How to Install 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS
In this guide we will show you how to install 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS also known as SOLIDWORKS Connected. This is not to be confused with desktop SOLIDWORKS with the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in.
NOTE: If you have a license of desktop SOLIDWORKS and are looking to connect it to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform then please view our guide on how to install the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS.
About 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is a cloud-focused version of SOLIDWORKS that has a virtually identical set of capabilities as SOLIDWORKS Desktop but it has a built in connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which is why it is also known as also known as SOLIDWORKS Connected.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS launches from and saves files to the cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform but it still runs locally, this means that you still need a machine with the power to run SOLIDWORKS.
Before you Begin
Before beginning the installation it is important to know that 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS cannot be installed on a machine that has an installation of SOLIDWORKS Desktop that has the same major version. For example, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS 2023 can be installed alongside SOLIDWORKS Desktop 2022 but not 2023.
How to Install 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS
To install 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS you will need to log into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Next click on the compass in the top left to browse our roles and apps. As a designer, the platform administrator has allocated us the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Role.
Filtering the apps belonging to this role, we see “SOLIDWORKS Connected”. This will be the button we click to launch the software, but for the first time, it prompts us to install.
Selecting the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Role
You may first be prompted to download & install the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher if it hasn’t been installed already. Click to download the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher and progress through the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher setup window. Click finish and the setup window closes.
Click continue in the web browser. After a short wait another prompt will appear and this time we shall choose “Install all roles containing SOLIDWORKS Connected” and the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS installer will appear.
Installing 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS – The 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher
We recommend using the cloud eligibility check to ensure your hardware and connection is suitable for running cloud data management. Then click next until you reach the installation directory stage.>
Check the installation location, and toolbox location before starting the installation.
The download and install are quite large, so it may take some time to complete.
Once the installation finishes, restart your computer and log back into your 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Now that the installation of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is complete you can use the SOLIDWORKS Connected app to launch SOLIDWORKS from the platform.
If you would prefer, then you can create a desktop shortcut to use by selecting the drop-down arrow next to the SOLIDWORKS Connected app icon and clicking the “create desktop shortcut” arrow icon.
Create Desktop Shortcut