Subscription, price, free licenses, comparison… The ultimate guide to choosing the right plan in 2025.
- SOLIDWORKS Connected, via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, is the same software delivered via the cloud, with a license tied to an email address (multi-user) rather than to a specific computer.
- Three plans: Standard €3,480/year, Professional €4,152/year, Premium €5,496/year.
- Monthly or annual subscription, including updates and storage, with no separate maintenance contract.
- Recommended for new customers and startups; avoid this if you're already using an on-premises solution or if you're developing macros and APIs.
Why Switch to SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE?
Since 2021, Dassault Systèmes has been offering SOLIDWORKS in a «Connected» version via the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform. This strategic shift marks a major evolution in how SOLIDWORKS is used, without disrupting users’ habits:
- Same interface, same design functionalities (3D CAD, 2D drawing, sheet metal, welded structures...)
- Cross-platform access Desktop PC, laptop, remote work, everything works with a single email ID
- Enhanced security secure cloud storage against cyberattacks
- Seamless collaboration Teamwork without complex configuration
Subscription plans available
SOLIDWORKS Connected is available in three tiers:
| Version | Key Features | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CAD 3D, plans, sheet metal | Basic need, methods office |
| Professional | + photorealistic rendering, smart library | SMEs, Engineering Firms |
| Premium | + Electrical routing, advanced simulation | Engineering, Calculation Engineering, Simulation |
Unlike “On Premise” licenses tied to a serial number, Connected subscriptions are floaters and linked to a user. This allows for complete flexibility in use. Connected licenses are natively «floating,» which results in significant cost savings for teams working across multiple locations.
💰 Pricing and Subscription Plans
Prices vary depending on the level of features and the engagement model:
| Offer | Annual price | Quarterly price | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $3,480/year | €846/quarter | CAD 3D, cloud collaboration, data management |
| Professional | €4,152/year | €1,044/quarter | + photorealistic rendering, intelligent CAD library |
| Premium | €5,496/year | 1 €308/quarter | + electrical routing, static analysis, advanced simulation |
Rates and terms
Subscriptions are available in Monthly or annual, with or without commitment.
- Flexible billing like on Office 365 or Google Workspace
- Updates included
- storage included (possibility to store locally, on a server, or in the secure SECNUM Cloud Dassault Systèmes)
- No separate maintenance contract
Free licenses and discounts
For startups:
- 3DEXPERIENCE Programme for Startups : Access to SOLIDWORKS Premium + Simulation starting at €49/month the first year
- Personalized support from a Customer Success Manager at Ohmycad
Spot reductions:
- Coupon -12% :
SW3DXP2021DEMO32Valid on Apps (excluding services), for new tenants in France (Limited-time offer) - Contact us for current promotions.
Storage and collaborative work
Two options are available:
- Local storage like the old versions
- Dassault Systèmes cloud storage :
- Cyberattack protection
- Access data from anywhere
- No need for PDM or SQL server
- Integrated collaborative tools
- PDM Management included as standard
Modules not yet ported
Some modules are not yet available in the Connected version:
- CircuitWorks
- SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D/Schematics
- SOLIDWORKS Inspection
- SOLIDWORKS PCB
- SOLIDWORKS Plastics
- SOLIDWORKS Xpress
👉 Check with your Ohmycad engineer to ensure your needs are met.
Who is SOLIDWORKS Connected for?
✅ Recommended for:
- The new clients and startups
- Businesses in Remote work native
- Structures sensitive to cybersecurity
- Those who want to avoid server and backup management
❌ Avoid if:
- You are already using on-premise licenses. (Migration offers from “On Premise” to “Connected” exist, but hybrid installations are not recommended.).
- Are you developing macros or extensively using APIs?
- You must work on older versions of the software (pre-2022).
Conclusion
SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE Connected is much more than just a subscription, it’s a new way to design, collaborate, and secure your projects. Flexible, modern, and scalable, it’s the natural choice for forward-thinking companies.
🔗 To learn more
🌍 Useful external references
Frequently asked Questions
What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS On-Premise and Connected?
"On Premise" is tied to a serial number on a specific workstation. "Connected" is tied to an email address: the license is floating, with integrated cloud and PDM.
How much does SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE cost?
Standard: €3,480/year, Professional: €4,152/year, Premium: €5,496/year, billed monthly or annually, including updates and storage.
Which SOLIDWORKS plan should you choose?
Standard for basic CAD, Professional for photorealistic rendering and the smart library, Premium for electrical routing and advanced simulation.
Can a startup get SOLIDWORKS at a lower price?
Yes. The 3DEXPERIENCE for Startups program provides access to Premium and simulation at a discounted rate for the first year, along with dedicated support.
Who is SOLIDWORKS Connected not suitable for?
If you're already using an on-premises setup, if you're actively developing macros or the API, or if you need to work with versions prior to 2022.