Unlock the power of 3D design and unleash your creativity with SolidWorks, the industry-leading CAD software trusted by professional engineers and designers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting your journey into the world of 3D modeling, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the installation process of SolidWorks for Makers, empowering you to bring your innovative ideas to life.
Before embarking on this installation journey, ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for SolidWorks. This includes having a 64-bit operating system, such as Windows 10 or 11, along with sufficient RAM and graphics card capabilities. Additionally, make sure you have ample storage space available, as SolidWorks requires a significant amount of disk space for its installation and operation.
Now, let’s dive into the installation process itself. Begin by downloading the SolidWorks for Makers installer from the official Dassault Systèmes website. Once the download is complete, locate the installer file and double-click on it to initiate the installation wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully, selecting the appropriate installation options and providing any necessary information. Remember to choose the “SolidWorks for Makers” option during the installation type selection.
System Requirements
Before embarking on the installation process, it’s crucial to verify that your system meets the minimum requirements for running SolidWorks smoothly. These specifications ensure a stable and efficient user experience during design and modeling operations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential system prerequisites:
**Operating System:**
| Operating System |
|---|
| Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Windows 11 (64-bit) |
**Processor:**
A high-performance processor is vital for handling complex CAD operations and large assemblies. It should possess multiple cores to efficiently distribute computation tasks. Recommended processor specifications include:
- Intel Core i5 or i7 (8th generation or later)
- AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 (3000 series or later)
**Memory (RAM):**
Adequate memory is essential for uninterrupted workflow and fast loading times. A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended, but 32GB or more is highly beneficial for larger projects and simulations.
**Graphics Card:**
A dedicated graphics card with optimal performance is necessary for rendering 3D models with smooth animations and realistic visuals. Look for these recommended graphics specifications:
- NVIDIA Quadro or GeForce series with 4GB of VRAM
- AMD Radeon Pro or Radeon RX series with 4GB of VRAM
**Hard Drive:**
SolidWorks requires a minimum of 25GB of free storage space on a solid-state drive (SSD) for optimal performance. An SSD enhances data access speed, resulting in faster loading times and smoother operations.
Preparation
Before initiating the installation process, it’s essential to prepare your system and ensure a seamless installation. Here are some recommended steps:
**Disable Antivirus Software:**
Antivirus software may interfere with the installation process. Temporarily disable these programs to prevent any potential conflicts.
**Close All Running Applications:**
Close all other running programs before starting the SolidWorks installation. This ensures that system resources are fully allocated to the installation task.
**Create a New Folder:**
It’s advisable to create a dedicated folder on your desktop or in a location of your choice where you want to install SolidWorks. This organization helps in locating and managing the software later on.
**Download the SolidWorks Installer:**
Visit the official SolidWorks website and download the latest installer compatible with your system. Save the downloaded file in the previously created folder.
Downloading the SolidWorks Installation Package
To initiate the installation process, you must first obtain the SolidWorks installation package. There are two primary methods to acquire the package:
Through the Official SolidWorks Website
Navigate to the SolidWorks website and click on the “Download” button. Select the appropriate version and operating system for your needs. You will be prompted to create an account or sign in to your existing account. After providing the necessary information, you will be able to download the installation package.
Contacting a SolidWorks Reseller
If you prefer personalized assistance, you can contact an authorized SolidWorks reseller. They can provide you with the installation package and answer any questions you may have. Resellers often offer additional services such as installation support and training.
Package Contents
The SolidWorks installation package typically includes the following components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| SolidWorks Installer | The main installation executable |
| Core Libraries | Essential libraries for SolidWorks functionality |
| Sample Files and Tutorials | Examples and documentation to assist with learning |
| License Key (if applicable) | A key to activate the software |
Running the Installation Wizard
Check System Requirements
Before starting the installation, please check below for your system compatibility:
| System Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | 3.3+ GHz or higher single- or multi-core processor |
| Memory | 32 GB RAM |
| Graphics Card | 4 GB or higher of video memory |
| Hard Drive Space | 250 GB of available hard-disk space |
| .NET Framework | 4.7 or higher |
3. Launch the Installation Wizard
Once the compatibility checks are cleared, you can launch the installation wizard by clicking on the SolidWorks installation executable file.
The installation wizard will guide you through the rest of the installation process. The installation wizard will ask you for information such as your desired installation location, product key, and license type.
Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to complete the installation.
Once the installation is complete, you can launch SolidWorks to start using the software.
Selecting the Installation Type
When you install SolidWorks, you have the option to choose between three installation types:
- Full installation: This option installs all of the SolidWorks components, including the software, documentation, and samples.
- Custom installation: This option allows you to select which SolidWorks components you want to install. You can choose to install the software only, or you can add any combination of the following components:
- Documentation
- Samples
- Tools
- Utilities
- Administrative image: This option creates an administrative image that you can use to deploy SolidWorks to multiple computers. The administrative image includes all of the SolidWorks components, but it does not install the software on any computers. You must use the Deployment Manager to deploy the software from the administrative image.
The following table summarizes the key differences between the three installation types:
| Installation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Full installation | Installs all of the SolidWorks components, including the software, documentation, and samples. |
| Custom installation | Allows you to select which SolidWorks components you want to install. |
| Administrative image | Creates an administrative image that you can use to deploy SolidWorks to multiple computers. |
Customizing the Installation
To customize the installation of SolidWorks for Makers, follow these steps:
- Select the “Custom” installation type. This option allows you to select the specific components that you want to install.
- Click on the “Select All” button to select all available components or deselect components that you don’t need. You can also select individual components or groups of components by expanding the folders in the tree.
- Select the specific components that you want to install, such as SolidWorks Core, Simulation, CAM, and so on.
- Choose the installation path for SolidWorks for Makers. By default, it will be installed in the “C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp” folder, but you can change this to any location on your hard drive.
- Click on the “Install Now” button to start the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, click on the “Finish” button to exit the installation wizard.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| SolidWorks Core | The core program that includes all the basic features for 3D modeling, assembly, and drawing. |
| Simulation | Allows you to analyze and simulate the behaviour of your designs under various conditions. |
| CAM | Generates toolpaths for CNC machines, enabling you to manufacture your designs. |
Basic Interface Navigation
SolidWorks offers a user-friendly interface that fosters a seamless design experience. The top menu bar houses commonly used tools, while contextual tabs appear in the CommandManager when necessary.
The FeatureManager design tree, located on the left, provides a hierarchical view of the model and allows for easy editing and management of features.
The graphics area, occupying the center of the screen, is where you interact with the 3D model. It includes various viewports that allow you to visualize the model from different perspectives.
The PropertyManager, accessible from the right side, provides a convenient way to modify properties and settings related to the selected entity.
8. Advanced Selection Tools
SolidWorks offers a range of advanced selection tools that extend your control over the selection process.
1. Quick Select: Selects entities based on specific criteria, such as material or custom annotations.
2. Lasso Select: Allows you to select multiple entities by drawing a free-form shape around them.
3. Area Select: Selects all entities within a rectangular or circular area.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Quick Select | Selects entities based on specific criteria. |
| Lasso Select | Selects entities by drawing a free-form shape around them. |
| Area Select | Selects all entities within a rectangular or circular area. |
Creating a New Part or Assembly
When starting a new project in Solidworks, you have the option to create either a new part or a new assembly. A part is an individual component, while an assembly is a collection of parts that fit together to create a functional product.
To create a new part, click on the “New” button in the toolbar and select “Part” from the drop-down menu. This will open a new, empty part document.
To create a new assembly, click on the “New” button and select “Assembly” from the drop-down menu. This will open a new, empty assembly document.
Once you have created a new part or assembly, you can begin adding features to it. Features are the building blocks of Solidworks models, and they can be used to create a variety of shapes, such as cubes, cylinders, and spheres.
To add a feature to a part or assembly, click on the “Insert” tab in the toolbar and select the desired feature from the drop-down menu. This will insert a new feature into the model.
Once you have added a feature to a part or assembly, you can modify it by adjusting its parameters. To do this, click on the feature in the FeatureManager tree and then click on the “Parameters” tab in the PropertyManager. This will display a list of the parameters that you can adjust.
By adjusting the parameters of a feature, you can change its size, shape, and position. You can also add or remove constraints to a feature, which will limit its movement and rotation.
Adding Components to an Assembly
When you are working on an assembly, you can add components to it by inserting them from the FeatureManager tree. To do this, click on the “Insert” tab in the toolbar and select “Component” from the drop-down menu.
This will open a dialog box where you can select the component that you want to insert. Once you have selected the component, click on the “Open” button.
The component will be inserted into the assembly at the origin. You can then move and rotate the component to the desired position.
To mate two components together, click on the “Mate” tab in the toolbar and select the desired mate type from the drop-down menu. This will open a dialog box where you can select the two components that you want to mate.
Once you have selected the components, click on the “OK” button. The two components will be mated together.
You can continue adding components and mates to the assembly until you have created a complete functional product.
Saving Your Work
Once you have made changes to your SolidWorks file, it is essential to save your work regularly to preserve your progress. Here’s how to save your work in SolidWorks:
1. Click the “File” Menu
In the SolidWorks software, navigate to the top-left corner of the screen and click on the “File” menu.
2. Select “Save”
From the “File” menu, select the “Save” option. This will save your current SolidWorks file in the location where it is currently stored.
3. Save As
If you want to create a new file or save your work in a different location, select “Save As” from the “File” menu. This will open the “Save As” dialog box, where you can specify the file name, location, and file format.
4. File Formats
When saving your work as a new file, you can choose to save it in one of the following file formats:
| File Format | Description |
|---|---|
| sldprt | SolidWorks Part File |
| sldasm | SolidWorks Assembly File |
| slddrw | SolidWorks Drawing File |
5. File Name and Location
In the “Save As” dialog box, specify the file name and choose the location where you want to save your work.
6. Click “Save”
Once you have selected the file name, location, and format, click the “Save” button in the “Save As” dialog box.
7. Regular Saving
It is recommended to save your work regularly while working on a SolidWorks file. This will help prevent data loss in case of unexpected events, such as computer crashes or power outages.
8. Saving Keystrokes
To save keystrokes, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + S” (Windows) or “Command + S” (Mac) to quickly save your work.
9. AutoSave
SolidWorks offers an AutoSave feature that can automatically save your work at regular intervals. To enable AutoSave, go to “Tools” > “Options” > “System Options” > “General” and select “Enable AutoSave”.
10. Backup Locations
It is a good practice to create regular backups of your SolidWorks files to a separate location in case of data loss due to hardware failure or other unforeseen circumstances. You can use the “Backup” utility in SolidWorks to create and manage backups.
How to Install SolidWorks for Makers
Step 1: Check System Requirements
- Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for SolidWorks:
- Operating system: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- RAM: 8GB or more
- Storage: 25GB of available hard drive space
- Graphics card: NVIDIA or AMD with 4GB of dedicated video memory
Step 2: Download the SolidWorks Installation Package
- Visit the SolidWorks website and navigate to the "Download" section.
- Select the "SolidWorks for Makers" option and download the installation package.
Step 3: Run the Installation
- Locate the downloaded installation file (.exe) and double-click it to launch the installation wizard.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select the installation location and components.
- Click "Install" to begin the installation process.
Step 4: Activate Your License
- Once the installation is complete, you will need to activate your SolidWorks license.
- You can activate online by following the prompts or by using a manual activation method provided by SolidWorks.
Step 5: Launch SolidWorks
- Click the SolidWorks icon on your desktop or in the Start menu to launch the application.
- You may be prompted to sign in to your MySolidWorks account.
People Also Ask
How much does SolidWorks for Makers cost?
SolidWorks for Makers is available for purchase with an annual subscription, which includes the software, support, and access to online resources. The current pricing can be found on the SolidWorks website.
Can I use SolidWorks for commercial purposes?
SolidWorks for Makers is intended for personal and non-commercial use. If you plan to use SolidWorks for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a commercial license.
What are the benefits of using SolidWorks for Makers?
SolidWorks for Makers provides makers and hobbyists with a powerful CAD software at an affordable price. It offers a wide range of features that can help them design and create physical objects, including 3D modeling, simulation, and CAM.
