplementary software including FEA, CFD, and other analysis, design, and rendering tools.

For US military, a copy of the DD214, DD256, or DD257 form is needed. Canadians need to provide a copy of their NDI 75, CAF 75, or CFOne Card. Additionally, those on active duty must provide a verified Statement of Service including the date of entry and exit.

Unfortunately, this offer does not provide a free trial, so if you fulfill the requirements but want to test the waters first, just follow the provided steps for the free trial of the full version in this guide above.

There’s an entirely different edition of SolidWorks that comes with trials and discounts that may also interest you.

3DExperience SolidWorks is the version that’s part of Dassault Systèmes cloud-based multi-product platform called 3DExperience. Here, the publisher created an online environment where users of the various Dassault Systèmes software can collaborate and securely share data.

3DExperience SolidWorks has the same 3D CAD functions, capabilities, and user interface as SolidWorks 3D CAD. The main difference between the two is how they are purchased and deployed: 3DExperience SolidWorks uses a named user license and is deployed from the cloud, allowing it to be installed on any PC. SolidWorks 3D CAD uses  a term license or perpetual license with subscription services and can be installed on one PC.

3DExperience SolidWorks might be right fit for you if you’re looking to streamline product development processes in a large team with cloud-enabled collaboration tools and have a stable internet connection, 3DExperience SolidWorks might be what you’re looking for.

In the case of SolidWorks, 3DExperience offers its own version in place of the classic desktop installation. It’s called 3DExperience SolidWorks, or SolidWorks Connected, which is also installed locally but accessed through the 3DExperience platform and, as the name suggests, connects to an array of other cloud-enabled collaboration, storage, and design tools.

There are differences between the standalone SolidWorks and the 3DExperience SolidWorks.

3DExperience SolidWorks comes with an array of tools including 3D Creator, 3D Sculptor, Simulation Designer, Collaborative Business Innovator, and Collaborative Industry Innovator. But, which tools you get will depend on your subscription tier and role within your team.

On the other hand, the move to a cloud environment means that some programs from the desktop version are currently not supported, including CAM, Motion Studies, and several different simulation types. This includes SimXpress, FloXpress, Toolbox, API functions as well as add-ins like Inspection, Electrical, Composer, and third-party products.

The good news is that actual 3D Design functionality and user interface are the same in both two versions, except for some minor technical adaptations like the saving and opening of files through the new cloud server.

Just like the standalone version, 3DExperience SolidWorks is offered in three tiers: Standard, Professional, and Premium. If you are interested in any of the 3DExperience solutions (and not eligible for any of the special subscription offers listed below), you can request a demo on their website.

Dassault Systèmes also offers special licenses for entrepreneurs and startups, including both free and reduced-price versions of SolidWorks and supporting software.

Under the  3DExperience for Startups Program, eligible entrepreneurs, companies, and maker spaces, can receive a full year of SolidWorks for CAD, simulation, visualization, and more for free, followed by a second year for 70% off, and then a third year at 50% off before having to pay full price for a license. If you’re looking to start a business, or you already have and are just getting off the ground, this system is an excellent way to get yourself up and running with powerful CAD software without further pinching an already tight budget. To find out whether you qualify, you will need to submit an application as a startup to Dassault Systèmes.

Makerspaces, Fab Labs, and Incubators can also find solutions for free and reduced-cost SolidWorks licenses, as well as training for those interested. These are great ways to promote CAD skills in hobbyist communities and give local access to high-end CAD software to those who may not be able to access it at home. You can either purchase the 3DExperience SolidWorks for Makers Offer or apply as an incubator to find out what kind of license you qualify for.

SolidWorks offers a named-user subscription via the 3DExperience platform (cloud-connected licensing). In this model, a user can log in from any device (rather than tie the license to one machine). It’s essentially another form of term license (3 or 12 months) but linked to a user account.

If you are new to CAD and the SolidWorks ecosystem, MySolidWorks offers lessons, learning paths, eCourses, and technical sessions for all levels in addition to model repositories and forums. Access to these depends on your subscription status, but for many product tutorial videos it’s enough to create a free account. This also includes tutorials for 3DExperience tools like 3D Sculptor and 3D Creator.

Check out the Getting Started With SolidWorks CAD learning path to create your first sketch, part, assembly, and drawing in no time. Once you are ready to move on, or if you are already comfortable with the program, make sure to browse the training catalog for a range of tutorials on many SolidWorks products.

SolidWorks 2027 brings hundreds of enhancements to Dassault Systèmes’ popular 3D CAD software, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, faster modeling, improved assembly performance, and easier collaboration.

While previous releases introduced AI-powered design tools and cloud connectivity, SolidWorks 2027 builds on these capabilities with more intelligent automation and practical improvements to everyday CAD workflows. Here’s a look at some of the most noteworthy additions.

What’s New: Design and Modeling

Parts and Modeling:

• Sheet Metal Improvements: Create stamped features directly on sheet metal bends without complicated workarounds. You can also modify bend radii on imported sheet metal parts, making it easier to work with existing designs.
• Improved Fillet Control: A new Chord Width option lets you define fillets by their chord width instead of their radius, providing greater control over complex edge geometry.
• Point Cloud Import: Import massive point clouds, including full-color 3D scans of buildings, machinery, and industrial facilities, directly into SolidWorks.
• UV Unwrapping: New tools give designers greater control over how textures and materials are mapped onto 3D models, helping produce more realistic renderings with less distortion.
• Sketch Relations: Apply geometric relationships to multiple sketch entities as a group, simplifying the process of constraining complex sketches.

Assemblies:

• Fastener Pattern Assistant: Automatically identify groups of fasteners and generate patterns, reducing the repetitive work involved in placing bolts, screws, and other hardware.
• Model Variability: Create different product configurations from a master assembly by adjusting parameters, optional components, and dimensions through a Variability Table.
• Large Assembly Editing: Edit components directly in Large Design Review mode, making it easier to work with complex assemblies without fully loading them.

What’s New: Artificial Intelligence

AI is one of the biggest areas of development in SolidWorks 2027. Dassault Systèmes is expanding its AI Virtual Companions, including LEO, an assistant designed to help engineers automate repetitive tasks and troubleshoot designs.

Some of the most interesting capabilities include:

• AI-Generated Assembly Instructions: Generate step-by-step assembly sequences directly from a 3D model, including illustrations that can be exported to PDF.
• Natural Language Macro Generation: Describe a task in everyday language, and LEO can help generate a macro to automate it.
• AI Drawing Generation: Automatically create technical drawings, with controls for drawing views, dimensioning, tolerances, and sheet layouts.
• Imported Geometry Conversion: Use AI to convert imported STEP and IGES geometry into editable, feature-based SolidWorks models instead of rebuilding parts manually.
• Assembly Performance Assistance: Identify performance bottlenecks in large assemblies and receive suggestions for reducing model complexity, such as simplifying threaded fasteners.

These AI features are particularly promising for engineers working with large assemblies or repetitive documentation tasks. However, availability depends on the product, license, and release, and certain AI capabilities use a token-based consumption system.

What’s New: Performance and Collaboration

SolidWorks 2027 also introduces improvements aimed at reducing interruptions and making it easier to collaborate with other designers.

• Background Processing: Import large STEP and IGES models or update drawings in the background while continuing to work.
• Multiple-Version Support: Install multiple SolidWorks releases on the same computer, making it easier to collaborate with users working on older versions.
• Backward Compatibility: Save supported SolidWorks files to either of the two previous release versions, helping teams exchange designs without requiring everyone to upgrade immediately.
• Content Explorer: Browse, search, and open files stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform directly from the SolidWorks interface.
• Improved Drawing Tools: Save frequently used annotation symbols in a Favorites folder, streamline component numbering, and create more consistent manufacturing documentation.

Overall, SolidWorks 2027 is less about reinventing the CAD experience and more about removing the tedious steps involved in designing, editing, documenting, and sharing models. Its AI-assisted tools are the most attention-grabbing additions, but improvements to sheet metal modeling, large assemblies, and interoperability could prove just as useful in everyday engineering work.

For a complete breakdown of the latest enhancements, check out the official What’s New in SolidWorks 2027 page.

Being a rather heavy CAD program, you should make sure that your computer is properly equipped to run SolidWorks. Below are the recommended minimum system requirements for the latest version.

• OS:Windows 11, 64-bit
• Processor:x86-64 (Intel or AMD)
• RAM: 16 Gb or more
• Hard Drive: Minimum storage space not specified, an SSD is recommended for optimal performance
• Mac support: No native SolidWorks desktop version; browser-based xDesign is available

The full hardware requirements can be viewed on the SolidWorks website.

Unless you qualify for one of the discounted or free editions mentioned above, getting your hands on SolidWorks requires a commercial license. The good news is that Dassault Systèmes has made purchasing the software more straightforward, with transparent online pricing and flexible subscription options.

SolidWorks Design is available in three main commercial packages: Standard, Professional, and Premium. All three provide the same core 3D modeling capabilities, but the more expensive editions unlock additional tools for rendering, simulation, manufacturing, and product development.

Here’s how the current US subscription prices compare:

All prices are in US dollars, excluding applicable taxes. Quarterly subscriptions are available for the named-user version of SolidWorks Design, while device-based licenses are offered online with annual billing. Prices in other countries may differ.

SolidWorks Standard vs. Professional vs. Premium

SolidWorks Design Standard is the entry-level commercial package, but don’t let that fool you. It includes the essential tools for professional mechanical design, such as parametric 3D modeling, assemblies, 2D technical drawings, sheet metal design, weldments, and mold design tools. Basic stress analysis through SimulationXpress and manufacturing-oriented features are also included. For individual engineers or small businesses primarily concerned with designing parts and assemblies, Standard may be all you need.

SolidWorks Design Professional includes everything in Standard and adds tools that make design and manufacturing workflows more efficient. These include the SolidWorks Toolbox library of standard components and fasteners, photorealistic rendering, automated cost estimation, tolerance stack-up analysis, and CAD standards checking. It’s particularly useful for companies producing complex assemblies or preparing designs for manufacturing.

SolidWorks Design Premium builds on Professional with more advanced engineering capabilities. It includes linear static finite element analysis (FEA) for parts and assemblies, time-based motion analysis, electrical wiring and cable harness routing, pipe and tube routing, and advanced surface flattening. Premium is the most comprehensive of the three standard packages and is aimed at engineers who need to validate mechanical performance as well as create designs.

Dassault Systèmes also offers SolidWorks Design Ultimate, a broader product development package that combines Premium’s capabilities with additional cloud-based design, simulation, manufacturing, and collaboration tools. Pricing is available by contacting the SolidWorks sales team.

Named-User vs. Device Licensing

Besides choosing between Standard, Professional, and Premium, you’ll also need to select how you want to license and install the software.

Dassault Systèmes currently offers two main licensing options for its commercial desktop CAD packages:

• SolidWorks Design (Named-User License): This option ties the license to an individual user rather than a specific computer. SolidWorks is installed locally on a Windows PC but deployed and managed through the 3DExperience platform. Users can install the software on multiple devices and access integrated cloud collaboration, file sharing, and revision management tools. The software can also be used offline for up to 30 consecutive days before reconnecting.
• SolidWorks Design with Cloud Services (Device License): This option uses a traditional machine-based license with a serial number, allowing different people to use the software on one licensed computer. Installation and updates are managed locally, and users can choose when to activate the included cloud services. This approach is particularly suitable for companies that need more control over software deployment, compatibility with older versions, or shared workstations.

Importantly, both options are locally installed desktop CAD applications. Neither should be confused with the browser-based SolidWorks xDesign, which is a separate product.

Cloud collaboration and file management capabilities are included with new commercial SolidWorks Design licenses. Dassault Systèmes is also integrating AI-powered assistants into its commercial packages, although certain AI functions operate on a token-based consumption model.

Can You Still Buy a Perpetual SolidWorks License?

Yes. Although Dassault Systèmes increasingly promotes subscription-based licensing, perpetual licenses are still available through authorized SolidWorks resellers.

Unlike a term subscription, which gives you access to the software for a fixed period, a perpetual license allows you to continue using the licensed version indefinitely. However, access to new releases, technical support, and certain services may require an additional subscription or maintenance agreement.

Dassault Systèmes doesn’t publish a universal price for perpetual licenses. Costs depend on the edition, reseller, region, and applicable support agreements, so you’ll need to contact an authorized SolidWorks reseller for a quote.

For companies planning to use SolidWorks for many years, perpetual licensing may be worth considering. A term subscription, on the other hand, can be attractive if you want a lower initial investment or only need the software for a limited project.

What About Browser-Based SolidWorks?

If you don’t specifically need the traditional Windows desktop application, SolidWorks xDesign is another commercial option.

Priced at $2,400 per year or $720 per quarter, xDesign runs directly in a web browser and provides parametric and freeform modeling, sheet metal design, technical drawings, rendering, and cloud-based collaboration. It works on Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and other supported devices without installing a desktop CAD application.

However, xDesign uses a different modeling environment and workflow from traditional SolidWorks. If you’re looking for the familiar SolidWorks desktop interface or need to edit native SolidWorks files directly, one of the SolidWorks Design packages is the better choice.

For all commercial packages, online purchases include technical support, and eligible new annual or quarterly subscriptions come with a 15-day cancellation and refund policy. This policy does not apply to renewals, so check the terms before subscribing.

You can compare the packages and purchase a subscription directly from the official SolidWorks Design pricing page. For machine-based licenses, see the SolidWorks Design with Cloud Services pricing page.

OnShape is an engineering-grade cloud-based CAD suite developed by former SolidWorks staff members. Just like SolidWorks, it seeks to integrate the entire engineering workflow into one program. Its comprehensive feature set lends you the full might of parametric modeling and the option to simulate assemblies of complex multi-part designs.

Another strength lies in OnShape’s collaborative capabilities. This CAD software is available purely as a cloud service and allows multiple team members to access and edit a design simultaneously. It differentiates itself from SolidWorks by allowing you to use it on any device since everything is cloud-based and also frees you from the traditional file-based method of using CAD software.

While the Standard, Business, and Enterprise versions aren’t free, they do offer a slightly limited version for hobbyists and non-commercial use, through what they call their Public plan. With this version, you can access and edit designs on any device, as well as share and collaborate with other community members. You can sign up for this free version on their website.

OnShape also has a free version for students and educators, with pretty much all of the features of the full version. You can apply for access to this version of OnShape through the Education page of their website.

FreeCAD is an open-source and highly extensible 3D CAD software that is available for free download. Its range of features can even stand comparison with commercial software like SolidWorks since it offers full parametric modeling. It may not look as slick as the commercial alternatives, but it gets the job done easily.

The modular architecture makes FreeCAD invaluable in many engineering and architecture workflows. To give an example, it lets you perform sophisticated simulations such as self-weight analysis.

You can download the software from their website, and if you do, you may also be interested in our tutorial:

SolveSpace is another free 2D/3D CAD software. The common denominator with SolidWorks is its parametric modeling feature allowing you to easily modify your design.

For a free program its simulation capabilities are quite impressive as it brings simulation of possible blockages, and inconsistencies in your designs early in the design process. This will save you time and reduce your level of frustration.

You can access the free version on their website.