What does SOLIDWORKS Standard include?
SOLIDWORKS Standard forms the foundation of the range, but it is not a simplified version or one reserved for beginners. This edition already contains the main functions necessary to design a mechanical product, document its manufacturing, and produce files intended for suppliers or workshops.
It allows for the creation of parametric parts from 2D or 3D sketches, which can then be integrated into assemblies. Dimensions, constraints, and relations remain linked to the model: when a modification is made to a part, the associated assemblies and drawings can be updated automatically.
SOLIDWORKS Standard notably allows you to:
- Create parametric mechanical parts;
- Build assemblies containing numerous components;
- Manage different configurations of the same product;
- Detect interferences between parts;
- Check clearances and collisions;
- Calculate mass, volume, and center of gravity;
- Create exploded views and operation animations;
- Import and export major CAD formats.
These features are suitable for a wide variety of projects: industrial equipment, furniture, manufactured products, machined parts, special machines, metal structures, or prototypes.
Creation of 2D drawings
SOLIDWORKS Standard also includes the tools necessary to transform 3D models into manufacturing drawings. Views, dimensions, and bills of materials (BOM) are associative: a modification made to the model can be reflected in the drawing.
It is possible to generate:
- Standard, projected, detailed, or section views;
- Dimensions and annotations;
- Bills of materials (BOM);
- Automatic balloons;
- Weldment cut lists;
- Sheet metal flat patterns;
- Customized sheet formats and title blocks.
For many manufacturing SMEs in Quebec, these functions are sufficient to cover the entire process from design to releasing plans for production.
SOLIDWORKS Standard also provides access to several specialized design environments.
- Sheet metal tools allow for the creation of bent parts, the calculation of their flat pattern, and the generation of files necessary for cutting.
- Weldment functions facilitate the design of frames and structures from profiles. The software can then automatically generate a cut list containing the length and description of the various elements.
- Mold design and draft analysis functions are also available. This allows for the evaluation of a part’s manufacturability, the creation of parting lines, and the preparation of the geometries necessary for tool design.
Who is SOLIDWORKS Standard suitable for?
SOLIDWORKS Standard is generally the best choice for:
- Freelancers and mechanical design consultants;
- Startups developing their first products;
- Manufacturers of machined parts or mechanical products;
- Sheet metal and weldment companies;
- Users who do not require integrated simulation;
- Teams that already have specialized software for rendering or calculation.
A Standard license can therefore remain sufficient for several years, even for a company carrying out technically complex projects.
What does SOLIDWORKS Professional include?
SOLIDWORKS Professional includes all the functions of SOLIDWORKS Standard and adds tools designed to speed up daily work. The main objective is not to allow the creation of more complex models, but to reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, component searching, and design verification.
For a company that regularly produces assemblies, reuses many standard components, or wishes to better standardize its working methods, the productivity gain can quickly justify the price difference.
SOLIDWORKS Toolbox
Toolbox is a library of standard components integrated directly into SOLIDWORKS. It notably contains screws, nuts, washers, bearings, and other standardized elements.
Instead of downloading or modeling each component, the designer can choose the standard, the type of part, and the necessary dimensions. The component is then inserted directly into the assembly.
Toolbox is particularly useful for manufacturers of machines, industrial equipment, conveyors, or automated systems. In an assembly containing dozens or hundreds of pieces of hardware, the time saved can become considerable.
SOLIDWORKS Costing
SOLIDWORKS Costing provides an estimate of the manufacturing cost of a part based on its geometry, material, and the processes used.
The tool can notably take into account:
- Material quantity;
- Machining operations;
- Holes / cuts / sheet metal bends;
- Machine hourly rates;
- Labor costs;
- Material scrap.
Costing does not necessarily replace an ERP system or specialized estimation software. However, it allows the designer to quickly compare several variants and identify features that increase cost before the part is sent to production.
Photorealistic Rendering (SOLIDWORKS Visualize)
The Professional edition includes rendering functions to produce more realistic images from 3D models. These visuals can be used in presentations, quotes, manuals, technical data sheets, or marketing material even before the product is manufactured.
This possibility brings real value to companies that need to have a concept approved by a client or market a product still in development.
Who is SOLIDWORKS Professional suitable for?
SOLIDWORKS Professional is particularly relevant for:
- Machine and equipment manufacturers;
- Teams that use a lot of standardized hardware;
- Companies that wish to estimate costs from the design stage;
- Designers who need to produce realistic renderings;
- Teams looking to further automate their repetitive tasks.
The Professional edition generally becomes profitable when the additional tools are used weekly, rather than just occasionally.
A screenshot taken in SOLIDWORKS Visualize after the 3D design phase
What does SOLIDWORKS Premium include?
SOLIDWORKS Premium includes all the functions of the Standard and Professional editions. It primarily adds tools to validate the mechanical behavior of a product and to design systems involving pipes, tubes, conduits, or cables.
This edition is aimed at companies that want to go beyond simple geometric modeling. It allows for the verification of certain technical choices directly within the SOLIDWORKS environment before manufacturing a prototype.
Linear Static Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Premium includes linear static analysis functions for parts and assemblies. The designer can apply materials, fixtures, and loads to evaluate stresses, displacements, and the factor of safety.
This simulation can answer questions such as:
- Is a part likely to deform under load?
- Is a structure sufficiently rigid?
- Are certain areas unnecessarily oversized?
- Can the thickness or amount of material be reduced?
- Where are the main stress concentrations located?
The tool is particularly useful for comparing concepts and detecting weaknesses before prototyping. However, it does not replace the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional or Premium modules when advanced thermal, fatigue, non-linear, dynamic, or buckling analyses are required.
Motion Analysis
SOLIDWORKS Motion allows for the study of a mechanism’s behavior by taking into account time, motors, contacts, springs, gravity, and applied forces.
Unlike a simple animation, motion analysis can help calculate velocities, accelerations, reaction forces, and torques. It is useful for evaluating a mechanism before selecting motors, actuators, or other components.
This function can be used for conveyors, lifting systems, articulated arms, opening mechanisms, or automated equipment.
Pipe and Tube Routing
The SOLIDWORKS Routing module facilitates the design of piping and tubing systems directly within a 3D assembly.
The designer can define a path, select the appropriate fittings, and produce the information necessary for manufacturing. When equipment positions change, the routing can be adjusted while maintaining relationships with components.
This function is particularly relevant for manufacturers of industrial equipment, hydraulic systems, food processing machines, treatment units, or installations involving pneumatic networks.
Electrical Cable Routing
SOLIDWORKS Premium also allows for the creation of cable and harness paths in a mechanical assembly. Designers can thus check available space, cable length, and their passage around other components.
This functionality is useful for automated machines, integrated panels, mobile equipment, and electromechanical products. For a complete electrical design including schematics, terminal blocks, and electrical reports, a product like SOLIDWORKS Electrical may be necessary.
Flattening of Complex Surfaces
The advanced flattening function allows for the calculation of the approximate flat shape of certain non-developable surfaces. It can be used for materials such as fabric, leather, coverings, insulation, or certain stamped parts.
It should not be confused with traditional sheet metal flat patterns, which are already accessible in SOLIDWORKS Standard.
Who is SOLIDWORKS Premium suitable for?
SOLIDWORKS Premium is primarily intended for:
- Engineers who must validate the strength of their designs;
- Manufacturers of machines involving moving mechanisms;
- Companies that design pipe or tube networks;
- Designers of electromechanical products;
- Organizations that want to reduce the number of physical prototypes;
- Companies that wish to consolidate design and validation in a single environment.
Premium is often the best option when simulation or routing is part of the normal design process. If these needs are very occasional, it may be more economical to keep Standard or Professional licenses and assign a single Premium license to the specialist who performs the validations.
A mechanical simulation study run on a bicycle handlebar
Comparison Table of the SOLIDWORKS Matrix
| Comparison Features | Standard Core design | Most versatile Professional Advanced productivity | Premium Complete validation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core design | |||
| 3D Part Modeling | |||
| Assembly Design and Interference Detection | |||
| Associative 2D Drawings | |||
| Sheet Metal | |||
| Weldments | |||
| Mold Design Tools | |||
| Surface Modeling | |||
| Productivity and Automation | |||
| Toolbox and Standard Components | |||
| Manufacturing Cost Estimation | |||
| CAD Standards Checking | |||
| Advanced Tolerance Analysis | |||
| Photorealistic Rendering | |||
| Simulation and Routing | |||
| Linear Static Simulation for Parts and Assemblies | |||
| Time-Based Motion Analysis | |||
| Pipe and Tube Routing | |||
| Cable and Harness Routing | |||
| Advanced Surface Flattening | |||
Which SOLIDWORKS should I choose for my company?
The best choice is not necessarily the most complete edition, but the one that truly corresponds to your way of designing. You can also find the exact price of SOLIDWORKS at this link
A Standard license may be perfectly sufficient for some users, while Professional or Premium quickly become profitable when their advanced tools are used regularly.
Not sure which edition to choose for your company?
Not sure whether to choose SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional or Premium?
Find the right edition →Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about SOLIDWORKS editions
Does SOLIDWORKS Standard allow for sheet metal work?
Yes. Sheet metal tools are included in SOLIDWORKS Standard. It is possible to create bends, flanges, cuts, and flat patterns intended for manufacturing.
Can you perform simulation with SOLIDWORKS Standard?
SOLIDWORKS Standard includes some evaluation tools, but not full structural simulation of parts and assemblies. Integrated linear static analysis is available with SOLIDWORKS Premium. More advanced SOLIDWORKS Simulation modules exist for thermal, fatigue, non-linear, and dynamic analyses.
Is Toolbox included in SOLIDWORKS Standard?
No. SOLIDWORKS Toolbox is included with SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium. A Standard user can nevertheless create their own library or use components downloaded from manufacturers.
Does SOLIDWORKS Premium include all the functions of Simulation
Premium?
No. SOLIDWORKS Design Premium mainly includes linear static analysis and motion analysis. SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium is a separate product intended for more advanced studies.
Do you need to buy Premium for all users?
No. It is possible to combine Standard, Professional, and Premium licenses within the same company. This approach allows advanced functions to be assigned only to the people who truly need them.
Do the three editions use the same file formats?
Yes. The Standard, Professional, and Premium editions use the same native part, assembly, and drawing formats. Compatibility depends mainly on the annual version of SOLIDWORKS used, and not the edition.
Does SOLIDWORKS work entirely in a browser?
No. SOLIDWORKS Design Standard, Professional, and Premium remain applications installed locally on a Windows computer. They can be connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for storage, sharing, collaboration, and revision management. For a design solution fully accessible from a browser, you should instead look at SOLIDWORKS xDesign.