I want to get a free or cheap version of SW, but I want it to be something that commercial software can read, I want it to be like “classic” solidworks, where I can install it locally and the files work like it used to in the past (say 2010). Academic, maker, trial, version, whatever.
Any ideas?
Shmarm
I am near looking for something like this also. Retiring soon. SW 2008 did everything I need for my little projects. I just need to make models for my older 3D printer, and drawings to make parts on my J-head mill. I don’t need endless updates, having to re learn the software every year, don’t need to be forced into new OS & computers periodically either.
I forgot to add - Online stuff is a no go, don’t want to end up trapped if the “free” / low cost changes, or goes away. And online, you cannot count on some upgrade forcing a browser / OS / hardware upgrade.
This is the only thing that exist that comes close to what you want…
https://www.solidworks.com/solution/3dexperience-solidworks-makers
Or just start using OnShape.
That’s the 3Dexperience stuff, right? I mean Catia Lite? Did I read somewhere that you get regular SW along with the maker package of 3dxperience? I just want the regular SW stuff. Does it even exist any more?
Ok, I watched some videos, and it looks like it includes Solidworks Connected, which looks just like regular SW. I think it’s installed on your computer. You can save to cloud or to PC. I think this will do what I want it to do. Thanks
Maybe you could try and get the student version? If so, get the desktop one, stay away from the cloud (SW Connected). Link: https://www.solidworks.com/product/students
you cannot use for commercial work, the files get watermarked and if you get caught they’ll make you buy commercial at the version you used.
Student usually is premium.
Oh, my apologies, I thought shmarmy wanted it for non-commercial use. Disregard my reply.
no problem, just stating what could happen.
Maker version can only be opened by other maker versions, you would have to save as a step, iges or parasolid to send to commercail verson for solids, dxf\dwg for 2D drawings