--- title: SOLIDWORKS Reviews meta_title: 'SOLIDWORKS Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 643 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how SOLIDWORKS works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.5 review_count: 643 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-07' parent_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad --- # SOLIDWORKS Reviews **Vendor:** Solidworks **Category:** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 643 ## About SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS delivers connected, easy-to-use tools that help you innovate and accelerate every aspect of your product development process. ## SOLIDWORKS Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users appreciate the **user-friendly interface** of SOLIDWORKS, making parametric 3D modeling intuitive and efficient. (34 reviews) - Users appreciate the **user-friendly interface** of SOLIDWORKS, enhancing their efficiency in complex mechanical designs. (28 reviews) - Users love the **ease of 3D modeling** in SOLIDWORKS, finding it beginner-friendly and cost-effective for all designs. (25 reviews) - Users appreciate SOLIDWORKS for its **user-friendly interface** , making parametric 3D modeling accessible and efficient. (20 reviews) - Users value the **seamless CAD integration** of SOLIDWORKS, enhancing design efficiency and collaboration across projects. (15 reviews) - Users appreciate the **user-friendly simulation tools** in SOLIDWORKS, enhancing reliability and efficiency in design and analysis. (15 reviews) - CAD Designing (14 reviews) - Efficiency (14 reviews) - Users value the **robust features** of SOLIDWORKS, which enhance machine design and support diverse modeling needs. (14 reviews) - Intuitive (14 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users experience **performance issues** with SOLIDWORKS, especially with large assemblies and complex models causing slowdowns and crashes. (16 reviews) - Users experience **slow performance** with large assemblies in SOLIDWORKS, leading to frustrating delays and crashes during complex tasks. (15 reviews) - Users face challenges due to SOLIDWORKS' **high system requirements** , necessitating powerful hardware for optimal performance. (14 reviews) - Users find SOLIDWORKS to be **expensive** , which poses a significant barrier for small companies seeking CAD solutions. (11 reviews) - Users report that **slow simulation** occurs with large assemblies, impacting performance and productivity during complex modeling tasks. (11 reviews) - Users find **complexity** in installation, modeling, and license management of SOLIDWORKS, hindering overall usability and efficiency. (10 reviews) - High Hardware Requirements (10 reviews) - Users experience **software instability** with SolidWorks, facing issues like crashes and slow performance with large assemblies. (10 reviews) - Users often face **assembly issues** in SOLIDWORKS, experiencing slow performance and crashes with large and complex models. (9 reviews) - Crashes (9 reviews) ## SOLIDWORKS Reviews ### 1. A USER FRIENDLY AND IMPORTANT SOFTWARE FOR THE ENGINEERS **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Vivek B. | Intern, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 01, 2026 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** As a mechanical engineer, I find that it gives me the freedom and ease to create 2D drawings and 3D models with lots of shortcuts, compared with AutoCAD and other software. Part assembly in SOLIDWORKS is also very user-friendly and straightforward. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** Rebuild errors. I think SOLIDWORKS should integrate a system that can detect rebuild errors and help resolve the issue. Sometimes, while I’m applying commands, it shows rebuild errors, and after that I’m not able to find where the errors are coming from. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** SOLIDWORKS helps reduce the cost of prototyping. With this software, I can create almost any part, choose materials using the Appearances section, and then run different types of analysis with SOLIDWORKS Simulation. As a third-year mechanical engineering student, I regularly model parts and assemblies, which has really helped me improve my skills. Right now I’m working on a project where I design parts in SOLIDWORKS, convert them to an .stl file, and then print them on a 3D printer. Overall, it makes my work much easier. ### 2. Intuitive UI and Reliable Performance with Strong Integrations **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** shrinivasa k. | Junior Executive Engineer (EE1), Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 22, 2026 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** What I like best about SolidWorks is its intuitive UI/UX, strong integrations with simulation and manufacturing tools, and reliable performance for most design tasks. It offers good ROI through efficient design workflows, has excellent support and onboarding resources, and includes useful automation and emerging AI features that enhance productivity. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** What I dislike about SolidWorks is its slower performance with large assemblies, high licensing cost, slightly outdated UI, and limited advanced AI and cloud collaboration features. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** SolidWorks solves key problems like complex 3D design, assembly management, and accurate documentation. It helps me quickly create and modify designs, reduce errors through parametric modeling, and generate manufacturing-ready drawings. This improves my efficiency, supports faster R&D iterations, and ensures better design accuracy in my work. ### 3. Powerful and Reliable Tool for 3D Design and Engineering **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Vivek S. | HV Electrical Equipment Testing Intern, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 23, 2026 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** What I like most about SOLIDWORKS is how intuitive and precise the 3D modeling experience feels. It makes it straightforward to turn ideas into detailed designs, even when I’m working on complex parts and assemblies. I also really value the parametric design features, since they let me make quick changes without having to start over from scratch. I also like the simulation and visualization tools. They help me test designs before actual production, which saves time and effort. On top of that, the large community and the wide availability of tutorials make it easier to learn the software and troubleshoot when I need to. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** One thing I dislike about SOLIDWORKS is that it can be quite resource-heavy. On lower-spec systems, it may lag or even crash, especially when you’re working with complex assemblies. The learning curve can also feel pretty steep for beginners, particularly when trying to get into advanced features like simulation or surface modeling. Another drawback is that the licensing cost is relatively high, which may not be ideal for students or small-scale users. That said, once you get used to it and have a capable system, it performs very well overall. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** SOLIDWORKS helps solve the problem of turning conceptual ideas into accurate and detailed 3D models. Earlier, it was difficult to visualize designs clearly or check if parts would fit together properly, but with SOLIDWORKS, I can create assemblies and test everything virtually before actual implementation. It also helps in identifying design errors early through simulation and analysis, which saves both time and cost. For me, this has been especially useful in academic and project work, where I can design, modify, and optimize components quickly without needing multiple physical trials. ### 4. Powerful CAD Tool with Easy 3D to 2D Conversion **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** MINASIE G. | Mechanical Design Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 07, 2025 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** I use SOLIDWORKS for various mechanical drawings, and it really helps me show the working principle of complex machinery parts in an easy and clear way for my clients. I love that I can simulate each part to see whether it is safe or not. SOLIDWORKS makes designing 3D and 2D drawings simultaneously simple, which saves me time because I can convert a 3D model into a 2D drawing easily. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** Honestly it is a little bit difficult and takes a longer time when trying to download and install. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** SOLIDWORKS helps me show the working principle of machinery clearly to clients and ensures safety with simulations. It designs 3D and 2D drawings simultaneously, saving time by easily converting 3D models to 2D drawings. ### 5. Comment and evaluation **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Michel P. | professional engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 09, 2026 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** Simplicity for solid modeling in 3d assy. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** 0) A continuous improvement program requested by users, and implemented and monitored by them. This would allow us to gather feedback on their requests. In reality, it may seem simple, but it isn't. For example, I've been asking for years for an option to avoid printing certain drawing pages (PDF or paper), and this option has been available in Autodesk Inventor for over 15 years. 1) Edrawing is a nightmire for more than 20 years. It should a no question , only an email, download et free to install. This way, I can share easily with a client who just want to see the design. 2) Drawing are nightmire, when working on multiple assy, tendancy to crash on the day to day work even with the best computer. 3) Changing version, all parameter shoult be in a text file (all parameter that can be set) then you just have to upload it on each (part, assembly, drawing) 4) When the drive is lock by an administrator, always a shitty problem when you get a black screen for autorisation. 5) 6) ..... I'm using solidworks for more than 20 years. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** Our design ### 6. Easy to Learn, Competitively Priced—SolidWorks Won Our CAD Comparison **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Leo W. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 28, 2026 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** SolidWorks is priced competitively, it's easy to learn, we never struggle getting a new engineer up to speed on using it. We did an in-depth comparison between SolidWorks, Fusion 360 and Creo in our Engineering Dept and SolidWorks WON almost unanimously. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** I hate how even though my PC and GPU and RAM keep getting upgraded, it runs slower today than it did 15 years ago. I wish they would spend a couple of years making the code more efficient and weeding out bugs. Also, I wish it was compatible with Linux **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** SolidWorks makes my 8 Mechanical Engineers work more efficiently ### 7. An easy to used advanced CAD software package from Dassault Systems **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 14, 2023 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** Solidworks is a solid, all-in-one package with a capable basic FEA and CFD analysis workbench. I mainly use it for part drawings and assemblies, and I’ve found it easy to learn and work with. The ribbon-style UI, along with the proper sketching tools, makes the overall workflow smoother and helps me get things done faster. I’ve been using this software frequently for more than five years, and it’s fair to say it consistently does its job well, especially as a product design and development tool. Integration with other CAD packages is straightforward thanks to add-on support. There’s also good support around these add-ons, and the forums provide helpful guidance from other end users when I need it. And Dassault provides good customer support for all their utilities. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** I’ve run into some compatibility issues between my graphics card and the software, and it can crash when there are too many polygons. It might be related to my hardware, but aside from that, I can’t complain. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** Making parts for 3D printing. Simple simulation and analysis of solid parts. Making shop drawings. Conceptualization of products Buckling analysis of spaceframe structure Also utilising Weldments, sheet metal and mold making workbenches for making shop drawings of products ### 8. Streamlined CAD Design with Enhanced Workflow **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Shriram K. | Senior Project Engineer - Multi Body Dynamics, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 14, 2026 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** I really like SOLIDWORKS for its part modeling, weld mates, and assembly modeling capabilities. The feature modification, changing sequence of operation, and feature recognition are all standout features that make my work easier and help avoid unnecessary turnarounds in modeling. Additionally, the initial setup of SOLIDWORKS is good and straightforward. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** 1. Exporting individual child parts to other formats like STEP or Parasolid. 2. Handling mesh files could be improved, like converting STL into a solid and combining triangular surfaces into a single face so that the model becomes easier to handle. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** SOLIDWORKS eases modeling and CAD assembly workflows, saves unnecessary turnarounds in modeling, and streamlines feature modification and recognition. ### 9. Intuitive, Feature-Rich, and Perfect for Daily 3D Modeling **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** NIRANJANA R. | Graduate Engineer Trainee, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 12, 2025 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** The features I like the best in SolidWorks are: -Ease of Use: Intuitive interface makes 3D modeling and assembly straightforward, even for complex designs. -Number of Features: Tons of tools for parametric modeling, simulations, and drawings all in one place. -Ease of Integration: Works smoothly with other CAD software and file formats, which helps with collaboration. -Frequency of Use: I use it daily, and it handles repetitive tasks efficiently, saving a lot of time. -Ease of Implementation: Quick to set up and get started, minimal downtime for learning the system. -Customer Support: Responsive and helpful when resolving issues or clarifying doubts. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** The downside I see in SolidWorks is that: -few large assemblies sometimes slow down the system. -Occasional crashes with highly complex models. -Some advanced features aren’t obvious at first and require digging to master. **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** SolidWorks benefits me by: -Streamlining design and prototyping, reducing errors before manufacturing. -Keeping all components and assemblies organized, improving team collaboration. -Accelerating iterations and testing, making the design process much more efficient. ### 10. Beginner-Friendly Yet Robust for Professionals **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sawyer K. | Research and Development Specialist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 14, 2026 **What do you like best about SOLIDWORKS?** I like how SOLIDWORKS can be used by beginners and is easy for them to use, but it can also be used by professionals to get amazing results. It makes it easy for me and my colleagues to use since we all started as beginners and now we are very good at using it. I also appreciate that if we have a problem, we can always find an answer that solves the problem somewhere in their help page. The initial setup of SOLIDWORKS was very easy. **What do you dislike about SOLIDWORKS?** We have zero complaints yet **What problems is SOLIDWORKS solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use SOLIDWORKS to accurately portray designs and generate STL files. The help page always has answers, making it easy for beginners to become proficient, benefiting my colleagues and me. ## SOLIDWORKS Discussions - [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) - 3 comments, 1 upvote - [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 - [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) - 1 comment - [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) - 1 comment - [View SOLIDWORKS pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews/solidworks-review-33450?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-10+03%3A10%3A00+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=ebb7dd77-e9e5-4b17-91e6-af15d35deba1&secure%5Btoken%5D=fa7363c3c53d14053faa4177878b581f3480e8e251efc5a2f0099a729e16db9a&format=llm_user) ## SOLIDWORKS Integrations - [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) - [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) - [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) - [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) - [ENOVIA](https://www.g2.com/products/enovia/reviews) - [SolidCAM](https://www.g2.com/products/solidcam/reviews) - [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) - [Total ETO](https://www.g2.com/products/total-eto/reviews) - [Windchill Navigate](https://www.g2.com/products/windchill-navigate/reviews) ## SOLIDWORKS Features **CAD to CAM** - CAD-CAM Import - CAM Data Exchange - CAD/CAM Compatibility **Design** - Drawing - Modeling - Visualize - Rendering **Library** - Categorize - Search - Deduplication - Feedback **Data** - 3D Format - Data Quality - Extra Information - Standard Format - Translate - Validation **File Support - Additive Manufacturing** - STL Compatible - 3MF Compatible - OBJ Compatible **File Options** - Import files - Export files - View 2D files - View 3D files - Batch convert files - File size **Design** - PCB layout editing - Schematic editor **Design** - 3D/solid modeling Tools - Drawing Tools - Editing Tools - Rendering tools **Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - 3D/solid modeling Tools - Rendering Tools - Drawing Tools - Editing Tools - Text Editing Tools **CNC Programming** - CNC Workflows - CNC Feature Recognition - Programming Control **Edit** - File Import - Push/Pull - Views - Grips **CAD** - Types - Models - Compatibility **Logistics** - Integrate **File Editing - Additive Manufacturing** - Mesh Repair - File Editing **Tools** - Dimensioning tools - Change units - 3D/solid modeling tools **Tools** - 3D modeling tools - Component placement **Tools** - Fluid analysis - Finite element analysis - Multibody dynamics **File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Export Files - Import Files - File Interoperability - Backwards compatibility - File size **Collaboration** - Annotate - Documentation - Data Extract **Integration** - Catalogs - CAD & PLM - ERP **Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing** - Standalone Slicer - Inetgrated 3D Modeling **Design** - Drawing **Library** - Component libraries **Work** - Discrete event modeling - Continuous event modeling - Mechanical event simulation - Manufacturing process simulation - Integrate **Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Custom Commands - Custom Scripts - Custom Menus - Custom Interface **Machining** - Job Set-up - Operations - Tooling and Toolpaths **Software Type - Additive Manufacturing** - Cloud-based Platform - Downloadable Application **Platform** - Board size - Layers **Environment** - Hardware support - Task - Manage Multiple Profiles - Command Clarity **Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Hardware support - Task-based interfaces - Manage Multiple Profiles - Command Clarity **Customization** - Custom commands - Custom interface **Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing** - AI Text-to-Image - AI Text-to-3D **Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing** - Material Management - Building Simulation - Slicing Optimization ## Top SOLIDWORKS Alternatives - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (510 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) - 4.7/5.0 (683 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (596 reviews)