SolidWorks 2021-22 is currently available for student and department installations. The version of SolidWorks available is tied to the academic calendar and new versions are typically made available to us during summer semester. After testing, we upgrade the labs in preparation for fall semester.
SOLIDWORKS Community Download Instructions. Download instructions for qualified educators, students, military, sponsored organizations, makers, and hobbyists. Please enter your information in the fields below. Note that all fields are required. Please enter accurate information, including email address. SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD Design and analysis software, and a solid modeler that utilizes a parameteric feature based approach to create models and assemblies. The software is available in most Engineering computer labs and Student Engineering Kit (SEK) are available via our license agreement for your personal device.
Give students hands-on experience. Fusion 360 is the only tool that connects the entire product development process into a single CAD/CAM/CAE cloud-based platform. It provides all the support you need as you guide your students in advancing their engineering and manufacturing skills. MANAGE STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS IN ONE PLACE. Download new versions, service packs, and add-ins for SOLIDWORKS, Simulation, PDM, and Free CAD Tools (eDrawings, Composer Player, SOLIDWORKS Explorer).
There are three editions of SolidWorks available and each is intended for a specific use:
The Student Engineering Kit is the full version that matches the version installed in our labs feature for feature, however its license allows it to be installed on student laptops or home computers and activates directly with SolidWorks over the internet. The activation is valid for 1 year, at which point you will need to install the new version for the new academic year to continue using SolidWorks. Most students will want to install this edition of SolidWorks.
The Education Edition is intended to be installed on College of Engineering department desktops. It requires access to CADE’s network license server in order to run. So, while it can be installed on home computers, doing so requires either an active connection to CADE’s VPN, or a monthly license borrowing procedure in order for the licensing to work properly. This is typically NOT the edition you want if you are installing SolidWorks on a laptop or home computer.
*** THIS SOFTWARE IS ONLY PROVIDED TO STUDENTS IN THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH. ***
Installation instructions for all three editions can be obtained by accessing the Solidworks folder in CADE’s U.Box repository.
Log in with your CIS credentials (UNID & CIS/UMail password). If you’ve not created your U.Box account, do so first.
Note: Solidworks is a MS Windows-only program and will NOT run on (Mac) OS X or Linux distros. One could, however, use a Windows virtual machine or emulator to run it (VirtualBox, VMWare Player/Fusion, Parallels, CrossOver, VirtaulPC, etc.)
Posted in: Engman Lab, General Tips, Software, Windows Questions
Skip to end of metadataGo to start of metadataThe College of Engineering has extended its SolidWorks license to include the download of the Student Edition for our students. Do note that this download is only for Windows-based operating systems. If you wish to use it on a Mac, you need to install Windows on a separate partition using 'Boot Camp' or run Windows in a 'virtual' environment. Google 'windows environment on a Mac' for more information.
If you are interested in obtaining this software for your own personal computer, please send an email to engrweb@vcu.edu with the following information:
Last Name:
First Name:
VCU Email address:
Major:
Student V#:
Be sure to include the word 'SolidWorks' in the subject line!
Once we process your request, you will receive a notification with instructions on downloading and installing SolidWorks. Due to our limited IT staff resources, it will be your responsibility to download the software and install it correctly on your machine. Normal turnaround on requests is within two business days.
Free Solidworks Macros
If you have any questions, email engrweb@vcu.edu