A full commercial SOLIDWORKS license costs thousands of dollars, which is a lot if you’re a student, a hobbyist, or just trying to learn CAD. Fortunately, there are legitimate ways to get SOLIDWORKS for free or at a very low cost, and the options got better in 2026. This guide explains each one, who qualifies, what it costs, and what the limits are. It also covers free alternatives if SOLIDWORKS isn’t the right fit.
Prices and eligibility rules change. Always confirm the current terms on the official SOLIDWORKS site before you buy or install. Updated September 2026.
Quick Comparison: Ways to Get SOLIDWORKS
| Option | Cost | Who it’s for | Main limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOLIDWORKS Student Edition | Free for eligible students and educators (as of July 2026) | Active students and educators at recognized schools | Educational watermark, no commercial use, Windows only |
| SOLIDWORKS through your school | Free to you | Students at schools with an education license | Campus labs or school-managed installs, educational use only |
| SOLIDWORKS for Makers | About $48 per year | Hobbyists and makers | Non-commercial use only |
| Commercial license | Thousands of dollars | Businesses and professional work | Price |
1. SOLIDWORKS Student Edition (Now Free)
This is the biggest change for learners. Historically, the SOLIDWORKS Student Edition cost money and required a school email address. As of July 2026, according to SolidProfessor’s guide to free SOLIDWORKS for students, the Student Edition is free for eligible students and instructors, and a .edu email address is no longer required.
What you get: the full desktop version of SOLIDWORKS for Windows, including parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, surface modeling, mold tools, mesh modeling, and the Xpress analysis products.
Limits: files you create carry an educational watermark, and educational licenses can’t be used for commercial work. You’ll also need a Windows computer, since desktop SOLIDWORKS doesn’t run natively on macOS.
Who qualifies: active students and educators at recognized educational institutions. You’ll be asked to verify eligibility during sign-up.
2. SOLIDWORKS Through Your School
Many universities, community colleges, and high schools have SOLIDWORKS education licenses. Engineering and technology programs often provide it in computer labs, on virtual desktops, or as a download for enrolled students. Ask your department’s IT office or CAD instructor. If your school already has a license, this is usually the easiest route, and it may include extra add-ins such as Simulation.
3. SOLIDWORKS for Makers (About $48 a Year)
If you’re not a student, SOLIDWORKS for Makers is the most affordable way to get real SOLIDWORKS at home. It’s a subscription on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform aimed at hobbyists, makers, and personal projects, listed on the official SOLIDWORKS for Makers page at about $48 per year (a monthly option is also available).
Limits: it’s licensed for non-commercial, personal use. If you’re designing products for a business or doing paid client work, you’ll need a commercial license. There is no traditional free trial, so review the refund terms before subscribing.
Best for: 3D printing hobbyists, makers, and self-taught learners who want to use the same software they’d use in industry.
4. A Commercial License (When You Need It)
If you’re using SOLIDWORKS for business, you need a commercial license from a SOLIDWORKS reseller. Pricing depends on the package and whether you choose a perpetual license or subscription. See our pricing guide for popular CAD programs for a side-by-side look at SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, Inventor, and more.
Watch Out for “Free SOLIDWORKS” Downloads
Searching for free SOLIDWORKS turns up cracked copies and “free download” sites. Avoid them. Pirated CAD software is a common source of malware, it can’t be updated, files may be unreliable, and using it violates the license. With a free Student Edition and a low-cost Makers subscription available, there’s no good reason to take that risk.
Free Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS
If you don’t qualify for the Student Edition and don’t want a subscription, these free options are worth considering:
- Onshape Free: professional-grade cloud CAD that runs in a browser, including on Macs and Chromebooks. The catch is that documents created on the free plan are public, and commercial use isn’t allowed. See Onshape plans and pricing.
- Autodesk Fusion for Personal Use: free for qualifying hobbyists and non-commercial projects, with a limited number of active editable documents and some advanced features reserved for paid plans.
- FreeCAD: open-source parametric CAD for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It has a steeper learning curve but no license restrictions.
Not sure which one to learn? We compare them for 3D printing in SOLIDWORKS vs. Fusion vs. Onshape for 3D printing.
How to Learn SOLIDWORKS Once You Have It
Getting the software is the first step. To build real skill, work through structured tutorials and practice projects, then consider certification. Our SOLIDWORKS and CAD tutorials are a good place to start. For guided video courses, SolidProfessor’s online SOLIDWORKS training goes from beginner basics to certification prep, and 3DEngr.com readers get 25% off a personal membership with promo code 3DENGR25. When you’re ready to prove your skills, the SOLIDWORKS Certification Guide explains the CSWA and CSWP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SOLIDWORKS free for students?
Yes. As of July 2026, the SOLIDWORKS Student Edition is free for eligible students and educators, and a .edu email address is no longer required. Files carry an educational watermark and can’t be used commercially.
Is there a free version of SOLIDWORKS for hobbyists?
There isn’t a free hobbyist version, but SOLIDWORKS for Makers costs about $48 per year for non-commercial use. Free alternatives include Onshape Free, Fusion for Personal Use, and FreeCAD.
Can I run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac?
Desktop SOLIDWORKS is Windows-only, and running it in virtualization on a Mac isn’t officially supported. Mac users typically use a separate Windows PC or browser-based CAD such as Onshape.
Can I sell products I design with the Student Edition or Makers?
Not with the Student Edition, which is for educational use only. SOLIDWORKS for Makers is intended for personal, non-commercial projects, so read its license terms before selling anything you design. Business and client work requires a commercial SOLIDWORKS license.