How to Run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac

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One of the most common questions we get asked is “Can I run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac?” While the answer is now yes, there are some caveats. SOLIDWORKS does not run natively on macOS, which means you’ll have to implement some workarounds.

Our browser-based tools, however, enable you to access professional-grade design functionalities directly from your browser. Those apps will run on any internet-connected device with no system modifications needed. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in.

SOLIDWORKS on a Mac via Virtualization and/or Parallels

Over the years, we’ve received a number of inquiries about Mac compatibility for our software. In response, we updated our system requirements to include various virtualization options. Using an application like Boot Camp, you can run Windows, rather than macOS, on your Mac device upon system startup in order to launch SOLIDWORKS. Or, you could use Parallels, which runs on macOS and launches a virtual session of Windows, through which you would be able to open and run SOLIDWORKS.

However, we cannot recommend the use of virtualization or parallels over the traditional PC experience. While you can certainly use one of the workarounds mentioned above, some functionality will be limited. Not only do these workarounds require a significant amount of computing power, they also do not necessarily account for the graphics requirements needed to run SOLIDWORKS successfully. Most Macs do not come standard with the graphics cards necessary to run SOLIDWORKS. For a full list of approved graphics cards, visit our Hardware Certification page.

So, while it’s possible to run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac via these workarounds, there will be limits on the experience using the software. Plus, you will need to be prepared for these solutions to require significant computing power and system modification. If you’re interested in exploring one of these options, reach out to your local reseller for support. The video below details these options further, as well as providing some insight into the potential limitations that come with running the software on a Mac.

SOLIDWORKS Browser-Based Solutions

Separate from our traditional desktop installation, solutions in the SOLIDWORKS Cloud Offer are able to run fully in your browser. The SOLIDWORKS Cloud Offer includes applications for parametric design, freeform design, sheet metal design, structure design, rendering, and detailing for manufacturing, in addition to lifecycle and data management and collaboration capabilities. Check out our page dedicated to the SOLIDWORKS Cloud Offer for a full breakdown of what this offer entails.

Other SOLIDWORKS Applications for Mac

SOLIDWORKS also offers some additional applications for Mac, including eDrawings Viewer for macOS, and eDrawings and eDrawings Professional for iOS. DraftSight is also available for macOS download. Each of these applications offers its own distinct functionalities. For more information, visit the respective links included above.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question “Does SOLIDWORKS run on a Mac,?” the answer is yes and no. It’s possible to run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac device via various virtualization tools, but this is not the recommended experience due to graphics and performance limitations that virtualization alone cannot yet solve for.

Our browser-based tools, however, allow for powerful design solutions directly in your browser, and these apps can run on any connected device with identical performance. Plus, we offer additional apps, such as eDrawings Viewer and DraftSight, which have native Mac functionality.

If you’re curious as to whether or not your current system specifications meet those required to run SOLIDWORKS, you can find more information on our SOLIDWORKS System Requirements page.

If you’re interested in exploring any of these options further, we encourage you to contact your local reseller to see how they can help you find the best solution for you.

 

 

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SolidWorks products are easy to learn and use, and work together to help you design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. The SolidWorks focus on ease-of-use allows more engineers, designers and other technology professionals than ever before to take advantage of 3D in bringing their designs to life.
SOLIDWORKS

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