How do I learn SolidWorks?

You’ve decided to commit to learning SolidWorks. Great, but how? One of the most common questions we get from social media platforms is “how do I learn SolidWorks?”

If you’re not sure how to get started, don’t worry. The good news is there are many resources to explore when learning how to use the software. Once you’re familiar with all of the options that are available to you, choosing a learning path will become easier.

Whether you’re interested in improving your SolidWorks skills or you’re at the beginning stages of learning the software, the best place to start is with your local SolidWorks reseller, most of which offer SolidWorks training courses. A variety of courses are offered that will teach you the ins and outs of SolidWorks, along with other products including SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Composer, and SolidWorks Enterprise PDM. Take a look at our SolidWorks Training page to review descriptions, prerequisites, and topics covered for each course. For a list of local resellers for SolidWorks training and support, please visit our reseller locator.

Perhaps contacting a local reseller for training and support is not what you had in mind. No problem – in addition of having the option to attend a training course, you can also learn a lot about SolidWorks by checking out SolidWorks Tutorials on SolidWorks.com. From in-depth video tutorials to PDF guides to white paper downloads, our website is filled with a wide range of free and informative resources. You can even access tutorials straight from the software itself – an extensive selection of built-in tutorials are available in the SolidWorks resources tab of the Task Manager, or under the Help menu.

Recorded webinars are also an informative way to learn about SolidWorks. Our 22-minute webinars cover many topics – so if you’re looking to learn a lot in a short period of time, this is another great option for you. The SolidWorks Blog you’re reading right now is another great place for information – specifically Tips and Tricks under Categories. We even have a new SolidWorks Tech Blog that features nothing but tips, tricks and tutorials from SolidWorks experts, many of whom are reseller employees. If textbook learning is your preference, you can find books online at the SolidWorks Merchandise Store or other online retailers. You may also find books on learning SolidWorks at local bookstores.

As your knowledge and competency with SolidWorks software grows, you may test your knowledge by taking one of our Certification exams. This is certainly not a requirement for all SolidWorks users, but we encourage everyone to check out the Certification page to view the different types of exams you may take. If you wish to purchase an exam, please visit the online store.

For students attending a secondary school or university and are in the process of learning SolidWorks, you’re eligible to buy a one-year license of the SolidWorks Student Edition at a fraction of the price of the commercial version. It includes everything you would get in SolidWorks Premium, and is a great way to learn SolidWorks. More information can be found on our website.