You can download SolidWorks for free through three legitimate paths: a one-year student license, a seven-day online trial, or the Startup program for qualifying hardware companies. None of these options provide a permanent free version for general users, but each gives you full access to the software for learning or testing.
How to download SolidWorks for free: your legitimate options
There is no permanent free version of SolidWorks for general users, but three verified free access paths exist. The student license gives qualified students worldwide a full year of access. The online trial lets anyone test SolidWorks Design Premium in a browser for about seven days without installing anything. The Startup program provides hardware startups with a completely free first year, followed by discounted renewals. Each path is official and legal, designed to help you learn or evaluate the software before committing to a purchase.
Option 1: Free SolidWorks for students
If you are a student enrolled at a qualified institution, you can get a free one-year license of SolidWorks Design Standard. This license is renewable as long as you remain a student. To apply, visit the official SolidWorks website, select the student option, and create a MySolidWorks account using your school email address. After verification, you can download and install the software. However, if your school provides the SolidWorks EDU Edition, use that version instead, as it includes more advanced features like SolidWorks Design Premium. The distinction matters because the EDU Edition gives you access to tools that the standalone student version does not include. You can also download sketchfab models to find free, detailed CAD assets for your SolidWorks projects.
Option 2: Free SolidWorks online trial (no install)
The free online trial lets you test SolidWorks Design Premium directly in your browser for approximately seven days. This is ideal if you want to evaluate the software without committing to a download or meeting system requirements. To access it, go to SolidWorks.com, select "Try SolidWorks Free", and create or log in to your MySolidWorks account. Then choose "Online Hosted Trial" and click "Start Trial". You will have full access to the software's features during the trial period, and since it runs in the browser, you can use it on almost any device with an internet connection.
Option 3: SolidWorks for Startups program
The SolidWorks for Startups program is designed for hardware startups that are building a physical product for commercial sale. To qualify, your company must have less than $1 million in revenue, be no more than five years old, and not be a current SolidWorks commercial customer, service provider, engineering or design firm, consultant, or contract manufacturer. If you meet these criteria, you receive 100% free access to the complete SolidWorks portfolio for your first year. In year two, you get a 70% discount, and in year three, a 50% discount. This program is a valuable opportunity for startups that need professional CAD software but cannot afford the full price upfront. To apply, visit the SolidWorks for Startups page on their website and submit your company information for review.
System requirements for running SolidWorks
SolidWorks runs exclusively on 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11 with the latest updates and service packs. Windows Home editions and Windows To Go are not supported. Apple Mac machines running Windows via Boot Camp are also not supported, but non-server SolidWorks products work in a Parallels environment. The minimum system requirements include an Intel i3 6th generation or AMD Ryzen 3 2nd generation processor, 8 GB of RAM, 2 GB of free hard disk space on an SSD, and a 3D graphics accelerator card with OpenGL version 1.4.
Getting started after you download
Once you have downloaded and installed SolidWorks, log in with your MySolidWorks account credentials. The software includes built-in tutorials and documentation to help you learn the basics. Take advantage of the free access period, whether you are a student with a one-year license, a trial user with seven days, or a startup with a full year, to explore the features and complete sample projects. The more you practice, the faster you will become proficient. Focus on mastering the core tools and workflows during your free access, and you will be ready to apply SolidWorks to your own designs when the time comes.
