# Automation Studio vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to Automation Studio. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, which makes 3D modeling and assembly straightforward, even for complex designs. - **According to verified reviews** , SOLIDWORKS has a robust feature set that includes advanced tools for parametric modeling, simulations, and drawings. Users highlight the ease of converting files from other CAD software, which enhances productivity and streamlines workflows. - **Users say** that while Automation Studio is lightweight and easy to install, it lacks the extensive feature set that SOLIDWORKS offers. However, Automation Studio shines in its ability to create machine circuits without physical testing, saving users time and resources. - **Reviewers mention** that SOLIDWORKS has a larger user base, reflected in its total number of reviews, which indicates a more established presence in the market. This extensive feedback contributes to a more reliable understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. - **G2 reviewers highlight** that Automation Studio is particularly effective for automating processes, such as data extraction and file transfers. Users find it simplifies complex tasks, making it a valuable tool for specific automation needs, despite its narrower focus compared to SOLIDWORKS. - **According to recent user feedback** , both products receive positive remarks for their support quality, but Automation Studio edges out slightly in this area. Users appreciate the responsive support for troubleshooting, which can be crucial for maintaining productivity in day-to-day operations. | | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 48 | 643 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (51.4% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Automation Studio **Not enough data** ### SOLIDWORKS Pros: - Ease of Use (37 reviews) - Features (29 reviews) Cons: - Performance Issues (17 reviews) - Slow Performance (15 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 8.8 (535 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.3 (27 reviews) | 8.6 (540 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | 8.3 (112 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.2 (12 reviews) | 8.0 (47 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.5 (28 reviews) | 8.2 (475 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.9 (11 reviews) | 8.3 (47 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.5 (24 reviews) | 8.6 (529 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Automation Studio #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### SOLIDWORKS #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 | #### CAD to CAM | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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) | ### General-Purpose CAD | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 | #### Design | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 | #### Library | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 | #### Data | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Integrate** | Not enough data | 9.1 (25 reviews) | ### Additive Manufacturing | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 | #### File Support - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | 7.5 (55 reviews) | | **File Editing** | Not enough data | 8.6 (60 reviews) | #### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 | #### File Options | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | Not enough data | 9.4 (43 reviews) | ### PCB Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 | #### Design | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **PCB layout editing** | Not enough data | 7.9 (12 reviews) | | **Schematic editor** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D modeling tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (13 reviews) | | **Component placement** | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | #### Library | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Component libraries** | Not enough data | 8.2 (13 reviews) | #### Platform | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Board size** | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | | **Layers** | Not enough data | 8.1 (12 reviews) | #### Customization | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Custom commands** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | | **Custom interface** | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | ### Simulation & CAE | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | 8.4/10 | 26 | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 | #### Design | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.3 (10 reviews) | 9.2 (62 reviews) | | **Drawing Tools** | 8.4 (17 reviews) | 9.0 (62 reviews) | | **Editing Tools** | 8.3 (17 reviews) | 8.8 (62 reviews) | | **Rendering tools** | 7.8 (13 reviews) | 7.7 (60 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Fluid analysis** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | 8.0 (54 reviews) | | **Finite element analysis** | 8.3 (9 reviews) | 7.9 (56 reviews) | | **Multibody dynamics** | 8.5 (11 reviews) | 7.4 (49 reviews) | #### Work | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Discrete event modeling** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 7.6 (41 reviews) | | **Continuous event modeling** | 8.3 (14 reviews) | 7.8 (42 reviews) | | **Mechanical event simulation** | 8.8 (14 reviews) | 8.3 (51 reviews) | | **Manufacturing process simulation** | 8.7 (9 reviews) | 8.1 (44 reviews) | | **Integrate** | 7.8 (10 reviews) | 8.4 (47 reviews) | #### Environment | Feature | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | 8.0 (10 reviews) | 8.3 (53 reviews) | | **Task** | 8.8 (12 reviews) | 8.4 (51 reviews) | | **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.8 (12 reviews) | 8.2 (49 reviews) | | **Command Clarity** | 8.4 (15 reviews) | 8.6 (53 reviews) | ### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Automation Studio** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 | #### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 | Automation Studio | 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 (2):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design) **Unique to SOLIDWORKS (8):** [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), [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 | Automation Studio | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 51.4% | 44.3% | | **Mid-Market** | 27.0% | 33.8% | | **Enterprise** | 21.6% | 21.9% | ### By Industry #### Automation Studio - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 21.6% - **Apparel & Fashion:** 5.4% - **Computer Software:** 5.4% - **Education Management:** 5.4% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.4% - **Higher Education:** 5.4% - **Industrial Automation:** 5.4% - **Machinery:** 5.4% - **Retail:** 5.4% - **Mining & Metals:** 2.7% - **Other:** 32.4% #### 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 Automation Studio - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [Simcenter Amesim](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-amesim/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (121 reviews) - [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (996 reviews) - [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (279 reviews) - [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews) - [Simulink](https://www.g2.com/products/simulink/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (98 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 (599 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 (1930 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 (527 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 (255 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Automation Studio 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/automation-studio-vs-solidworks)