Choosing a SOLIDWORKS package depends on many factors. Regardless of which you choose, SOLIDWORKS will help streamline your workflow and get your work done faster.
There are three basic levels of SOLIDWORKS: Standard, Professional and Premium. Below is a brief overview of each. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you a better idea of the differences.
SOLIDWORKS Standard
SOLIDWORKS Standard is the right fit for 3D CAD newbies or individuals using SOLIDWORKS for limited purposes. It works exactly like Professional and Premium, just with fewer advanced features. But that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. SOLIDWORKS Standard includes FEA capability, animations and parts analysis, just as a few examples.
SOLIDWORKS Professional
SOLIDWORKS Professional is made for the serious designer and includes a host of robust features. It boasts photo-realistic rendering capabilities and eDrawings Professional, which is great for sharing your files with non-SOLIDWORKS users. This suite also includes a standard parts library, file management tools and SOLIDWORKS Costing for cost estimates.
SOLIDWORKS Premium
SOLIDWORKS Premium is the most comprehensive SOLIDWORKS package we offer, building on the capabilities of Standard and Professional. In addition to the features mentioned above, it offers complete support for advanced 3D CAD design. You can perform static, stress and motion analysis on assemblies (not just parts), tooling and harnessing. If you use ECAD software, SOLIDWORKS Premium interfaces with CircuitWorks for easy electrical design.
For a more in-depth overview of all the differences, check out SOLIDWORKS’ 3D CAD Matrix or view this video.
When deciding to upgrade, think about what you plan to use SOLIDWORKS for and how often you’ll use the software. If you’re still unsure, our expert Sales Team can help. They know all the ins and outs of SOLIDWORKS and can recommend a package that’s right for you.
Download our SOLIDWORKS Buyer’s Guide to compare software.
