SOLIDWORKS

solidworks.com
Design & Prototyping
Weekend Project

The Solution for 3D CAD, Design and Product Development

How to Replace SOLIDWORKS

Overview

SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD and product development solution trusted by millions of designers, engineers, and businesses worldwide. It provides powerful yet easy-to-use 2D and 3D modeling, cloud collaboration, and manufacturing tools to accelerate design innovation from concept to production.

Features

16 features across 9 categories

AI(2)

AI-Powered Drawing AutomationAIPremium

AI-driven automated drawing creation and management

AURA AI Virtual CompanionAIPremium

AI-powered virtual assistant for design support and guidance

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Administration(1)

GovernancePremium

Streamline data management, improve collaboration, ensure compliance, and maintain control over product development processes

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Smartsheet

Analysis(1)

SimulationPremium

Test designs, analyze performance, optimize efficiency, and ensure product durability

Also in: Lexion, Ironclad, Juro

Collaboration(1)

Cloud Collaboration

Cloud-based tools for team collaboration and real-time sharing

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Obsidian

Design(5)

2D Drawings

2D drawing creation and management tools

3D Modeling

Core 3D modeling capabilities for creating parts and assemblies

Auto-MatingAIPremium

Automatic detection and application of component mates

Fastener RecognitionAIPremium

Automatic recognition and intelligent placement of fasteners

Parts and Assemblies

Tools for creating and managing parts and assembly components

Also in: Squarespace, InVision, WordPress.com

Manufacturing(3)

Framing Tools

Industry-specific tools for structural framing design

Manufacturing IntegrationPremium

Integrate design-to-production workflows, enhance precision, and support innovation for efficient manufacturing

Sheet Metal Tools

Industry-specific tools for sheet metal design and fabrication

Performance(1)

Selective LoadingPremium

Optimized loading of design files for improved performance

Also in: Jira Service Management, Hugging Face, WordPress.com

Platform(1)

3D EXPERIENCE PlatformPremium

Streamlined cloud product development platform for design and collaboration

Also in: KnowBe4, Jira, Asana

Storage(1)

CAD-Aware Cloud StoragePremium

Intelligent cloud storage system designed for CAD files

Cost Calculator

Pricing data not available for SOLIDWORKS. Check their website for current pricing.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a SOLIDWORKS alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 16 features.

Buy SOLIDWORKS

Better Value
Monthly costContact Sales
3-year totalVaries
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Development cost$12,000
Maintenance$180/mo
3-year total$18,480
Dev time~1 months

Buying SOLIDWORKS saves ~$18,480 over 3 years vs building.

Estimates based on 16 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.