# SOLIDWORKS vs SolidWorks PCB Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher score compared to SolidWorks PCB. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, which simplifies complex 3D modeling and assembly tasks, making it a preferred choice for many designers. - **Users say** that SOLIDWORKS offers a wealth of features that enhance productivity, such as easy file conversion from other CAD software and robust sheet metal tools. This versatility allows for efficient design processes, which is often highlighted in user feedback. - **According to verified reviews** , SolidWorks PCB has a strong focus on circuit board design, with users noting its effective schematic entry and solid integration with SOLIDWORKS for 3D modeling. This collaboration is particularly beneficial for those working on complex projects, as it streamlines the design workflow. - **Reviewers mention** that while both products are user-friendly, SOLIDWORKS has a slight edge in ease of use, with many users finding it straightforward to navigate and utilize its extensive toolset for parametric modeling and simulations. - **G2 reviewers highlight** the quality of support for SolidWorks PCB, which is rated higher than that of SOLIDWORKS. Users appreciate the responsive assistance they receive, which can be crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing their design processes. - **Users report** that SOLIDWORKS has a more substantial market presence, reflected in its higher number of reviews and recent user activity. This suggests a more active user community, which can be advantageous for new users seeking resources and shared experiences. | | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 3.8 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 644 | 14 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (44.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (92.9% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### SOLIDWORKS Pros: - Ease of Use (34 reviews) - Features (28 reviews) Cons: - Performance Issues (16 reviews) - Slow Performance (15 reviews) ### SolidWorks PCB **Not enough data** --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (535 reviews) | 8.9 (9 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (540 reviews) | 8.7 (9 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.0 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (475 reviews) | 9.3 (9 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.3 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.6 (529 reviews) | 7.1 (8 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### SOLIDWORKS #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### SolidWorks PCB #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### CAD to CAM | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **CAD-CAM Import** | 9.0 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | | **CAM Data Exchange** | 8.8 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | | **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | 8.9 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | #### CNC Programming | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **CNC Workflows** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | | **CNC Feature Recognition** | 8.6 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Programming Control** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Machining | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Job Set-up** | 8.6 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Operations** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Tooling and Toolpaths** | 8.8 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | ### General-Purpose CAD | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | 9.5 (107 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Modeling** | 9.4 (107 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Visualize ** | 9.2 (103 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Rendering** | 8.1 (100 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Edit | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **File Import ** | 8.5 (98 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Push/Pull** | 8.4 (90 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Views** | 9.3 (101 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Grips ** | 8.3 (85 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Collaboration | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Annotate** | 8.6 (94 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Documentation ** | 9.0 (96 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Data Extract** | 8.4 (90 reviews) | Not enough data | ### CAD Libraries | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### Library | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Categorize** | 8.9 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Search** | 8.6 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Deduplication** | 8.4 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Feedback** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | #### CAD | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Types** | 8.8 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Models** | 9.4 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Compatibility** | 9.1 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Integration | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Catalogs** | 8.5 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | | **CAD & PLM** | 9.6 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | | **ERP** | 8.6 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | ### CAD Data Exchange | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### Data | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **3D Format** | 9.3 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Data Quality** | 8.8 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Extra Information** | 8.3 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Standard Format** | 9.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Translate** | 8.3 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Validation** | 8.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Logistics | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Integrate** | 9.1 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | ### Additive Manufacturing | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### File Support - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **STL Compatible** | 8.7 (61 reviews) | Not enough data | | **3MF Compatible** | 8.5 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | | **OBJ Compatible** | 8.4 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | #### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Mesh Repair** | 7.5 (55 reviews) | Not enough data | | **File Editing** | 8.6 (60 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Standalone Slicer** | 7.6 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | 8.8 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Cloud-based Platform** | 7.7 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Downloadable Application** | 8.6 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.0 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.1 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **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 | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### File Options | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Import files** | 8.9 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Export files** | 9.1 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | | **View 2D files** | 9.1 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | | **View 3D files** | 9.3 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Batch convert files** | 8.3 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | | **File size** | 8.3 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Tools | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Dimensioning tools** | 9.5 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Change units** | 9.1 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | | **3D/solid modeling tools** | 9.2 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Design | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | 9.4 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | ### PCB Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **PCB layout editing** | 7.9 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Schematic editor** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Tools | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **3D modeling tools** | 9.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Component placement** | 8.7 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Library | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Component libraries** | 8.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Platform | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Board size** | 8.6 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Layers** | 8.1 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Customization | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Custom commands** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Custom interface** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | ### Simulation & CAE | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.2 (62 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Drawing Tools** | 9.0 (62 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Editing Tools** | 8.8 (62 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Rendering tools** | 7.7 (60 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Tools | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Fluid analysis** | 8.0 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Finite element analysis** | 7.9 (56 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Multibody dynamics** | 7.4 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Work | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Discrete event modeling** | 7.6 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Continuous event modeling** | 7.8 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Mechanical event simulation** | 8.3 (51 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Manufacturing process simulation** | 8.1 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Integrate** | 8.4 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Environment | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | 8.3 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Task** | 8.4 (51 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.2 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Command Clarity** | 8.6 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | ### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 | | **SolidWorks PCB** | N/A | N/A | #### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.4 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Rendering Tools** | 8.7 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Drawing Tools** | 9.2 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Editing Tools** | 9.1 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Text Editing Tools** | 7.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | #### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Export Files** | 8.6 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Import Files** | 8.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | | **File Interoperability** | 8.3 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Backwards compatibility** | 8.0 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | | **File size** | 7.3 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Custom Commands** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Custom Scripts** | 8.4 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Custom Menus** | 7.6 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Custom Interface** | 8.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | 8.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Task-based interfaces** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 7.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Command Clarity** | 9.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design) **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), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [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 | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks PCB | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 44.2% | 92.9% | | **Mid-Market** | 33.9% | 7.1% | | **Enterprise** | 21.9% | 0% | ### By Industry #### 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% #### SolidWorks PCB - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 14.3% - **Packaging and Containers:** 7.1% - **Oil & Energy:** 7.1% - **Higher Education:** 7.1% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 7.1% - **Design:** 7.1% - **Consumer Electronics:** 7.1% - **Computer Software:** 7.1% - **Aviation & Aerospace:** 7.1% - **Automotive:** 7.1% - **Other:** 21.4% --- ## Alternatives ### 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 (1936 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews) - [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (600 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) ### Alternatives to SolidWorks PCB - [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1007 reviews) - [Autodesk EAGLE](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (77 reviews) - [KiCad EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (68 reviews) - [OrCAD Capture](https://www.g2.com/products/orcad-capture/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (34 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [DipTrace](https://www.g2.com/products/diptrace/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (45 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Altium CircuitMaker](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-circuitmaker/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (110 reviews) - [EasyEDA](https://www.g2.com/products/easyeda/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (20 reviews) - [NI Multisim](https://www.g2.com/products/ni-multisim/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (42 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### 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,..." ### SolidWorks PCB No discussions available for this product. --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-solidworks-pcb)