# Ansys Discovery vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to Ansys Discovery. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, which makes 3D modeling and assembly straightforward, even for complex designs. - **Users say** that SOLIDWORKS offers a wealth of features for parametric modeling, simulations, and drawings, which enhances productivity. One user highlighted the ease of converting files from other CAD software, making it a versatile tool for various design needs. - **According to verified reviews** , Ansys Discovery is praised for its user-friendly approach, allowing designers without specialized skills to perform simulations easily. Reviewers noted that it requires no meshing, which simplifies the simulation process and saves time. - **Reviewers mention** that while Ansys Discovery provides quick and robust solutions for design behavior, it may not always match the accuracy of more established tools like SOLIDWORKS. However, its real-time simulation capabilities are highlighted as a significant advantage in manufacturing contexts. - **G2 reviewers highlight** that SOLIDWORKS has a strong presence in the small business market, with a larger number of reviews indicating a reliable user base. This extensive feedback suggests that many users find it a dependable choice for their design and simulation needs. - **Users report** that Ansys Discovery shines in its support quality, receiving higher ratings in this area compared to SOLIDWORKS. This aspect is crucial for users who may need assistance during their design processes, making Ansys Discovery a favorable option for those prioritizing support. | | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 11 | 643 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (36.4% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Ansys Discovery Pros: - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Efficiency (1 reviews) Cons: - Insufficient Tutorials (1 reviews) - Lack of Tutorials (1 reviews) ### SOLIDWORKS Pros: - Ease of Use (34 reviews) - Features (28 reviews) Cons: - Performance Issues (16 reviews) - Slow Performance (15 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (11 reviews) | 8.8 (535 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (11 reviews) | 8.6 (540 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | Not enough data | 8.3 (112 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | 8.0 (47 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 9.2 (11 reviews) | 8.2 (475 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | 8.3 (47 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 10.0 (11 reviews) | 8.6 (529 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Ansys Discovery #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial Yes ### SOLIDWORKS #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 | #### CAD to CAM | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **CAD-CAM Import** | Not enough data | 9.0 (42 reviews) | | **CAM Data Exchange** | Not enough data | 8.8 (42 reviews) | | **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.9 (43 reviews) | #### CNC Programming | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **CNC Workflows** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | | **CNC Feature Recognition** | Not enough data | 8.6 (38 reviews) | | **Programming Control** | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | #### Machining | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Job Set-up** | Not enough data | 8.6 (39 reviews) | | **Operations** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | | **Tooling and Toolpaths** | Not enough data | 8.8 (39 reviews) | ### 3D Modeling | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Sculpting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Topology** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Brush Variety ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Effects** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Move | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Animate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Render** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Views** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Store & Manage | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Pipeline ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Controls** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Template library ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Generative AI | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### General-Purpose CAD | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 | #### Design | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | Not enough data | 9.5 (107 reviews) | | **Modeling** | Not enough data | 9.4 (107 reviews) | | **Visualize ** | Not enough data | 9.2 (103 reviews) | | **Rendering** | Not enough data | 8.1 (100 reviews) | #### Edit | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **File Import ** | Not enough data | 8.5 (98 reviews) | | **Push/Pull** | Not enough data | 8.4 (90 reviews) | | **Views** | Not enough data | 9.3 (101 reviews) | | **Grips ** | Not enough data | 8.3 (85 reviews) | #### Collaboration | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Annotate** | Not enough data | 8.6 (94 reviews) | | **Documentation ** | Not enough data | 9.0 (96 reviews) | | **Data Extract** | Not enough data | 8.4 (90 reviews) | ### CAD Libraries | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 | #### Library | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Categorize** | Not enough data | 8.9 (29 reviews) | | **Search** | Not enough data | 8.6 (28 reviews) | | **Deduplication** | Not enough data | 8.4 (28 reviews) | | **Feedback** | Not enough data | 8.6 (23 reviews) | #### CAD | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Types** | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) | | **Models** | Not enough data | 9.4 (30 reviews) | | **Compatibility** | Not enough data | 9.1 (29 reviews) | #### Integration | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Catalogs** | Not enough data | 8.5 (26 reviews) | | **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | 9.6 (29 reviews) | | **ERP** | Not enough data | 8.6 (25 reviews) | ### CAD Data Exchange | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 | #### Data | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D Format** | Not enough data | 9.3 (29 reviews) | | **Data Quality** | Not enough data | 8.8 (27 reviews) | | **Extra Information** | Not enough data | 8.3 (26 reviews) | | **Standard Format** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | | **Translate** | Not enough data | 8.3 (24 reviews) | | **Validation** | Not enough data | 8.7 (25 reviews) | #### Logistics | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Integrate** | Not enough data | 9.1 (25 reviews) | ### Additive Manufacturing | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 | #### File Support - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **STL Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.7 (61 reviews) | | **3MF Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.5 (47 reviews) | | **OBJ Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.4 (52 reviews) | #### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | 7.5 (55 reviews) | | **File Editing** | Not enough data | 8.6 (60 reviews) | #### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Standalone Slicer** | Not enough data | 7.6 (49 reviews) | | **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | Not enough data | 8.8 (58 reviews) | #### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Cloud-based Platform** | Not enough data | 7.7 (48 reviews) | | **Downloadable Application** | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | #### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.0 (20 reviews) | | **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.1 (20 reviews) | #### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### CAD Viewers | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 | #### File Options | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Import files** | Not enough data | 8.9 (44 reviews) | | **Export files** | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | | **View 2D files** | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | | **View 3D files** | Not enough data | 9.3 (44 reviews) | | **Batch convert files** | Not enough data | 8.3 (35 reviews) | | **File size** | Not enough data | 8.3 (41 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Dimensioning tools** | Not enough data | 9.5 (43 reviews) | | **Change units** | Not enough data | 9.1 (41 reviews) | | **3D/solid modeling tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (43 reviews) | #### Design | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | Not enough data | 9.4 (43 reviews) | ### PCB Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 | #### Design | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **PCB layout editing** | Not enough data | 7.9 (12 reviews) | | **Schematic editor** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D modeling tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (13 reviews) | | **Component placement** | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | #### Library | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Component libraries** | Not enough data | 8.2 (13 reviews) | #### Platform | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Board size** | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | | **Layers** | Not enough data | 8.1 (12 reviews) | #### Customization | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Custom commands** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | | **Custom interface** | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | ### Simulation & CAE | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | 8.8/10 | 8 | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 | #### Design | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.4 (8 reviews) | 9.2 (62 reviews) | | **Drawing Tools** | 9.2 (8 reviews) | 9.0 (62 reviews) | | **Editing Tools** | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 8.8 (62 reviews) | | **Rendering tools** | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 7.7 (60 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Fluid analysis** | 8.1 (8 reviews) | 8.0 (54 reviews) | | **Finite element analysis** | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 7.9 (56 reviews) | | **Multibody dynamics** | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 7.4 (49 reviews) | #### Work | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Discrete event modeling** | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 7.6 (41 reviews) | | **Continuous event modeling** | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 7.8 (42 reviews) | | **Mechanical event simulation** | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 8.3 (51 reviews) | | **Manufacturing process simulation** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | 8.1 (44 reviews) | | **Integrate** | 9.2 (8 reviews) | 8.4 (47 reviews) | #### Environment | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 8.3 (53 reviews) | | **Task** | 9.3 (7 reviews) | 8.4 (51 reviews) | | **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 9.0 (7 reviews) | 8.2 (49 reviews) | | **Command Clarity** | 9.2 (8 reviews) | 8.6 (53 reviews) | ### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Ansys Discovery** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 | #### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.4 (36 reviews) | | **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | 8.7 (28 reviews) | | **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (30 reviews) | | **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.1 (26 reviews) | | **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (25 reviews) | #### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Export Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (31 reviews) | | **Import Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (27 reviews) | | **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | 8.3 (29 reviews) | | **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.0 (26 reviews) | | **File size** | Not enough data | 7.3 (32 reviews) | #### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | | **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | 8.4 (24 reviews) | | **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | 7.6 (24 reviews) | | **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | 8.2 (24 reviews) | #### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.0 (27 reviews) | | **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | | **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 7.9 (23 reviews) | | **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Unique to Ansys Discovery (1):** [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling) **Unique to SOLIDWORKS (9):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Ansys Discovery | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 36.4% | 44.3% | | **Mid-Market** | 27.3% | 33.8% | | **Enterprise** | 36.4% | 21.9% | ### By Industry #### Ansys Discovery - **Manufacturing:** 36.4% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 18.2% - **Consulting:** 9.1% - **Research:** 9.1% - **Professional Training & Coaching:** 9.1% - **Information Technology and Services:** 9.1% - **Automotive:** 9.1% #### SOLIDWORKS - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.2% - **Design:** 11.7% - **Automotive:** 6.6% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9% - **Medical Devices:** 5.8% - **Machinery:** 5.6% - **Higher Education:** 4.6% - **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5% - **Oil & Energy:** 3.0% - **Consumer Goods:** 2.2% - **Other:** 26.8% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Ansys Discovery - [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (771 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews) - [Meshy](https://www.g2.com/products/meshy/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (2735 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Recraft](https://www.g2.com/products/recraft/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (455 reviews) - [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (364 reviews) - [Altair SimSolid](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-simsolid/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (182 reviews) ### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews) - [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews) - [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (598 reviews) - [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews) - [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (256 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Ansys Discovery No discussions available for this product. ### SOLIDWORKS - Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..." - Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key." - Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches." - Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name. Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..." - Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/ansys-discovery-vs-solidworks)