What is the Cost of SOLIDWORKS?

A comprehensive guide to purchasing SOLIDWORKS

How much does SOLIDWORKS cost?

The monthly cost of SOLIDWORKS can be as little as $220 USD for commercial SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD customers. The exact cost of SOLIDWORKS will vary depending on the package you choose and the license model you choose.

SOLIDWORKS term licenses start from $2,620 USD per year, this price includes support, software updates and more.
SOLIDWORKS perpetual licenses start from $4,195 USD, plus an annual subscription cost.
Students, researchers, entrepreneurs and hobbyists can typically purchase SOLIDWORKS at a fraction of the price.

Contact us today for the latest pricing information. One of our expert team will get in touch to discuss your requirements, purchase options and help you find the ideal SOLIDWORKS solution for your company.

What to Consider?

How to Buy SOLIDWORKS?

Before you purchase SOLIDWORKS, or any 3D CAD solution, there are a number of factors you should consider to ensure you choose the right product for your requirements and budget.

Contact us for advice and one of our expert team will be happy to discuss the best solution for your company.

Explore the topics below for our recommendations on how to buy SOLIDWORKS.

Buying SOLIDWORKS
SOFTWARE OPTIONS

SOLIDWORKS Versions

There are three versions of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD - Standard, Professional and Premium. Each version builds upon the capabilities of the one below, meaning that all versions have the powerful mechanical design functionalities you need.

SOLIDWORKS
Standard

From concept to manufacturing, SOLIDWORKS Standard equips you with intuitive tools for creating parametric parts, assembling components, and generating detailed 2D drawings.

Includes:
  • 3D Part and Assembly Design
  • 2D Drawing Tools
  • Sheet Metal & Weldments
  • Mold Design
  • CAM Programming and Simulation*
  • SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services**
SOLIDWORKS
Professional

Enhance your efficiency in completing design tasks and optimise the management of the resulting design data. Enhance your product showcases with stunning high-quality renders of your designs.

SOLIDWORKS Standard, plus
  • Photorealistic Rendering (SOLIDWORKS Visualize*)
  • Data Management (PDM Standard)
  • Library of 1000s of common fasteners (Toolbox)
  • Design Checker & File Utilities
  • Reverse Engineering (ScanTo3D)
SOLIDWORKS
Premium

Consider SOLIDWORKS Premium if you need 3D CAD with simulation capabilities. It offers integrated linear static simulation solving alongside powerful automated routing tools.

SOLIDWORKS Professional, plus
  • FEA (SOLIDWORKS Simulation)
  • Motion Analysis
  • CATIA V5 Translator
  • Electrical Wire and Cable Routing
  • Pipe and Tube Routing
  • Surface Flatten Commands

*included when on an active Subscription Support contract.

**not included in SOLIDWORKS Standard Rental, only included with a Perpetual license.

Looking for more than CAD?

SOLIDWORKS' core product is CAD and is the building block for a vast portfolio of solutions. This guide focuses on how to buy SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD, but we understand that businesses need are a lot more than this.

Some of the common shopping list items businesses ask for are:

  • BIM
  • FEA
  • CFD
  • Rendering
  • CAM
  • 2D Design
  • VR & AR
  • Cloud Hosting
  • PLM
  • ERP
  • Manufacturing
Which license model?

Rental vs Perpetual Cost of SOLIDWORKS

When buying SOLIDWORKS, decide if you want to rent the software or purchase an indefinite expiry or perpetual license.

It should be noted that you can mix and match license models, so perhaps perpetual licensing is best for your sustained business requirements but when there will be an increase in output needed, rental licensing can meet a short term demand.

The options for SOLIDWORKS are flexible. Prefer to pay for your software over time? Speak with our team about payment plans on offer for SOLIDWORKS.

SOLIDWORKS rental licenses are available as both Standalone and Network licensing.

SOLIDWORKS Rental VS Perpetual Costs Graph

Compare SOLIDWORKS License Models

Perpetual
Full version of SOLIDWORKS.
One-off payment for a license which you can use indefinitely.
Lowest long term investment, cheaper than rental after three years.
Gives predictable business costs because of the one-off fee.
To keep the license up-to-date a low annual subscription contract is payable.
Subscription also gives full technical support for the software and other benefits.
The total cost of a perpetual license and subscription support is lower than renting over a longer period of time.
Rental

Types of SOLIDWORKS License

SOLIDWORKS licenses are available at a fraction of the price for non-commerical users. Learn about our different license types available and how to access these great offers.

solidworks cost
Commercial

If your requirement is for your business then commercial licensing will be the license type which you will need. Join the 400,000+ organisations that use SOLIDWORKS as the tool of choice.

Get a Quote

Startup Offer Background Image
Startups and Entrepreneurs

If you are starting a business or your company is less than 3 years old, then you may qualify for SOLIDWORKS licensing through the start-up scheme. Please get in touch for full details on the entry criteria, as well as for guidance on exactly how to apply.

Learn More & Apply

solidworks education edition
Education or Research

Schools, colleges, universities and research facilities can buy SOLIDWORKS licensing at a more accessible cost and according to the size of the institution. Speak with us about training and additional support materials available for your team.

Learn More

student access library
Student

Please ask your institution if they provide student access as part of the SOLIDWORKS license type purchased. If not, students can buy a significantly discounted license online. Proof of eligibility may be required.
Purchase Online

solidworks hobbyist
Makers and Hobbyists

For those wanting access to SOLIDWORKS CAD for non-profit and non-commercial gain, then a 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Makers subscription license is available online.

Purcase Online

Further FAQs

Other common questions you may have when buying SOLIDWORKS.

Looking for a quote for SOLIDWORKS?

Contact us and get your questions answered today.

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