5 Things You Didn’t Know SOLIDWORKS Could Do

SOLIDWORKS is well-known for being one of the most robust 3D CAD platforms on the market. Whether you’re designing intricate parts, creating assemblies, or running simulations, it’s a go-to solution for engineers and designers alike. 

Beyond the basics, there are some incredible, lesser-known features within SOLIDWORKS that can significantly boost productivity, streamline processes, and add new dimensions to your design work. Let’s explore five things you didn’t know SOLIDWORKS could do! 

1. Automate Design Tasks with SOLIDWORKS Macros 

Did you know you can automate repetitive tasks in SOLIDWORKS using macros? Macros are small scripts that automate processes, saving you hours of manual work. Whether you want to quickly change dimensions, rename features, or apply specific design rules, macros can do the heavy lifting for you. With just a bit of programming (using VBA, C#, or VB.NET), you can customize SOLIDWORKS to work exactly how you want, freeing you up to focus on more complex design challenges. 

Tip: Start with the SOLIDWORKS Macro Recorder to easily capture and replay steps without coding. 

2. Simulate Real-World Environmental Effects 

Most people are aware of SOLIDWORKS’ powerful simulation capabilities, but many don’t realize how deep these tools go. For example, with SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can assess how your design reacts to environmental factors like temperature changes, wind loads, or even fluid flow. Whether you’re designing products that will operate in extreme environments or need to ensure structural integrity under stress, SOLIDWORKS has the tools to help you predict real-world behavior. 

Bonus: SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation can even simulate complex fluid dynamics, allowing you to analyze the performance of designs like cooling systems or aerodynamic components. 

3. Create Photorealistic Renderings with SOLIDWORKS Visualize 

Ever wish your CAD models looked like they were ready for a product catalog? Enter SOLIDWORKS Visualize! This powerful tool lets you turn your 3D models into photorealistic images and animations. You can adjust lighting, materials, and camera angles to make your designs look as close to real life as possible. Whether you’re pitching a concept to stakeholders or creating marketing materials, SOLIDWORKS Visualize is your go-to for high-quality, professional renderings. 

Pro Tip: Use Visualize Boost to harness the power of multiple computers for even faster rendering. 

4. Design for Additive Manufacturing 

SOLIDWORKS isn’t just for traditional manufacturing methods; it’s also an excellent tool for designing parts for 3D printing. The software includes specific features for additive manufacturing that help you optimize your designs for 3D printing processes. For instance, you can check for potential issues like overhangs, gaps, and thin walls before printing. You can also simulate the build process to ensure everything prints smoothly, saving time and reducing material waste. 

Quick Feature: Use the Print3D tool in SOLIDWORKS to set up your design for various 3D printers, adjusting scaling, orientation, and material settings before sending it off to print. 

5. Create Interactive 3D PDFs 

Need to share designs with someone who doesn’t have SOLIDWORKS? Instead of sending static images or relying on external viewers, you can generate interactive 3D PDFs directly from SOLIDWORKS. These PDFs allow recipients to zoom, rotate, and inspect the 3D model without requiring any CAD software. This is particularly useful for presentations, client meetings, or sharing design iterations with non-technical stakeholders. 

Why It’s Awesome: Not only does it make sharing your design more interactive, but it also ensures that everyone is literally looking at the design from the same perspective. 

SOLIDWORKS is a powerhouse when it comes to 3D CAD, but it’s also full of hidden features that can take your design workflow to the next level. From automating tasks with macros to creating photorealistic renderings and optimizing designs for 3D printing, there’s so much more you can do beyond the basics. The next time you’re working on a project, give one of these hidden features a try—you might just discover a new favorite tool! 

Ready to unlock more potential in SOLIDWORKS? See what’s new in SOLIDWORKS 2025 https://www.gsc-3d.com/whats-new-solidworks-2025/