Solidworks

What is Solidworks

From Wikipedia:

SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program that runs on Microsoft Windows. SolidWorks is published by Dassault Systèmes.

According to the publisher, over two million engineers and designers at more than 165,000 companies were using SolidWorks as of 2013.

Supported Operating Systems

Solidworks is only available for 64-bit Windows. Mac and Linux users will need to install Windows first.

VPN requirement

Connection to campus VPN is not required to license Solidworks for student version but is required for faculty version.

Notes:

• You will need to run the EXE to unzip the installer and you will need to run the installer as an admin or uncheck the Electrical option to avoid the SQL Express error.
• You will need to connect to the campus VPN in order to use the faculty/staff license.

License key (STUDENTS)

The license key for student use is available to UA students via SOLIDWORKS 2021-2022 Student Key
Note: Student licenses are only valid for 1 year

How to Install (STUDENTS)

Students should follow the instructions in this PDF to download and install Solidworks. Select Academic Version 2021-2022.
If you are installing Solidworks on a Mac, here is a PDF with basic instructions to get you started.

Alternate Method to Install Solidworks (STUDENTS)

In the past, some students have had trouble downloading Solidworks from their website, so we've uploaded the files to Box.

• Download the installation folder via this link to UA BOX. The ZIP file is ~8GB, so depending on your network connection/speed, it might take a while to download. Make sure you have at least 30GB of free space before downloading so you will have room to extract and install all the files.
• If you have issues downloading, plug an Ethernet cable into your computer instead of using Wi-Fi.
• Follow the instructions in this PDF. The install can take up to an hour.

How to Install (FACULTY/STAFF ONLY)

This version requires you to be on campus, or connected to the VPN if you are off-campus

Faculty and staff can email support@eng.ua.edu and specify your computer name and we can install it remotely if you are on campus.

If you wish to install it yourself, here are download links:

• Zipped Solidworks install files: Contact us until new version is ready Warning-this is a very large file (~13GB)

• Licensing information: via this link to UA BOX