At Dassault Systèmes, keeping your account secure is a top priority. That’s why two-factor authentication (2FA) is now required when you access the DSx Client system.
What does this mean for you? In short: an extra layer of protection for sensitive data like user information and serial numbers. It also means a quick setup process the first time you log in and after that, peace of mind knowing your account is more secure.
This guide will walk you through:
How to set up 2FA on your phone (most common method).
How to set up 2FA on your computer using KeePassXC if you prefer not to use a mobile device.
Option 1: Setting Up 2FA on Your Phone
1. Download an Authenticator App
If you don’t already have one, install an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Okta.
From your account, click My Profile > 2-Factor Authentication.
4. Activate 2FA
Select Activate to begin setup.
5. Set Recovery Options
Answer the required security questions. These will be used if you ever lose access to your 2FA device.
6. Connect Your Authenticator
In your authenticator app, choose Scan a QR Code (or Enter a setup key if your phone has no camera). Scan the code provided by Dassault Systèmes.
7. Test and Confirm
Your authenticator will display a 6-digit code. Enter it into DSx Client to confirm setup. Once successful, you’ll see a confirmation window — 2FA is now enabled! 🎉
Going forward: Every time you log into DSx Client, you’ll be asked for a code from your authenticator app.
Option 2: Setting Up 2FA on Your Computer (KeePassXC)
Prefer not to use your phone? No problem. You can configure 2FA directly on your computer with KeePassXC, a secure, open-source password manager.
1. Download and Install KeePassXC
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux at KeePassXC’s website. Default installation options work fine.
2.Create a Database
This is where your passwords and tokens are stored. Set a strong master password and keep it in a safe place.
3.Add a DSx Client Entry
Create a new entry with:
Title: DSx Client
Username, Password
URL: https://dsxclient.3ds.com
4. Set Up the 2FA Key
Right-click your new entry > Setup TOTP. Enter the secret key provided in DSx Client (same as in the phone setup).
5. Test and Confirm
Click the clock icon next to your entry to generate a 6-digit code. Enter it in DSx Client. Once confirmed, your 2FA is ready to go.
Wrapping Up
That’s it! You’ve now secured your DSx Client account with two-factor authentication. Whether you chose to set it up on your phone or on your computer, you’re adding an important layer of protection to your Dassault Systèmes tools.
And remember, if you hit a bump along the way, the Solidxperts team is always here to help. Reach out to us, and we’ll make sure your account stays safe and your workflow stays smooth.
SOLIDWORKS PDM is a powerful tool for managing product data, but like any system, it is only as good as its implementation. Missteps in setup, usage, or governance can result in lost time, confused teams, or even corrupted data. Let’s break down the top five mistakes users and administrators make with SOLIDWORKS PDM and provide expert-backed solutions to fix them.
1. Don’t Let Permissions Kill Productivity
SOLIDWORKS PDM folder permissions tab, detailing access rights within the vault. The interface displays a folder tree and a checklist of enabled actions.
The Pitfall: Confusing or Dangerous Access Rights One of the most frequent and damaging mistakes in any PDM setup is mismanaging user permissions. When permissions are too strict, users waste time trying to access files or wait for someone with higher access to help. On the flip side, overly broad access can result in accidental overwrites, deletions, or unauthorized changes. For example, an engineer could accidentally releases a work-in-progress drawing because they were mistakenly given access to the “Released” state transition. This leads to procurement ordering incorrect parts based on an outdated design.
The Fix: Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Instead of managing individual user permissions, create user groups such as:
Designers
Engineers
Quality Control
Project Managers
Manufacturing
Assigning permissions at the group level simplifies administration but also ensures consistency. If someone’s role changes, you just move them between groups.
Best Practices:
Use the Permissions tool in PDM Admin to verify access levels
Restrict access to critical lifecycle transitions (e.g., “Approve,” “Release”)
Re-audit access rights quarterly, especially after organizational changes
Keep a changelog of all admin updates to permission groups
Why it matters:
Tight control over permissions protects data integrity, reduces user frustration, and limits the risk of human error.
2. Are Your Workflows Helping or Hindering?
A highly detailed and customized SOLIDWORKS PDM workflow, illustrating the lifecycle of engineering files, workflows like this can introduce challenges in usability, maintenance, and onboarding, highlighting the importance of balancing control with simplicity in PDM design.
The Pitfall: Workflows That Don’t Reflect Real-Life Processes
Another common issue is poorly designed workflows. Often, workflows are either overly simplistic and fail to enforce proper checks or overly complicated, leading to user confusion and delays. For example, a workflow without a design review stage results in errors reaching production. Alternatively, a workflow with too many approval loops creates a bottleneck that delays time-to-market.
The Fix: Design Smart, Flexible Workflows
Good workflows reflect how your team actually works. Start by mapping out real-world processes on paper. Then replicate those with SolidWorks PDM using tools like:
Conditional Transitions
Automatic Status Changes
Notifications (via Dispatch or Task Add-ins)
Pro Tips:
Include mandatory review steps before “Release”
Create a sandbox or test vault to trial new workflows without disrupting production
Practice using screen recordings or internal guides to walk through common workflows. Even the best workflow cannot help if users don’t understand it.
3. Stop the Chaos: Fix Your Revision Control
The Pitfall: Manual File Naming and Confused Versioning
Few things frustrate engineers more than working on the wrong version of a file. Common issues include:
Duplicate files with suffixes like _final, _v2, _approved
Broken references from renamed assemblies
No clear revision history when questions arise
For example, a supplier receives an outdated drawing marked “FINAL_v3,” but the design team had already created “FINAL_v4” in a separate folder. Which results in countless dollars wasted and scrap material.
The Fix: Use PDM’s Automated Version and Revision Tools
SOLIDWORKS PDM is built to manage versions and revisions intelligently when used properly. By integrating revision control into your workflow transitions, you can track every change and automatically increment revisions when files pass certain gates such as “Approve.”
Steps to Implement:
Set up lifecycle states (e.g., Under Review → Approved → Released)
Configure transitions to increment revisions automatically
Use the built-in History tab to track who made what changes and when
Apply revision tables linked to metadata to eliminate manual edits on drawings
Important Tips:
Disable file renaming at the user level
Avoid copying files outside PDM to test changes; instead, use sandbox folders within the vault
Regularly purge obsolete versions to avoid clutter
Result:
Accurate, tamper-proof versioning builds trust across design, QA, and manufacturing teams.
4. Organize or Agonize: Clean Up That Vault
SOLIDWORKS PDM Vault interface, featuring a typical folder structure on the left and project metadata displayed in a custom data card below.
The Pitfall: Messy Folders, Inconsistent File Names, and Confusing Structures
Without naming conventions or a logical file system, even experienced users can spend hours hunting for the right file or, worse, use the wrong one.
For example, a project folder contains new_final, revA_drawing, Drawing1, and final_FINAL. No one knows which to use, and a new engineer duplicates the wrong one for a new design.
The Fix: Standardize File Naming and Folder Structures
Consistency is key to finding and managing data efficiently. Develop a file naming convention that reflects your project hierarchy and revision status.
Sample Naming Structure:
PRJ2025_ClampBracket_REV_B.SLDPRT
DWN1001_ClampBracket_REV_B.SLDDRW
Tips to Maintain Order:
Enforce naming rules with Data Cards
Use “Copy Tree” for project duplication to auto-rename and preserve links
Document your structure in an internal wiki or onboarding guide
Bonus:
Create folder templates tied to project types (e.g., Customer Jobs, R&D, Internal Use) to speed up setup and reduce human error.
5. One Crash Away: The Backup Plan You Wish You Had
The Pitfall: No Backup or Worse, Unusable Backups
It is easy to assume your IT team has your back until a vault crash or server failure proves otherwise. Even if backups exist, they may be incomplete, outdated, or impossible to restore. For example, your server crashes on a Friday night. IT discovers that the last backup was from three weeks ago and only covers the SQL database, not the archive files.
The Fix: Build a Complete, Tested Backup and Recovery Plan
A proper backup strategy must cover all components of SOLIDWORKS PDM:
SQL Database
Archive Server
Vault Settings (via the Admin tool)
Checklist for Backup Success:
Back up daily using Windows Task Scheduler or enterprise tools
Store backups off-site or in the cloud for disaster recovery
Simulate a full restore every quarter and document the steps
Disaster Recovery Plan Should Include:
Contact info for key stakeholders
Timeline for each recovery step
Inventory of hardware and software requirements
A change log for vault structure
Crucial Question:
If a critical client asks, “How quickly can you restore if the vault crashes?” do you have an answer you trust?
Bonus Mistake: Skipping Training and Internal Communication
Even the best-configured PDM system will not deliver value if users do not understand how to use it. Inconsistent user behavior leads to data quality issues, broken workflows, and user frustration.
Fix it with:
Scheduled team-wide PDM refresher sessions
A living document library of video walkthroughs and SOPs
Feedback loops such as a Slack or Teams channel for PDM issues
Pro Tip:
Use anonymous surveys to surface pain points or confusion that might not come up in meetings.
Stop Mistakes Before They Start
SOLIDWORKS PDM is not just a file storage system. It is the foundation of your product development lifecycle. Like any foundation, it requires care, structure, and proactive management. By recognizing and correcting the most common PDM mistakes, whether it is permissions, workflows, revisions, organization, or backup planning, you set your team up for success.
Takeaway Checklist:
Role-based permissions
Streamlined, mapped workflows
Automated revision control
Standardized file and folder naming
Complete, tested backup plan
Ongoing user training
Each of these practices improves traceability, compliance, and efficiency. Saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
A few weeks ago, my SOLIDWORKS Elite Applications Engineer award fell, and the top part of it broke. I was both sad and frustrated. Sad because it meant something to me, and frustrated because I had placed it on a shelf that later tilted unexpectedly, sending everything crashing to the floor. Finding it broken on the ground that day was tough.
Accidents like this happen all the time. The products we design are also at risk of being dropped, so why not make them as resistant as possible?
That’s exactly where SOLIDWORKS Simulation drop tests come in.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
what a drop test is,
why drop test analysis is essential for product reliability,
and how to run a drop test in SOLIDWORKS Simulation step by step.
Why Drop Tests Matter for Product Design?
Any time a product is handled, shipped, carried, or installed, there’s a chance it could be dropped. A single impact can compromise safety, durability, performance, and sometimes even a company’s reputation.
Drop tests help engineers predict how their products will behave in real-world accident scenarios. Below are examples of industries where drop testing is essential to ensure reliability before manufacturing:
Consumer products & electronics
Industrial & heavy equipment
Medical devices
Sports equipment
Aerospace & aviation
Automotive & transportation
Military & defense
Packaging & logistics
Robotics & automation
Construction & civil engineering
Drop Test Prerequisites: What You Need Before Running a Simulation
Before running a drop test analysis, certain elements must be prepared. A 3D design is required to simulate the event digitally. Here are the steps:
Create the 3D model in SOLIDWORKS or import an existing geometry.
Apply materials (this step can also be performed directly in the study).
Simplify the model to reduce solving time (this may include suppressing non-critical parts or features).
How to Run a Drop Test Analysis in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
Once your model is ready, you can set up the drop test using the following steps:
Enable the SOLIDWORKS Simulation add-in.
Create a new Drop Test study.
Apply any missing material properties.
Define interactions if needed.
Set up the drop test conditions (drop height or impact velocity, orientation, ground parameters, etc.).
Adjust result options (duration after impact, saving options, etc.).
Mesh the model and run the analysis.
Interpreting Your Drop Test Results
After running the analysis, several result types become available, such as stress and deformation plots. These help you determine whether the product will remain elastic, undergo plastic deformation, or potentially fail, and where such failures are likely to occur.
The example below shows the kind of output SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides once the calculations are complete:
Improving the Design Through Simulation
Thanks to the results, you can identify weak points where the product is likely to fail. You can then reinforce the design. For example, by adding fillets, increasing wall thickness, or selecting a stronger material.
Sometimes, results show that a part is overdesigned. In these cases, you may reduce thickness or remove unnecessary material to lower weight and cost. This is a key step in optimizing your product.
Simply make the changes and re-run the drop test to validate the improvements.
Bringing It All Together: Stronger Designs Through Simulation
With SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can test your product digitally long before manufacturing it. A drop test is just one of many analysis types available to help you validate performance and reliability.
I initially blamed myself for the broken award, but maybe if the shelf had been designed to be stronger, the accident could have been avoided. Who knows?
From linear static to nonlinear dynamic analyses, SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides a complete suite of tools to help engineers validate their designs efficiently. At Solidxperts, we are committed to helping our customers achieve excellence in their engineering projects.
Looking to sharpen your skills? Browse our upcoming trainings, available at our offices or online. Whether you’re new to simulation or ready to deepen your expertise, our certified specialists are here to support you every step of the way.
DraftSight 2026 pushes 2D CAD innovation even further, with powerful new features designed to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and bring more automation into your drafting environment. Whether you’re working in architecture, manufacturing, or engineering, these updates help bridge 2D and 3D workflows, boost productivity, and simplify project management.
Here are the Top 10 Enhancements you need to know in DraftSight 2026:
1. BIM Module
DraftSight now connects the worlds of 2D drafting and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Import RVT and IFC files to automatically generate plans, sections, elevations, and schedules.
Benefit: Bridge 3D and 2D collaboration, improving accuracy and communication across project teams.
2. Sheet Set Manager on the Platform
Project documentation just got easier. The new Sheet Set Manager standardizes how drawing sheets are created, grouped, templated, and published, all from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Benefit: Simplify documentation, ensure consistency, and speed up publishing workflows.
3. Batch Print Files in Collaborative Space
Save time with batch printing directly from the Collaborative Space. Process multiple DWG files at once, ensuring all team members are always working with and printing the latest version.
Benefit: Accelerate printing workflows and guarantee output consistency.
4. Float Document Windows
Multi-monitor users rejoice: DraftSight 2026 allows you to detach drawing tabs into separate windows for true multitasking. Compare and edit drawings side by side across monitors.
Benefit: Boost productivity by working seamlessly across multiple drawings at once.
5. Centralized Start Hub
A new Start Hub streamlines how you begin every project. From one centralized location, access projects, recent files, workspace settings, and learning resources.
Benefit: Start faster and stay organized from the moment you launch DraftSight.
6. Resizable View Tiles in Model Space
Navigate complex models with ease by resizing and aligning multiple view tiles within model space. This makes simultaneous navigation and editing of different model areas more efficient.
Benefit: Work smarter with customizable, side-by-side model views.
7. Field Command: Diesel Expression Support
The Field command now supports Diesel expressions, allowing dynamic text automation and inline calculations inside your drawings.
Benefit: Automate calculations and add conditional formatting directly to drawing text.
8. Improved Ribbon Tabs Content
The Ribbon interface has been cleaned up and reorganized for better usability. Enjoy faster access to commands, more intuitive layouts, and customizable workspace options.
Benefit: Streamline your drafting workflows with a more modern, intuitive UI.
9. DATAEXTRACTION Command Improvements
Data extraction is faster and more powerful. New features include CSV headers and formula columns, reducing manual work and making it easier to integrate extracted data with external applications.
Benefit: Cut down on errors and speed up data reporting workflows.
10. Files Attachable From the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Collaboration in the cloud takes a big step forward: DWG files stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can now be attached as external references directly in DraftSight.
Benefit: Simplify data management and keep everyone working on the latest version of project files.
The Future of 2D CAD Starts Here
DraftSight 2026 isn’t just about drafting faster, it’s about working smarter, collaborating seamlessly, and bridging 2D with 3D workflows. From BIM integration to cloud-based collaboration and new automation tools, these enhancements set a new standard for productivity in CAD.
Want to unlock the full power of DraftSight 2026? Our experts are ready to support your team with tailored guidance, training, and workflow optimization.
DraftSight 2026 pushes 2D CAD innovation even further, with powerful new features designed to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and bring more automation into your drafting environment. Whether you’re working in architecture, manufacturing, or engineering, these updates help bridge 2D and 3D workflows, boost productivity, and simplify project management.
Here are the Top 10 Enhancements you need to know in DraftSight 2026:
1. BIM Module
DraftSight now connects the worlds of 2D drafting and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Import RVT and IFC files to automatically generate plans, sections, elevations, and schedules.
Benefit: Bridge 3D and 2D collaboration, improving accuracy and communication across project teams.
2. Sheet Set Manager on the Platform
Project documentation just got easier. The new Sheet Set Manager standardizes how drawing sheets are created, grouped, templated, and published, all from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Benefit: Simplify documentation, ensure consistency, and speed up publishing workflows.
3. Batch Print Files in Collaborative Space
Save time with batch printing directly from the Collaborative Space. Process multiple DWG files at once, ensuring all team members are always working with and printing the latest version.
Benefit: Accelerate printing workflows and guarantee output consistency.
4. Float Document Windows
Multi-monitor users rejoice: DraftSight 2026 allows you to detach drawing tabs into separate windows for true multitasking. Compare and edit drawings side by side across monitors.
Benefit: Boost productivity by working seamlessly across multiple drawings at once.
5. Centralized Start Hub
A new Start Hub streamlines how you begin every project. From one centralized location, access projects, recent files, workspace settings, and learning resources.
Benefit: Start faster and stay organized from the moment you launch DraftSight.
6. Resizable View Tiles in Model Space
Navigate complex models with ease by resizing and aligning multiple view tiles within model space. This makes simultaneous navigation and editing of different model areas more efficient.
Benefit: Work smarter with customizable, side-by-side model views.
7. Field Command: Diesel Expression Support
The Field command now supports Diesel expressions, allowing dynamic text automation and inline calculations inside your drawings.
Benefit: Automate calculations and add conditional formatting directly to drawing text.
8. Improved Ribbon Tabs Content
The Ribbon interface has been cleaned up and reorganized for better usability. Enjoy faster access to commands, more intuitive layouts, and customizable workspace options.
Benefit: Streamline your drafting workflows with a more modern, intuitive UI.
9. DATAEXTRACTION Command Improvements
Data extraction is faster and more powerful. New features include CSV headers and formula columns, reducing manual work and making it easier to integrate extracted data with external applications.
Benefit: Cut down on errors and speed up data reporting workflows.
10. Files Attachable From the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Collaboration in the cloud takes a big step forward: DWG files stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can now be attached as external references directly in DraftSight.
Benefit: Simplify data management and keep everyone working on the latest version of project files.
The Future of 2D CAD Starts Here
DraftSight 2026 isn’t just about drafting faster, it’s about working smarter, collaborating seamlessly, and bridging 2D with 3D workflows. From BIM integration to cloud-based collaboration and new automation tools, these enhancements set a new standard for productivity in CAD.
Want to unlock the full power of DraftSight 2026? Our experts are ready to support your team with tailored guidance, training, and workflow optimization.
SOLIDWORKS Electrical 2026 introduces powerful improvements across schematic design, routing, collaboration, and documentation. With enhanced library management and stronger ECAD-MCAD connectivity, teams can work faster, reduce errors, and maintain consistency throughout the design process. Below are the ten most impactful enhancements and the benefits they deliver.
1. Accessory Parts Assigned Directly to Terminals or Circuits
Accessory components such as fuses, pins, sockets, seals, and plugs can now be linked directly to terminals or circuits in 2D. This simplifies bills of materials, sharpens assembly instructions, and prevents miscommunication during manufacturing.
Benefit: Create more complete, accurate electrical documentation without needing to model every accessory.
2. More Flexible PDF Export
New PDF export options let you organize output by project, book, or page while automatically adjusting page orientation.
Benefit: Produce clear, well-structured PDFs with minimal manual formatting.
3. Faster Manufacturer Part and Cable Reference Import
Direct Excel import for manufacturer parts and cable references streamlines library creation, and multi-item entry for circuits, terminals, and cable cores accelerates setup.
Benefit: Build and maintain precise libraries with significantly less effort.
4. Load and Reload From 3DEXPERIENCE Libraries
Teams can now load and reload electrical libraries directly from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, simplifying updates and ensuring shared content remains aligned.
Benefit: Strengthen collaboration and reduce inconsistencies with centralized library management.
5. Save Local Libraries to 3DEXPERIENCE
Users can contribute local libraries back to the platform to keep content unified across the organization.
Benefit: Eliminate redundant work and maintain standardized electrical content across teams.
6. New Role: SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D Augmented
This new role deepens the connection between 3D CAD and Electrical Schematic on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Users can place components in 3D, route wires and cables automatically, and generate production-ready outputs such as wire lengths and harness drawings.
Benefit: Align schematic and 3D workflows for highly accurate routing and documentation.
7. Route Wires Property Manager Enhancement
Harness design gains precision with the ability to route individual wires or groups of wires directly through the Route Wires property manager.
Benefit: Improve control and flexibility during complex harness routing.
8. Dynamic Connector Insertion
Connector insertion is faster and more intuitive with direct symbol access, detailed circuit selection, and improved sorting and filtering options.
Benefit: Insert and manage connectors with greater accuracy and efficiency.
9. Collaborative Server Enhancements
All server communication is now initiated from the client side, simplifying firewall requirements and supporting modern IT security standards.
Benefit: Enhance network security and streamline IT integration.
10. Improved ECAD-MCAD Collaboration With IDX 3.0
CircuitWorks now supports IDX 3.0, enabling richer data exchange including parent-child relationships for keep-in, keep-out, PTH, and NPTH attributes. Users can also review and reverse MCAD changes before applying updates.
Benefit: Reduce errors, minimize rework, and accelerate design cycles through smarter cross-discipline collaboration.
Key Takeaways for Electrical Design Teams
With stronger tools for libraries, routing, connector management, and ECAD-MCAD collaboration, SOLIDWORKS Electrical 2026 helps teams deliver higher-quality electrical designs more efficiently. These enhancements are built to reduce duplicate work, streamline communication, and keep projects aligned from concept to final documentation.
Ready to take your electrical design workflows further? Our team is here to help you explore every new capability.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 introduces a powerful suite of updates across Structural, Plastics, and Flow Simulation. From smarter load definitions and refined diagnostics to enhanced thermal analysis and molding predictions, these improvements give engineers greater control, faster feedback, and more realistic results.
1. Force Options for Beams
Engineers can now define beam forces as Per Item or Total, providing more flexibility and realism when applying structural loads.
Benefit: Achieve precise control to accurately represent real-world loading conditions.
2. Validity Check Improvements
Simulation setup is faster and more reliable, with clearer alerts for missing materials, invalid mesh controls, or incomplete fixtures. Streamlined messages and one-click deselection make troubleshooting easier.
Benefit: Resolve setup issues quickly and ensure higher simulation accuracy.
3. Pin Connector Forces in Random Vibration
Random vibration studies now include detailed force breakdowns, shear, axial, bending, and torque, at pin connectors.
Benefit: Capture realistic joint behavior for improved design confidence.
4. Angular Displacement Plot Options
Angular rotation can now be displayed in degrees or radians, aligning results with engineering standards or project requirements.
Benefit: Gain flexibility in interpreting and reporting displacement data.
5. Shell Improvements
Shell workflows are enhanced with new global defaults for thick or thin shells and the ability to apply distributed remote loads or mass along shell edges.
Benefit: Reduce setup time while improving accuracy in complex shell models.
6. Component Explorer Enhancements
Thermal analysis is more intuitive with new temperature and surface source columns in the Component Explorer, allowing quick identification of overheating areas or imbalanced heat sources.
Benefit: Perform faster, clearer thermal assessments at a glance.
7. Fill Thin Slot for Thermal Modeling
Automatically fill thin slots with defined materials to better simulate heat transfer in compact or bonded assemblies.
Benefit: Produce more realistic and reliable thermal simulation results.
8. Edge-Based Air Vent Definition
Define Air Vent boundary conditions directly on model edges for mold simulations, applicable to both cavity and runner domains.
Benefit: Improve venting accuracy and mold flow predictions.
9. Remote Mass in Response Spectrum
Assign remote masses to represent components not meshed in the study, ensuring their influence is accurately considered.
Benefit: Streamline simulation setup while maintaining result precision.
10. Post-Processing Enhancements in Plastics
A new Unfilled Volume plot complements short-shot predictions, allowing quick identification of incomplete injection zones.
Benefit: Detect and address molding issues faster for improved manufacturability.
It’s Now your Turn to Harness the Full Power of SOLIDWORKS 2026
From beam loading flexibility to smarter diagnostics and enhanced plastics visualization, SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 advances simulation accuracy and efficiency. These top 10 enhancements empower engineers to handle more complex scenarios, troubleshoot faster, and deliver designs with greater confidence.
At Solidxperts, our Simulation Specialists help you unlock the full potential of SOLIDWORKS Simulation, from setup and validation to advanced analysis and automation. Whether upgrading to 2026 or streamlining complex studies, our experts will help you.
SOLIDWORKS 2026 delivers a wave of powerful enhancements designed to accelerate collaboration, streamline data management, and strengthen connectivity across design teams. From AI-driven support to enterprise-grade approval workflows, every improvement empowers engineers, designers, and manufacturers to work faster, smarter, and more seamlessly together.
Top 10 Enhancements You Need to Know
1. AURA Integration in 3DSwym
AI meets collaboration. With AURA integrated directly into 3DSwym, users can instantly summarize posts, wikis, and Q&As or pull in insights from entire discussions to drive smarter conversations.
These enhancements deliver faster insights and more informed collaboration with less manual searching.
2. Collaboration Directly Inside SOLIDWORKS
Work together without ever leaving your design space. Collaborate through the SOLIDWORKS User Forum, share files via 3DDrive and 3DSwym, and eliminate the need for conversions or third-party tools.
These enhancements deliver smoother teamwork and more efficient communication with less switching between tools.
3. Drawing Stamping with Maturity Status
Simplify change management with automatic maturity status stamps. User names and emails are embedded in drawings for full traceability and accountability throughout the design lifecycle.
These enhancements deliver clearer documentation and more reliable approvals with less manual tracking.
4. Cut List Management on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Cut list data can now be fully managed on the platform, enabling tighter integration between EBOM and MBOM.
These enhancements deliver better alignment between design and manufacturing with less data re-entry.
5. Recent Files by Active Tenant
For teams managing multiple tenants, SOLIDWORKS 2026 now filters your recent files to show only those from the active tenant.
These enhancements deliver cleaner organization and faster access with less confusion.
6. Excel File Management for Design Tables
Design table management is now more reliable thanks to Excel file support on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This ensures version consistency, better automation, and stronger data integrity.
These enhancements deliver greater consistency and more reliable design automation with less manual version control.
7. Support for Deformable Components
Easily switch between rigid and deformed part states in assemblies for improved accuracy and flexibility.
These enhancements deliver faster detailing and more accurate assemblies with less manual effort.
8. Automatic Bookmark Content Updates
Bookmarks now update automatically each session, ensuring you always access the latest design data, no manual refresh needed.
These enhancements deliver up-to-date project information with less time spent managing data.
9. Enhanced Bookmark Editor
A redesigned Bookmark Editor delivers faster navigation and smarter selection when multiple bookmarks exist.
These enhancements deliver clearer navigation and more accurate project organization with less manual searching.
Large organizations gain new governance power with automated approval workflows tied to document maturity. Predefined routes trigger automatically for consistent, traceable, and compliant approvals.
These enhancements deliver stronger governance and more reliable approvals with less administrative overhead.
A New Standard for Collaboration and Data Management
SOLIDWORKS 2026 builds on its legacy of innovation with a sharper focus on collaboration, automation, and traceability. These ten enhancements don’t just make design faster, they make teamwork more intelligent, connected, and efficient across every stage of product development.
Join our official SOLIDWORKS 2026 launch to see these new features in action and get your questions answered by our experts!
SOLIDWORKS 2026 continues the trend of making design faster, smarter, and more connected. With AI-powered tools, streamlined workflows, and deeper collaboration features, this release is all about helping engineers and designers work more efficiently while maintaining accuracy and flexibility.
Here are the Top 10 Enhancements you need to know:
1. AI-Powered Design and Detailing
Artificial intelligence is making a real impact in everyday CAD workflows:
Automated drawing creation with AI-driven views, hole callouts, dimensioning, detailing, and even sheet format selection.
AI assembly recognition can now automatically detect and insert fastener-like components (nuts, bolts, washers), reducing repetitive tasks and improving assembly accuracy.
These enhancements deliver faster detailing and more accurate assemblies with less manual effort.
2. Large Assembly Performance
Large assemblies are now easier to manage:
Open massive designs faster by filtering only what you need from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Skip rebuilds when only cosmetic changes are made.
Disable auto-resolve for lightweight components to improve responsiveness.
Together, these updates create smarter workflows that keep even the largest projects running smoothly.
3. Improved User Experience
Offline mode ensures uninterrupted productivity during internet disruptions.
A redesigned UI highlights common commands, helping new users get up to speed quickly.
Command Search now includes an expanded, customizable set of keywords.
The result is a smoother learning curve and less frustration for both new and experienced users.
4. Streamlined Part Design
Define a custom start point for sheet metal base flanges.
Break internal corners on folded geometry.
Quickly create square sketch geometry in one click.
Track maturity changes and drawing history with Evaluated Attributes.
These improvements enable faster sketching and greater flexibility in sheet metal design.
5. Collaboration & Data Management
Share designs directly via 3DDrive and 3DSwym.
Update files to the latest version on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with a single action.
Access the SOLIDWORKS User Forum from within the software.
With these tools, staying in sync with your team and your data has never been easier.
6. Drawing Detailing & MBD
Insert Family Tables into drawings for configuration details.
Use magnetic lines to align not just balloons, but notes, weld symbols, and other annotations.
Propagate DimXpert dimensions to library features and selectively manage annotation visibility.
This gives designers more control and clarity when documenting their designs.
7. Routing, Electrical, and Piping
Combine routing BOMs across subassemblies for a clearer overall materials list.
Place clips, mounts, and hangers directly in assemblies for flexible routing.
Visual indicators help guide splice placement in harnesses and wire bundles.
This gives designers more control and clarity when documenting their designs.
8. Rendering Enhancements
Control tessellation for a balance of geometry quality and performance.
Improved denoising in CPU mode reduces render noise in fewer passes.
Expanded format support with PBR materials in USDZ and glTF.
This gives designers more control and clarity when documenting their designs.
9. ECAD/MCAD Collaboration
Track parent/child PCB data like keep-in, keep-out, plated and non-plated holes.
Use CircuitWorks™ with IDX 3.0 support to review and even undo MCAD changes before final ECAD updates.
This gives designers more control and clarity when documenting their designs.
10. Import/Export
Simplify complex multibody parts faster by using advanced selection tools to efficiently isolate and manage bodies based on similarity or size.
Share assemblies saved on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform using the Export as Package option in the Share dialog box.
Streamline exports by choosing whether to include drawings in your package, for greater control.
This gives designers more control and clarity when documenting their designs.
Final Thoughts
With AI-powered automation, large assembly improvements, smarter part tools, and seamless collaboration, SOLIDWORKS 2026 makes it easier than ever to move from concept to finished product. Whether you’re creating complex assemblies, detailing drawings, or collaborating across disciplines, this release delivers tools to help you work smarter, faster, and with greater confidence.
Take your designs to the next level with SOLIDWORKS 2026. Contact us today to unlock smarter, faster, AI-powered engineering.
SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026 delivers a strong set of enhancements focused on data security, workflow efficiency, and ease of use. Whether you’re managing thousands of files or just ensuring your projects stay safe and organized, these improvements help teams work more reliably and confidently.
Here are the Top 10 Enhancements you need to know:
1. Automatic File Recovery
Checked-out files are safer than ever. PDM now automatically creates backups of modified files on the archive server, so they can be recovered in case of hardware failure or user absence.
Benefit: Avoid costly rework and ensure critical design changes are never lost.
2. Archived Workflows for Cleaner Administration
Keep the Admin Tool clutter-free by archiving unused workflows. This prevents outdated or incorrect workflows from being used, while making it easier for admins to manage active processes.
Benefit: Simplify administration and reduce errors with streamlined workflow management.
3. Granular Folder Access Control
New access rules allow you to grant visibility to subfolders without exposing parent folders. This gives you more precision in defining user rights while keeping sensitive data protected.
Benefit: Collaborate securely without compromising confidentiality.
4. Static Previews for Third-Party CAD Files
Save time by viewing static image previews of third-party CAD data directly in PDM. No need to open each file to confirm its contents.
Benefit: Faster file identification across mixed CAD environments.
5. Smarter BOM Management in Web2
Named BOMs can now be viewed and edited directly in the Web2 client. A collapsible variables panel helps maximize workspace, especially on smaller screens.
Benefit: Manage BOMs from anywhere with a more efficient and user-friendly interface.
6. Stronger Security With AES-256 Encryption
Data transfers are now protected with AES-256 encryption, bringing SOLIDWORKS PDM in line with stricter modern cybersecurity requirements.
Benefit: Ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive intellectual property.
7. Modern Authentication With Kerberos Support
PDM adds Kerberos authentication to its existing NTLM and NTLMv2 protocols, making it easier to integrate with enterprise Single Sign-On (SSO) and modern Windows environments.
Benefit: Seamlessly connect PDM to enterprise IT systems while improving login security.
8. Smarter File Version Upgrades
The File Version Upgrade Tool has been enhanced with more control options and a simplified interface. Users can decide which files to upgrade and how, with better progress tracking along the way.
Benefit: Reduce upgrade risks and keep projects running smoothly during version transitions.
9. Expanded File Conversion Options
Convert Task options are more powerful than ever. You can now specify Parasolid® or ACIS® versions and use advanced scripting for DraftSight® and Office-to-PDF conversions.
Benefit: Greater flexibility when collaborating with partners and suppliers using different formats.
10. Streamlined Database Upgrades
The Database Upgrade Wizard has been redesigned with clearer reporting, improved efficiency, and better error handling. Admins can now complete upgrades with more confidence and less downtime.
Benefit: Faster, more reliable upgrades that keep your system stable.
Smarter, Safer, Stronger. PDM 2026 Sets a New Standard.
With SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026, data is safer, workflows are cleaner, and administration is easier. From automatic file recovery to enterprise-grade encryption and authentication, these top 10 enhancements give teams the tools they need to manage design data securely and efficiently.
Want to see how these updates can transform your setup? Let’s start the conversation.
Seamlessly transition from SOLIDWORKS Desktop to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, and experience a new dimension of design and collaboration. With secure cloud data management, increased collaboration capabilities, and reduced IT administration, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS empowers your team to work smarter and faster.
Option 2: Upgrade to SOLIDWORKS TERM w/Cloud Services
Opt for SOLIDWORKS TERM with Cloud Services, a flexible and convenient option that combines the power of SOLIDWORKS with the benefits of cloud-based solutions. Say goodbye to traditional licensing hassles and welcome easy deployment and automatic updates for a seamless design experience.
Promotion Perks:
This promotion covers both Standalone and Network licenses (SNL), making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Take advantage of the promotion price and add as many new licenses (3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS or SOLIDWORKS TERM w/Cloud Services) as you need on the same Purchase Order, with no limit on extra seats.
Enjoy the promotion discount for 3 years, whether purchased annually or upfront.
Even after the promotion period, you’ll continue to benefit with a 25% discount on successive years.
Option 1: For licenses <1 year expired( Pay 2 Years Forward Upfront )
Get back on track with SOLIDWORKS CAD w/Cloud Services. By paying upfront for the next two years, you not only regain access to the powerful features of SOLIDWORKS but also enjoy cloud services to boost collaboration and efficiency.
Promotion Perks:
No need to worry about backdating and penalties. We’ll waive them for you!
Regain access to your design projects and continue where you left off, without any interruptions.
Option 2: For licenses >1 year expired ( Pay 3 Years Forward Upfront )
If your license has been expired for over a year, we understand the urgency to get back in the game. With this option, you can secure SOLIDWORKS CAD ALC w/Cloud Services.
Promotion Perks:
Our team is here to support your reintegration process, and we’ll waive backdating and penalties for a smooth transition.
Take advantage of the comprehensive SOLIDWORKS suite and unleash your creativity with the latest tools and features.
