Which Version of SOLIDWORKS Should I Buy?
Article by TriMech Solutions, LLC updated November 22, 2022
Article
Deciding which version of SOLIDWORKS is the best option for you is one of the most popular questions we get. Each version provides a variety of tools that you’ll benefit from!
SOLIDWORKS Standard
Standard is the first stepping stone of SOLIDWORKS if you are just beginning to learn the fundamentals of CAD or if you’re looking for a base to work with. The Standard version includes basic part modeling features and limited access to add-ins such as Sheet Metal, Weldments, and Simulation. Going the standard route is valuable to those who do not have a lot of experience with SOLIDWORKS or CAD in general, or if you or your company do not require a lot of add-in features.
SOLIDWORKS Professional
The Professional version of SOLIDWORKS includes a few more extra features than the standard version. My favorite? The SOLIDWORKS Toolbox: a library of universal standard parts! A few more simulation and electrical features are also included. Professional is for those who still don’t prefer the highest priced version but could really use the features that aren’t all included in standard, such as the toolbox. Professional is a good middleman for companies or people who are a little more experienced in SOLIDWORKS or have more specific work set in mind.
SOLIDWORKS Premium
Premium SOLIDWORKS is just about the best that’s offered to you and your company! While it is the most expensive, it includes advanced features not provided by the other two versions. Routing and more Simulation features are provided with this version, so if you’re working with such topics, this might be the best option for you.
The table included here provides a checklist of all available features with each version of SOLIDWORKS. This chart is a good start to decide which SOLIDWORKS fits your workload. Remember, a Client Executive and your local Application Engineer can aid you in your choice for your version. TriMech also offers training classes if you need a little help starting off with SOLIDWORKS.
SOLIDWORKS Product Matrix
| Feature | SOLIDWORKS Standard | SOLIDWORKS Professional | SOLIDWORKS Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ● | ● | ● |
| Part and Assembly Modeling | ● | ● | ● |
| 2D Drawings | ● | ● | ● |
| Design Reuse and Automation | ● | ● | ● |
| Animation and Visualization | ● | ● | ● |
| Interference Check | ● | ● | ● |
| Collaborate and Share CAD Data (3D Interconnect & eDrawings) | ● | ● | ● |
| Advanced CAD File Import | ● | ● | ● |
| Basic Analysis Tools (SimulationXpress & FloXpress) | ● | ● | ● |
| Productivity Tools | ● | ● | ● |
| SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard | ● | ● | ● |
| Design for Manufacturing | ● | ● | ● |
| SOLIDWORKS Visualize Standard (Must be on Active Subscription) | ● | ● | |
| CAD Libraries | ● | ● | |
| Automatic Task Scheduling and Batch Processing | ● | ● | |
| Design for Cost & Cost Estimation | ● | ● | |
| ECAD/MCAD Collaboration (CircuitWorks™) | ● | ● | |
| Advanced Photorealistic Rendering (PhotoView 360) | ● | ● | |
| CAD Standards Checking | ● | ● | |
| Automated Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis (TolAnalyst) | ● | ● | |
| SOLIDWORKS File Management | ● | ● | |
| Reverse Engineering (ScanTo3D) | ● | ● | |
| eDrawings® Professional | ● | ● | |
| Motion Analysis | ● | ||
| Structural Part and Assembly Analysis | ● | ||
| Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Environmental Impact: SOLIDWORKS Sustainability | ● | ||
| Routing of Pipes and Tubes | ● | ||
| Routing of Electrical Cabling and Wiring Harnesses | ● | ||
| Routing of Rectangular and Other Sections | ● | ||
| Advanced Surface Flattening | ● | ||
| Assembly Level Cost Roll Up | ● | ||
| View | View | View |
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