SOLIDWORKS has always been a user-driven platform, evolving each year based on feedback from engineers, designers and manufacturers worldwide. Manish Kumar, Executive Vice President of SOLIDWORKS, emphasizes how crucial user input is in shaping the software’s development. By leveraging usability testing, alpha and beta testing, enhancement requests, customer visits, partner insights, user group meetings and technical support feedback, SOLIDWORKS prioritizes the most impactful enhancements.
Each year at 3DEXPERIENCE World, users vote on the Top Ten enhancements they wish to see in upcoming releases. Historically, 65% of these requests make it into implementation, and in SOLIDWORKS 2025 alone, 38 enhancements originated from this user-driven list. With its strong commitment to continuously improving the software, SOLIDWORKS has implemented over 66% of user-requested enhancements across multiple releases.
But what do these enhancements mean for you? How do they improve your design workflow? Let’s take a closer look at the top ten customer-requested enhancements in SOLIDWORKS 2025 and their impact on the design process.
1. Enhanced Interference Detection in Large Design Review Mode
Managing large assemblies efficiently has always been a challenge. SOLIDWORKS 2025 now allows interference detection directly in Large Design Review Mode, enabling users to validate assemblies without fully loading all components.
Why it matters:
- How much time do you spend waiting for large assemblies to load? This enhancement helps detect issues early, saving valuable design time.
- Improves performance and usability in large assemblies.
2. Configuration Tables in Drawings
Users can now add configuration tables directly to drawings, simplifying documentation and ensuring that variations are well-represented without the need for multiple separate drawings.
Key benefits:
- This feature can help streamline your documentation process by enhancing clarity and reducing redundancy in manufacturing documentation.
- Simplifies configuration management in complex designs.
3. Flattened BOM for Multi-Level Assemblies
With SOLIDWORKS 2025, managing assemblies is more straightforward thanks to the ability to create a flattened Bill of Materials (BOM), displaying the total quantity of components across multiple levels.
Impact on workflow:
- How does your team handle complex assembly structures? This enhancement provides improved transparency for procurement and manufacturing.
- Reduces complexity and improves workflow efficiency.
4. Bend Notches in Sheet Metal Parts
To enhance manufacturability, SOLIDWORKS 2025 introduces bend notches in sheet metal parts, providing clearer indicators of bend locations.
Advantages:
- How often do errors occur in your sheet metal production? This feature enhances communication with fabricators and reduces rework.
- Increases precision and minimizes material waste.
5. Seamless Integration of 3D Swim and SOLIDWORKS Forums
Collaboration is now more streamlined with the integration of 3D Swim and SOLIDWORKS Forums directly into the SOLIDWORKS interface, enabling users to tap into community knowledge without leaving the software.
Why it’s important:
- Need a quick answer from the SOLIDWORKS community? Now, expert insights are just a click away.
- Encourages knowledge sharing and problem-solving without disrupting workflow.
6. Simplified User Interface for New Users
SOLIDWORKS 2025 introduces a refined UI designed for ease of use, reducing clutter and making it more intuitive for new users.
Key features include:
- How essential is ease of use in your daily workflow? The redesigned UI offers context-sensitive tools for a more seamless experience.
- Customizable options are available to enhance efficiency, tailored to individual user preferences.
- Workspace clutter is minimized, helping users concentrate on their tasks and improving overall workflow efficiency.
- The UI dynamically adapts, displaying only the most relevant tools based on the current task, ensuring a smoother experience for users at every level.
7. Online Purchase Options for SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services
Users can now purchase SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional and Premium with Cloud Services online, ensuring immediate access and a hassle-free setup process.
Why Buy Online?
- Instant Access: Purchase and gain immediate access to the software and its cloud services, enabling users to get started right away without delays.
- Flexibility: Users can choose between different service packages and cloud options, making it easy to find the right plan for their needs.
- Security: 15-day money-back guarantee and certified service availability ensure users can buy with confidence.
Learn more about SOLIDWORKS plans and pricing.
8. 3D Transition Assistant for Seamless Data Migration
Migrating design data to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is now easier with the 3D Transition Assistant, allowing for smooth data transfers.
Concerned about moving your data to the cloud? This enhancement simplifies adoption and reduces migration complexity.
Why it matters:
- Effortless Data Migration: This tool ensures that all your design data is accurately transferred without the fear of losing important files or data integrity.
- Reduces Complexity: Migrating data to the cloud can be overwhelming, but this assistant streamlines the process, helping users transition smoothly to the next level of design management.
- Improves Collaboration: Moving to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables better collaboration across teams, enhancing the efficiency of global design processes.
9. SOLIDWORKS for Makers Expands to Cloud-Based Apps
SOLIDWORKS for Makers expands its offerings with browser-based apps that allow users to work on their designs from anywhere, even on devices such as Chromebooks or Macs. These cloud-based tools ensure greater flexibility and accessibility for hobbyists and small manufacturers.
Why this is significant:
- Do you work beyond Windows? Now, SOLIDWORKS adapts to your preferred device.
- Provides flexible design tools for hobbyists and creators worldwide.
10. Cloud Rendering for Stunning Visualizations
At 3DEXPERIENCE WORLD 2025, Manish Kumar introduced cloud rendering, allowing users to generate high-quality images and animations from any device without overloading local hardware.
Photorealistic rendering features include:
XStudio 3DEXCITE lets you create stunning, realistic images and animations using cloud-based rendering. This means you can make high-quality visuals from any device, without needing powerful computers.
Cloud Rendering
XStudio uses the cloud to do the heavy work of rendering images. This means you don’t have to worry about your computer being slow or overloaded. You can get fast, high-quality results from anywhere.
Realistic Renderings
XStudio helps you create lifelike images. It simulates how light, shadows and materials look in the real world, making your visuals look very realistic.
Quick Previews & Easy Start
You can quickly see a preview of your work before doing a final render. It also has ready-made scenes and lighting setups, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Lighting Control
You can adjust the lights in your scene to make it look just right. You can change the brightness, color and position of lights for the perfect look.
Works on Any Device
The interface is designed to work on all devices, like tablets, laptops and desktops. This means you can work on your project wherever you are.
Customizable Templates
XStudio has many templates that you can customize for your scenes, whether you’re working indoors or outdoors. Just pick a template and make it your own.
Conclusion
SOLIDWORKS 2025 is a testament to the company’s commitment to its users. With over 38 enhancements sourced directly from user requests, this release is packed with improvements that enhance workflow efficiency, collaboration and overall productivity.
Which of these enhancements will have the biggest impact on your workflow? Are you ready to explore SOLIDWORKS 2025’s new capabilities?