Every desktop installation of SOLIDWORKS begins with a serial number, regardless of whether it is for 3D CAD, Simulation, Electrical, PDM, or any other add-ins. Users who have set up a license before are probably already familiar with the 24-character alphanumeric code. But what do these characters mean, and how do I know what license […]
Top 10 Enhancements in SOLIDWORKS 2026
The SOLIDWORKS 2026 Launch is just around the corner. This year, SOLIDWORKS is bringing 30 years of innovation, pulling out all the stops, and giving us the best release yet! With the countless enhancements added to the portfolio each release, it’s hard to keep track and understand what the key standout improvements are. Our technical […]
External Collaboration On The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Effective collaboration with external partners is essential for modern businesses. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers a suite of powerful tools designed to facilitate both internal and external collaboration seamlessly. One of the standout features is the ability to invite external users onto your platform, making it easy and fast to integrate external collaborators into your projects. […]
SolidProfessor’s new and updated courses in 2025
At TriMech, we’re committed to helping our clients stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of engineering design. As part of our enhanced subscription benefits, clients gain exclusive access to SolidProfessor’s expansive library of over 15,000 on-demand video tutorials. If you haven’t logged in ever, or even if it’s been a while, you may have missed […]
SOLIDWORKS 2026 Hardware Recommendations
We have compiled this SOLIDWORKS 2026 hardware requirements guide to aid you in the process of upgrading or purchasing new hardware. While SOLIDWORKS provides a general list of minimum system requirements We provide the following guidance based on our experience and real world benchmarking. Common SOLIDWORKS 2026 System Requirements Misconceptions “Higher numbers are always better” Do […]
Import Motion Studies with SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional
Sometimes we set up motion studies or animations in SOLIDWORKS that would look incredible with the SOLIDWORKS Visualize rendering engine. Did you know that if you have a SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional license, you can import motion studies directly into SOLIDWORKS Visualize? It is a relatively quick process and can save you a lot of time […]
Utilizing the Form Tool for Sheet Metal Parts
When designing sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS, the Form tool allows you to create shapes and features that are to be manufactured with a press or punch-style tool. This feature allows you to add more complex shapes and features, such as vents, louvres, flanges, and key holes, directly into their designs. The Form tool can […]
Exporting SOLIDWORKS Model Data to DXF/DWG
DWG and DXF are widely accepted formats in the manufacturing world because they allow seamless communication between design and production teams. These formats are compatible with many CAM systems, CNC machines, and laser cutters, making them ideal for transferring precise geometry. Converting SOLIDWORKS data into one of these 2D formats is a common workflow. In […]
Prevent External References Between Components in an Assembly
External references, also known as in-context references, are created when a SOLIDWORKS sketch or feature utilizes reference geometry outside of the part that it was created within. One common use case for this is lining up fastener hole positions from one component to another. However, sometimes the creation of external references can become a burden […]
Master Linear and Circular Patterning in SOLIDWORKS xDesign
Patterning in SOLIDWORKS xDesign is at the heart of CAD modeling, enabling designers to create precise, repetitive features and design geometry. There are a couple of core options related to patterning, including linear and circular options. For a deeper exploration of SOLIDWORKS xDesign, we can move beyond basic CAD and start to uncover additional techniques […]