# SOLIDWORKS vs SolidWorks Flow Simulation Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to SolidWorks Flow Simulation. Users appreciate its comprehensive features for 3D modeling and simulation, with one reviewer highlighting its ability to design and simulate complex systems with ease.
- **Users say** that SOLIDWORKS offers a more intuitive interface, making it easier for both beginners and experienced users to navigate. Reviewers have noted that the software simplifies the process of changing dimensions and converting files from other CAD applications, which enhances productivity.
- **According to verified reviews** , SolidWorks Flow Simulation is recognized for its simplicity and ease of use, particularly for users on a budget. One user mentioned that it requires minimal input to generate outputs, making it a good choice for less critical projects where high accuracy is not paramount.
- **Reviewers mention** that while SOLIDWORKS has a robust set of features, including advanced tools for parametric modeling and simulations, SolidWorks Flow Simulation is perceived as more limited in its capabilities. Users looking for extensive simulation options may find SOLIDWORKS to be the better fit.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that SOLIDWORKS has a strong support system, with a quality of support score that reflects its commitment to helping users. In contrast, SolidWorks Flow Simulation has received mixed feedback regarding support, indicating that users may face challenges when seeking assistance.
- **Users report** that SOLIDWORKS is particularly effective for small businesses, as evidenced by its large market segment presence. Reviewers appreciate the extensive tools available for various design needs, while SolidWorks Flow Simulation, although popular among small businesses, may not offer the same breadth of features for more complex projects.



| | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 643 | 35 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | Small-Business (48.5% 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 Flow Simulation

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (535 reviews) | 8.6 (30 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (540 reviews) | 8.3 (30 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) | 8.3 (30 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 (28 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### SOLIDWORKS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### SolidWorks Flow Simulation

#### 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 Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Library

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | 9.1 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### MEP

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolidWorks Flow Simulation** | 8.9/10 | 11 |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Systems** | Not enough data | 9.2 (10 reviews) | 
| **3D** | Not enough data | 8.7 (9 reviews) | 
| **Documentation** | Not enough data | 8.7 (10 reviews) | 
| **Fabrication** | Not enough data | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | 8.8 (7 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 8.5 (9 reviews) | 
| **Drafting** | Not enough data | 8.9 (9 reviews) | 
| **Analysis** | Not enough data | 8.8 (10 reviews) | 
| **Simulations** | Not enough data | 9.2 (10 reviews) | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 |
| **SolidWorks Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.4 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 |
| **SolidWorks Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 7.9 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Schematic editor** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 9.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Component placement** | 8.7 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Library

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 8.6 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | 8.1 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation** | 8.2/10 | 9 |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.2 (62 reviews) | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.0 (62 reviews) | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.8 (62 reviews) | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | 7.7 (60 reviews) | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | 8.0 (54 reviews) | 8.1 (8 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | 7.9 (56 reviews) | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | 7.4 (49 reviews) | 8.1 (8 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 7.6 (41 reviews) | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 7.8 (42 reviews) | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | 8.3 (51 reviews) | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 8.1 (44 reviews) | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | 8.4 (47 reviews) | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.3 (53 reviews) | 8.1 (8 reviews) | 
| **Task** | 8.4 (51 reviews) | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.2 (49 reviews) | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 |
| **SolidWorks Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **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):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)

**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)

**Unique to SolidWorks Flow Simulation (1):** [MEP Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mep)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | SOLIDWORKS | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 44.3% | 48.5% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 33.8% | 27.3% | 
| **Enterprise** | 21.9% | 24.2% | 

### 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 Flow Simulation

- **Information Technology and Services:** 21.2%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 12.1%
- **Design:** 12.1%
- **Higher Education:** 9.1%
- **Automotive:** 9.1%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 6.1%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Military:** 3.0%
- **Medical Devices:** 3.0%
- **Machinery:** 3.0%
- **Other:** 18.2%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (518 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 (599 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 Flow Simulation

- [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (122 reviews)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (771 reviews)
- [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [OpenFOAM](https://www.g2.com/products/openfoam/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (35 reviews)
- [Autodesk CFD](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-cfd/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [Moldflow](https://www.g2.com/products/moldflow/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (28 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 (518 reviews)
- [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (280 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 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 Flow Simulation

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-solidworks-solidworks-flow-simulation)