Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday engineering workflows, but if you’re a SOLIDWORKS user, the big question is usually:

“Where do I even start?”

The good news is that AI in SOLIDWORKS isn’t something separate you need to learn from scratch. It’s already being integrated into the tools you use every day through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to get started, step by step:

• Required software and prerequisites

• Activating the 3DEXPERIENCE platform

• Installing the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector

• Accessing AI tools like the new AI Labs tab

No fluff, just what you need to get up and running.

Step 1: Understand What “AI in SOLIDWORKS” Actually Means

Before jumping into setup, it’s important to clarify something:

AI in SOLIDWORKS isn’t a single feature. It’s a set of capabilities delivered through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Today, that includes things like:

• Design assistance and recommendations

• Automation of repetitive tasks

• Data-driven insights

• Early access tools in AI Labs

In other words, AI is layered into your workflow, not replacing it.

Step 2: Confirm Your Prerequisites

Before you can access any AI-driven tools, you’ll need a few key components in place.

Required Software

• SOLIDWORKS 2026 (or newer)

• Active subscription (required for cloud services integration)

Platform Access

• A 3DEXPERIENCE platform account

• Assigned roles (including Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS)

System Requirements

• Stable internet connection

• Admin rights for installation

• Browser access to the platform

If you’re missing any of these, that’s your starting point.

Step 3: Activate the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

AI functionality depends on your connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

How to Activate:

• Check your welcome email from Dassault Systèmes
• Click the activation link
• Set your password and log in
• Access your platform dashboard

Once inside, you should see your roles and available apps.

Still confused? Follow our Getting Started guide:
Getting Started with the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Step 4: Install the 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher

Before installing any apps, you’ll need the 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher.

Steps:

• Log into your 3DEXPERIENCE platform
• Navigate to the Compass (top-left menu)
• Scroll down to My Apps and locate Design with SOLIDWORKS.
• Select the app to begin the installation.
• Click Install Launcher when prompted
• Run the installer

This tool acts as the bridge between your browser and desktop applications.

Step 5: Install “Design with SOLIDWORKS”

This is the most important step.

The Design with SOLIDWORKS connector is what links your desktop SOLIDWORKS environment to the platform, and enables AI-driven features.

Installation Steps:

• In the platform, search for Design with SOLIDWORKS
• Click Install
• Accept default settings (recommended)
• Complete installation
• Restart your machine if prompted

Once installed, your environment is officially “connected.”

Having trouble? Check out our installation guide:
Connect SOLIDWORKS Desktop to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Step 6: Launch SOLIDWORKS from the Platform

This step is often missed, however, it is absolutely critical.

First Launch:

• Go to the platform
• Click Open on Design with SOLIDWORKS
• Launch SOLIDWORKS from the browser

Why this matters:

This ensures:

• Your session is authenticated
• The connector is active
• Cloud services are initialized

If you launch SOLIDWORKS directly from your desktop first, you may not be connected properly.

Step 7: Verify the 3DEXPERIENCE Add-in

Once SOLIDWORKS opens, confirm everything is working.

Check:

• A 3DEXPERIENCE tab appears in the task pane
• Add-in is enabled under:
  Tools > Add-ins

If it’s not active:

• Enable it manually
• Restart SOLIDWORKS if needed

This confirms your system is fully connected.

Step 8: Access the AI Labs Tab

Now we get to the interesting part.

With everything configured, you should have access to AI Labs, where new AI-driven tools are introduced.

Where to Find It:

• Inside SOLIDWORKS (Task Pane)
• Look for AI Labs tab

What You’ll Find:

• Experimental AI features
• Early access tools
• Workflow enhancements powered by AI

These features evolve quickly, so expect changes over time.

Step 9: Start Using AI Features (Practical Examples)

Once inside AI Labs or connected tools, start small.

Good First Use Cases:

• Automating repetitive design steps
• Getting design suggestions
• Exploring data-driven insights

What Not to Expect:

• Fully automated design generation
• “One-click engineering”

AI is there to assist, not replace your expertise.

Step 10: Best Practices for Getting Started

This is where most teams succeed or struggle.

✔ Start Small

Don’t try to overhaul your entire workflow.

✔ Focus on Real Problems

Look for:

• Repetitive tasks
• Bottlenecks
• Manual processes

✔ Validate Everything

AI suggestions still require engineering judgment.

✔ Train Your Team Gradually

Adoption works best when it’s incremental.

Final Thoughts: Where AI in SOLIDWORKS Is Headed

AI in SOLIDWORKS is evolving, but the direction is clear:

• More automation of low-value tasks
• Better decision support
• Deeper integration with simulation and data

And importantly:

SOLIDWORKS isn’t being replaced, it’s being enhanced.

For most teams, the real opportunity isn’t jumping ahead, it’s simply getting started.

For more information on AI in SOLIDWORKS, reach out to us through our website:
SOLIDWORKS AI: Transform Your Design with Artificial Intelligence

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform includes a wide range of powerful, web-based apps, but many teams prefer to continue designing in the familiar SOLIDWORKS desktop environment. The good news? You don’t have to choose one or the other.

By combining SOLIDWORKS desktop with the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector, you can keep your existing workflows and interface while taking full advantage of cloud-based file storage, sharing, and collaboration.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

• Installing the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector

• Launching SOLIDWORKS with the 3DEXPERIENCE connection enabled

• Saving files directly to the platform

• Managing your local cache for best performance

Installing Design with SOLIDWORKS

First, once your 3DEXPERIENCE tenant is activated, or you’ve been invited to an existing one , linking SOLIDWORKS desktop to the platform is quick and straightforward.

• In the 3DEXPERIENCE interface, click the Compass icon in the upper-left corner.

• Scroll down to My Apps and locate Design with SOLIDWORKS.

• Select the app to begin the installation.

During installation, you’ll be prompted to:

• Install all granted roles, or

• Install only the roles required for the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector

The installer will then allow you to choose:

• The installation directory

• The location of your 3DEXPERIENCE cache

By default, the cache is stored in C:\3DEXPERIENCE. Since the cache is managed directly from within SOLIDWORKS, you typically won’t need to access this folder manually.

Once installation is complete, the connector is added to your system.

Enabling the 3DEXPERIENCE Add-In in SOLIDWORKS

Before using the connector, take a moment to confirm the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in is enabled in SOLIDWORKS.

• Launch SOLIDWORKS.

• Go to Settings > Add-Ins.

• Verify that the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in is installed and checked.

This ensures SOLIDWORKS can communicate properly with the platform.

Launching SOLIDWORKS with the Connector

One important workflow change to be aware of is how you launch SOLIDWORKS.

• Launching SOLIDWORKS from a desktop shortcut or system search opens the standard desktop version without the 3DEXPERIENCE connection.

• To use the connector, launch Design with SOLIDWORKS instead.

This starts SOLIDWORKS with full 3DEXPERIENCE functionality enabled.

You can also:

• Use the dropdown next to Design with SOLIDWORKS to check for updates or uninstall

• Create a dedicated desktop shortcut for Design with SOLIDWORKS, allowing you to access cloud functionality without opening a web browser

Saving Files to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Once connected, saving files to the cloud is seamless.

You can:

• Use Save to 3DEXPERIENCE from the File menu (alongside Save and Save As), or

• Use the 3DEXPERIENCE Task Pane, added by the add-in

The task pane lets you:

• Browse your tenant

• Search for existing data

• Right-click and save files directly to the platform

And if needed, you can still save files locally, the connector doesn’t force you into a cloud-only workflow.

Managing the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache

When you open or edit files stored on the platform, they’re downloaded locally to your 3DEXPERIENCE cache. Keeping this cache clean can significantly improve performance.

The 3DEXPERIENCE add-in makes cache management easy:

• Delete individual cached files

• Use the cleanup tool to remove files older than a specified date

The cleanup utility is smart. It automatically skips:

• Files referenced by assemblies

• Files not yet saved to the platform

• Files that are currently locked

This helps you clear space without risking your data.

Final Thoughts

The Design with SOLIDWORKS connector bridges the gap between SOLIDWORKS desktop and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, giving you the best of both worlds. You get cloud-based collaboration and data management without changing how you design.

If you need help installing the connector, optimizing your workflow, or rolling this out to your team, your Solidxperts team is here to help.

Looking to learn more?

• Explore additional articles and tutorials

• Connect with other users and experts

• Or reach out to us! We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your tools

One of the biggest advantages of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is having your files stored securely in the cloud. You can access your designs anytime, anywhere, and collaborate with teammates without worrying about version control.

Behind the scenes, SOLIDWORKS uses a local cache, a folder on your computer where files are temporarily stored while you work. These cached files are then synced with the 3DEXPERIENCE servers when you save or refresh.

Managing this cache is key to keeping your designs current, preventing confusion, and saving disk space. Let’s take a closer look.

Where to Find the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache

Think of 6W Tags as smart labels that make it easy to filter, sort, and find your files in 3DSpace or 3DDrive.

Your cache shows up both in SOLIDWORKS (via the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in) and in Windows Explorer. While you can browse the cache folders directly, we don’t recommend managing them that way. Instead, stick to the tools built into SOLIDWORKS.

Here are the default folder locations:

• SOLIDWORKS Desktop with the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in:
  C:\3DEXPERIENCE

• SOLIDWORKS Connected:
  C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\DassaultSystemes\3DEXPERIENCE

Managing the Cache Inside SOLIDWORKS

When you enable the “3DEXPERIENCE Files on This PC” add-in, you’ll see a dedicated tab in the Task Pane. This view shows you all cached files with helpful details like:

• Status

• Lock Status

• Maturity State

From here, you can quickly refresh your cache to make sure you’re always working with the latest version.

• Refresh View updates the local cache for selected files.

• Refresh from Server checks for changes made by other users and downloads the latest copy if needed.

• Starting a new SOLIDWORKS session automatically refreshes files in the background.

Understanding Cache Status Icons

The status icons make it easy to tell if your local files are current, out-of-date, or waiting to be uploaded. They also warn you if refreshing would overwrite changes you’ve made locally.

Pro tip: Always double-check before reloading from the server. Unsaved local edits will be lost.

Cleaning Up the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache

Over time, cached files can pile up and take up space. To keep things tidy (and ensure you’re pulling the latest versions from the cloud), it’s a good idea to clean your cache periodically.

Here’s how:

1. In the Task Pane, select individual files, or use the top-left checkbox to select all.

2. Right-click and choose “Delete from this PC.”

This only removes files from your local cache. Your data stays safe in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

You can also use:

• Filters to find specific file types.

• The search box to locate files quickly.

And before you delete, always confirm your files are saved and synced to the platform.

Automating Cache Clean-Up

Don’t want to do it manually? The Clean Up command takes care of it for you.

• By default, it removes unchanged files older than one week.

• Locked or modified files won’t be touched.

• If you open an assembly later, any missing references are automatically redownloaded from the server.

If disk space isn’t a concern, you can extend the timeframe to reduce how often files get cleared. It is especially useful if your internet connection is slow.

A Simple Habit for Staying Up to Date

The local 3DEXPERIENCE cache is like a bridge between your desktop and the cloud. Keep it clean, refresh it often, and you’ll always know you’re working with the latest designs.

Want to get even more out of your 3DEXPERIENCE platform? Our training sessions are designed to help you and your team take full advantage of its powerful tools.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform isn’t just about CAD in the cloud. It’s your all-in-one workspace where design, data management, and collaboration come together. Whether you’re sketching with xShape, modeling in xDesign, or connecting to SOLIDWORKS, the platform helps keep everything, and everyone, in sync.
But let’s be honest: every engineering project generates mountains of data. 3D models, drawings, BOMs, simulations, even invoices and Word docs. It all piles up. The good news? The platform makes it easy to organize and navigate this information with a powerful tool called 6W Tags.

What Are 6W Tags?

Think of 6W Tags as smart labels that make it easy to filter, sort, and find your files in 3DSpace or 3DDrive.

And it’s not just CAD data. Office documents, simulation results, and more can all benefit from tagging.

Here’s how the 6Ws break down:

• What: Type of content (CAD models, documents, simulations, tasks, etc.)
• Who: The person who uploaded, edited, revised, or owns the data
• When: Date or time range
• Where: Geolocation or data source
• How: Manufacturing method (made in-house or purchased)
• Why: Links to project or task management

Out of the box, the system automatically fills in basics like owner, location, and save date. But the real power comes when your team adds custom tags. For example, you can include project numbers, material types, or vendor names so searches are tailored to your company’s workflow.

How to Use 6W Tags

Let’s say you search for “bolt” in 3DEXPERIENCE. Without filters, you might get hundreds (if not thousands) of results. That’s where 6W Tags shine.

Click the tag icon next to the search bar, then start narrowing your results. For example:

• Under What, choose Physical Product (to exclude tasks or documents).
• Add a Material filter for Stainless Steel.

By stacking filters, your results go from overwhelming to precise in just a few clicks.

Real-World Examples

In one test, a simple search brought back over 1,000 results. But after filtering with 6W Tags for “Physical Product” and “Plain Carbon Steel,” the number of results dropped down to two digits. That’s the power of smart filtering.

Beyond search, 6W Tags can be used visually inside apps. For example, parts can be color-coded by material in the graphics area, giving you an instant overview of your design.

From Data Overload to Data Control

Data shouldn’t slow you down and with 6W Tags, it won’t. Whether you’re hunting down a single file or organizing entire projects, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform helps you stay in control.

Want to learn more tips like this? Our experts at Solidxperts can help you get the most out of your 3DEXPERIENCE environment. Reach out anytime or join one of our training sessions!