Sketch. Mate. Detail. SOLIDWORKS guides for sketches, parts, assemblies, drawings and licences.
Quick answers
Getting started
First steps: what SOLIDWORKS runs on, installing it from official sources, shortcuts and certification exams.
SOLIDWORKS sheet metal basics: flanges, bends and flattening
A rectangular-base channel workflow, with inherited bend settings, edge-flange measurement choices, the sketched-bend alternative and a complete flat-pattern DXF check.
Choosing a computer for SOLIDWORKS: processor, RAM, graphics and storage
Start with a supported Windows configuration, 32 GB of RAM and an SSD. Compare rebuild, graphics and study results for the work the computer must do.
How to make threads in SOLIDWORKS, cosmetic or modeled
Cosmetic threads for drawing callouts, modeled geometry for printing and close views. A shaft-and-hole workflow with drawing import and interference checks.
How to change or assign a material in SOLIDWORKS
Assign the physical material to the intended part, body, component and configuration, then check density, linked BOM properties and any separate Simulation assignment.
Guides by topic
Getting started
First steps: what SOLIDWORKS runs on, installing it from official sources, shortcuts and certification exams.
Parts and features
Features that turn a sketch into a solid you can make.
Drawings and detailing
Views, dimensions, BOMs and drafting standards.
Sheet metal
Flanges, bends and flat patterns for parts that get cut and folded.
Licenses, plans and cost
What a subscription costs, which plan and license type fits, and the free student offer.
- Is SOLIDWORKS free? Student access, trials and limits
- SOLIDWORKS for students: free Standard, Premium and school access
For current prices, see the official plans and pricing page.