This year, SOLIDWORKS celebrated the 30th anniversary of 3DEXPERIENCE World, and entering its fourth decade in the CAD market. But until relatively recently, using SOLIDWORKS required access to a commercial license through an employer or a student license using an educational (.edu) email address. Unless you fell into one of these categories, the price tag of even the most basic SOLIDWORKS license could easily cost more than a couple months’ rent, causing many would-be casual users to turn toward alternative low-cost CAD platforms.
This changed in 2021 when Dassault Systèmes announced the launch of SOLIDWORKS for Makers, promising a low-cost option for hobbyists and working professionals who want to learn and use the software for non-commercial use. While SOLIDWORKS for Makers is very capable — and very similar to commercial SOLIDWORKS — there are a handful of differences that have generated many questions. In this article, we’ll explore the capabilities and limitations of the Makers license while answering the most common questions we’ve seen throughout the community over the last few years.
Similarities Between Desktop and Maker Versions
SOLIDWORKS for Makers is nearly identical to a commercial license of SOLIDWORKS Professional as far as the CAD program itself is concerned. From sketching and features to parts, assemblies and drawings, the interface and almost every other aspect of the software including the installation process feels almost the same.
From a CAD perspective, there’s nothing you can do in SOLIDWORKS Professional that you can’t do in SOLIDWORKS for Makers. There are some limitations to functions like simulation and CNC programming, but we’ll get into that later.
If you’re an experienced SOLIDWORKS user, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice much difference (if any) throughout your day-to-day work, and if you’re a brand new user looking to learn SOLIDWORKS for the first time, this is a great option (although the student edition is slightly more capable and generally recommended if you qualify for it).
The short answer is that when considered broadly, the two versions share significantly more similarities than differences — but these differences can have a big impact on functionality for some users, so the rest of this article is going to detail the biggest differences and most common questions between the commercial and Maker versions.
Cost & Revenue Limitations
The biggest draw of the software by far is the price tag. At only $48 per year (or $15 per month, if you prefer) SOLIDWORKS for Makers is the most cost-effective version available, coming in at less than the Student Edition and even your Netflix subscription. That being said, it is a subscription, and perpetual licenses are not available for Makers.
It also comes with revenue restrictions, as this version is not intended for commercial endeavors. According to the main page for the Makers version, users are not allowed to make more than $2,000 annually from their projects. Even so, the revenue limit is plenty high enough to pay for next year’s license should you choose to embark on a side hustle.
File Compatibility & Neutral Format Export
Possibly the biggest drawback of the software is its inability to share files with commercial licenses. To put it simply, SOLIDWORKS for Makers can open files created with commercial versions. However, once those files are saved in the Makers version, they can never be opened again by a commercial version of SOLIDWORKS. They become permanently watermarked for hobbyist use only, and if you accidentally watermark a commercial file, you’re out of luck unless you have a backup:
This is intentional, since without this limitation it would be possible to run designs created in Makers through a commercial version and then sell them commercially. However, it’s still an extremely important caveat to be aware of. It’s also worth noting that despite this limitation, it’s still possible to export a neutral format file (STEP, IGES, Parasolid etc.) from the Makers version, and these files open with no issues in commercial versions.
The 3DEXPERIENCE Part
The Makers edition features a version of SOLIDWORKS Professional that is connected to 3DEXPERIENCE. This does not mean that SOLIDWORKS runs in a browser (although other programs discussed below do) but rather that it can store, access and revise files that are stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
This can be an excellent option for users who like the idea of cloud storage, and especially those who are working as part of a team, since SOLIDWORKS for Makers also includes several browser-based applications for sharing, reviewing and managing revisions of design files.
However, this is also one of the biggest points of contention among users who may not want to use 3DEXPERIENCE.
Importantly, it should be noted that you can use as many or as few of the included 3DEXPERIENCE applications as you like — none of them are required in order to use SOLIDWORKS itself.
If you’re familiar with typical SOLIDWORKS, you’ll likely also notice a few differences in the user interface. Options to Save and Open files are a bit different, as they now include options to save to and open from the platform.
Additionally, a new 3DEXPERIENCE tab will appear in the Task Pane, allowing you to access the platform from within SOLIDWORKS.
A unique Save As New command found in the File menu also replaces the traditional Save As command in this version, and allows you to save all document template types, including Sheet Format files for drawings which have a separate command in other versions.
The “Save As Template” command (which is exclusive to 3DEXPERIENCE or “Connected” versions of SOLIDWORKS) can be a bit deceiving. It does technically create templates, but specifically for storage on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, so you won’t need to worry about this command if you plan on storing files locally.
Finally, all 3DEXPERIENCE versions of SOLIDWORKS, including the Makers edition, are offered under the “named-user” licensing model. This means that the software is licensed to you (specifically) as an individual, rather than a specific computer, and follows you via an internet connection and login credentials. This makes using the included browser-based tools extremely easy (you can even use them on your phone), but SOLIDWORKS still needs to be installed wherever you plan to use it.
SOLIDWORKS for Makers (and all 3DEXPERIENCE versions of SOLIDWORKS, for that matter) is also a term license, so you’ll need to pay for it monthly or annually to continue using it. Otherwise, you’ll be locked out of the software when you attempt to launch it. For more information on available license types for different programs, visit the SOLIDWORKS Licensing page.
Working Offline
Although the named-user licensing of SOLIDWORKS for Makers requires a login (and therefore an internet connection), it’s a myth that this version requires a constant internet connection to use. While this is true for the additional browser-based programs (discussed below), SOLIDWORKS for Makers can be taken offline for up to 30 days by using the Work Offline command, which can be found by clicking your initials in the Standard Toolbar.
After these 30 days are up however, you will be required to login once again in order to continue using the software.
Add-In Support
Add-ins are another touchy subject in the Makers community, as those who have experience with commercial versions of SOLIDWORKS know that it typically comes with add-ins for simulation, manufacturing, design automation and several others. These add-ins are not included with SOLIDWORKS for Makers.
This includes the Xpress add-ins (shown above) along with any add-ins that are typically included with subscription, such as SOLIDWORKS CAM and PDM. Additionally, most third-party add-ins will not be functional.
However, core add-ins such as Toolbox, ScanTo3D, CircuitWorks and TolAnalyst among others are still included.
For users who rely heavily on these add-ins, this can be a deal breaker for the Maker version, but it’s worth noting that some of the included browser tools do offer similar functionality.
Additional Programs
As one of the 3DEXPERIENCE versions of SOLIDWORKS, the Maker edition comes with several additional applications, most of which are browser-based. This includes:
- xDesign
- This browser-based CAD tool is very similar to SOLIDWORKS in many ways, but offers accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
- xShape
- Another browser-based CAD tool, specializing in subdivision surface modeling for smooth, organic features. These capabilities can be combined with those of xDesign by simply swapping applications.
- DELMIA Manufacturing applications
- Applications for 2.5 and 3 axis machining, laser and waterjet cutting, and Wire EDM are included, surpassing the capability of SOLIDWORKS CAM.
- Data Management & Collaboration
- Several applications are included through the Collaborative Industry Innovator role that allow you to plan, assign and track tasks, share and review design data, and manage the lifecycle of design files including revision control. These apps can be accessed from an internet browser or directly through the SOLIDWORKS Task Pane.
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize
- Create photorealistic renderings and animations of your CAD designs by setting up custom environments, backgrounds, lighting and appearances. This application is not browser-based and requires a local installation.
Getting Support
The last major difference between the commercial and Maker versions of SOLIDWORKS is how support is offered. While the commercial versions typically offer live technical support via phone, email and so on, the Maker version offers a support community instead. The 3DSwym application can be used to access this community (along with dozens of other communities) and research frequently asked questions or post your own. The Makers support community is a mix of hobbyists, power users, technical employees from SOLIDWORKS resellers and even employees from Dassault Systèmes, so most questions are answered very promptly.
For the true DIY-ers out there, this form of support is excellent, allowing you to learn best practices and workarounds from the SOLIDWORKS community at large. But it’s not for everyone, and if you happen to be in a hurry or need one-on-one assistance from dedicated technical support, you’ll probably want to save up some cash for a commercial license.
Conclusion
While commercial and Maker versions are mostly similar, there are a few key differences worth keeping in mind that will be summarized here:
- Revenue is limited to $2,000 annually.
- Design files saved in the Maker version cannot be opened in commercial versions.
- The version of SOLIDWORKS included is a 3DEXPERIENCE version of SOLIDWORKS Professional.
- 3DEXPERIENCE versions have slightly different user interfaces and commands compared to desktop versions.
- The Maker version is offered as a named-user subscription license.
- An internet connection is required to launch SOLIDWORKS, but licenses can be taken offline for up to 30 days at a time.
- Many add-ins, including the Xpress products, are not included with the Maker version, and most third-party add-ins are not supported.
- Several additional browser-based applications are included for design and manufacturing work, project planning, data management and more.
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize is included for photo rendering and animations.
The Maker edition is the most cost-effective way to access SOLIDWORKS in its 30-year history, and while it does impose a few limitations on users, it’s also an incredibly powerful package of tools for new users to learn the software and for experienced hobbyists to create fantastic new designs.
At $4 per month on the annual subscription, it costs less than your favorite streaming service and enables you with both desktop and browser-based programs to design, collaborate, manufacture and manage design data.
Several incredible community projects have been designed and manufactured with the Maker version, like this Telescoping Wheelchair Transfer Bar.
So what will you make next? Visit the SOLIDWORKS for Makers page to learn more and get started, and we’ll see you in the Makers community!