SOLIDWORKS for Makers

Used by aircraft and kit manufacturers from Cirrus to Zenith, SOLIDWORKS for Makers provides full-functionality 3D CAD tools for personal use. Mac, Chromebook, and Windows users can choose from two comprehensive design packages, and EAA members get a 50% discount on their annual license. 

Q1: Is SOLIDWORKS for Makers available worldwide?

A1: Currently this offer is available for purchase with a billing address within the following countries: Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. More countries will be added soon.

Q2: Are my files or data restricted at all?

A2: Files and data created with your Maker account are digitally watermarked and can only be opened with a SOLIDWORKS for Makers license. You cannot open files created with your Maker account within a commercial or academic platform. This digital watermark is added to native 3D file formats, such as .3dxml, .sldprt, .sldasm, and .slddrw. Neutral 3D file formats, such as .stp or .iges can be opened on any platform.

Q3: How long does my purchase of SOLIDWORKS for Makers last?

A3: You can purchase an EAA member discounted annual subscription of SOLIDWORKS Cloud Apps for Makers or 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers. Your subscription will be automatically renewed, except for India where subscriptions are not automatically renewed. You can manage your subscription within the “Subscriptions” tab in your “Platform Management” cockpit. You can stop the renewal up to 5 days before your yearly renewal date or up to 5 days before your monthly renewal date. Even if you stop your renewal, you can still use the tools included in your offer until the renewal date, after which time you will lose access. You can always sign up again in the future for a monthly or yearly subscription–please use your same 3DEXPERIENCE ID to re-purchase.

Q4: What kind of support will I get?

A4: Join our Maker Support community to get peer-to-peer support to help you make amazing things.

Q5: Can I work offline?

A5: With SOLIDWORKS Cloud Apps for Makers an internet connection is always required. With 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers you can work in an offline mode for up to 30 consecutive days. 

Q6: Can I use SOLIDWORKS for Makers on a Mac?

A6: Yes, with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Apps for Makers there is nothing to install.

For 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers, the design app (SOLIDWORKS Connected) cannot be installed on a Mac. It requires a supported version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 on your computer to install. Note that if you log onto the 3DEXPERIENCE platform from a Mac, The SOLIDWORKS Connected app will be missing from your compass. The same applies to the NC Shop Floor Programmer role and Shop Floor Machining app.

However, you can use the design apps included in 3D Creator and 3D Sculptor (xDesign and xShape) as these are browser based applications that are perfect for using on a Mac or an iOS/Android device.

Q7: How can someone who is new to CAD learn how to use SOLIDWORKS for Makers?

A7: SOLIDWORKS for Makers’ user interface, workflows and commands are intuitive with just a little practice, and we have the Get Started video playlist, online tutorials and makers in our community willing to lend beginners a helping hand.

Q8: Who can use the SOLIDWORKS for Makers packages?

A8: SOLIDWORKS for Makers is DIY CAD software designed for personal, non-commercial use. If you sell your products and make more than $2,000 USD in profit per year, you will no longer be eligible to use the software.

Q9: Is there a community or forum for sharing ideas and getting help?

A9: You will have access to multiple maker communities, including the Maker Support Community, where you’ll find peers and experts ready to answer all your questions, and the Made in 3D Community, where hobbyists around the world share their designs and ideas.