Discover the Latest Innovations: What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2026

Every year, the SOLIDWORKS What’s New release brings the latest innovations, performance upgrades, and workflow improvements to designers, engineers, and manufacturers. It's the moment the SOLIDWORKS community looks forward to – when user requests and new technologies come together to shape the next generation of design tools. The 2026 edition continues this tradition, offering smarter automation, better collaboration, and more powerful 3D modeling features than ever before. Whether you're refining complex designs, making drawings, or managing data, What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2026 has features to keep your ideas moving forward, faster and smarter.

Key Takeaways

• AI is now helping with drawing creation, saving time and effort.

• Workflows for parts and assemblies are smoother and faster.

• The user experience is better, with improvements like offline mode.

• Collaboration and data management are streamlined, especially with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

• Manufacturing processes get a boost with new shop floor tools.

What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2026 Design

SOLIDWORKS 2026 is here, and it’s packed with updates aimed at making your design process smoother and faster. They’ve really listened to what users have been asking for, and it shows. This year, the focus is on smart automation, better workflows, and a more user-friendly experience, even when you’re not connected to the internet.

AI-Powered Drawing Creation

This is a big one. Forget spending ages placing standard views and dimensions. SOLIDWORKS 2026 introduces AI that can actually help generate your drawings. It looks at your 3D model and suggests appropriate views, adds callouts, and even places dimensions automatically. It’s not going to replace your judgment entirely, but it’s going to cut down on a lot of the repetitive work. Think of it as having a junior drafter who’s really good at the basics, freeing you up for the more complex details.

Streamlined Part and Assembly Workflows

They’ve made some solid improvements to how you work with parts and assemblies. Sketching feels snappier, which is always a win. The sheet metal tools have also gotten a boost, making it easier to create and modify sheet metal components. For assemblies, especially the really big ones, they’ve worked on making them load faster and be more responsive. This means less waiting around and more time actually designing.

Enhanced User Experience and Offline Mode

Little tweaks can make a big difference, and SOLIDWORKS 2026 has plenty of those. The interface feels a bit cleaner, and finding commands is more straightforward. A really practical update is the improved offline mode. Now, you can work more effectively even when your internet connection is spotty or non-existent. This is a game-changer for those who travel or work in areas with unreliable connectivity. It means your productivity doesn’t have to take a hit just because you’re not online.

The goal with these design updates is clear: reduce the time spent on tedious tasks and let designers focus on creativity and problem-solving. It’s about making the software work harder for you, so you can bring your ideas to life more efficiently.

Accelerating Innovation with SOLIDWORKS 2026

Every year, the SOLIDWORKS What’s New release brings the latest innovations, performance upgrades, and workflow improvements straight to designers, engineers, and manufacturers. It’s the moment the SOLIDWORKS community looks forward to — when thousands of user requests, real-world insights, and new technologies come together to shape the next generation of design tools. The 2026 edition continues that tradition, delivering smarter automation, streamlined collaboration, and more powerful 3D modeling capabilities than ever before.

User-Driven Enhancements

SOLIDWORKS 2026 is packed with hundreds of improvements that came directly from you, the users. We listened to your feedback and incorporated your suggestions to make everyday tasks smoother and more efficient. This means less time wrestling with the software and more time focused on creating great designs. Whether you’re refining complex assemblies, generating detailed drawings, or managing data across teams, SOLIDWORKS What’s New 2026 introduces the features and improvements that keep your ideas moving forward.

Performance Upgrades

We know that speed matters. That's why SOLIDWORKS 2026 includes significant performance upgrades across the board. You'll notice faster load times for large assemblies, quicker rebuilds, and snappier sketching. These aren't just minor tweaks; they add up to real time savings throughout your workday. Imagine opening that massive assembly in half the time, or completing a complex sketch without the usual lag. It makes a difference.

AI-Powered Features

Artificial intelligence is playing a bigger role in how we design, and SOLIDWORKS 2026 is no exception. We're introducing AI-powered features designed to automate repetitive tasks and provide intelligent assistance. This helps reduce manual effort and boost accuracy, letting you focus on the creative aspects of your work. These smart tools are designed to work alongside you, not replace you.

The annual SOLIDWORKS release is just one of several major functional delivery (FD) releases issued each year. While SOLIDWORKS 2026 includes hundreds of enhancements, even more were already released earlier this year. It's worth checking out the capabilities delivered in the 2025 FD releases to see the full picture of ongoing improvements.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key areas:

• Automated Drawing Creation: AI helps generate views, callouts, and dimensions automatically.

• Large Assembly Performance: Selective filtering and faster loading make working with big assemblies much easier.

• Streamlined Workflows: Improvements in sketching and sheet metal tools speed up part design.

Finding the right support for your software is important, and a good SOLIDWORKS reseller can make a big difference in how effectively you can use these new tools.

Advancements in Collaboration and Data Management

Seamless 3DEXPERIENCE Platform Integration

Connecting with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is smoother than ever in SOLIDWORKS 2026. This update makes it easier to link your design work to the broader ecosystem, allowing for more integrated project management and data sharing. You can now access and manage your design structures more effectively, even for very large assemblies. This means less time waiting for files to load and more time actually designing.

AURA AI Virtual Companion

Meet AURA, your new AI-powered virtual assistant. AURA is designed to help you with various tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Think of it as having an extra pair of hands, ready to assist with design queries, data retrieval, or even suggesting improvements. It's like having a knowledgeable colleague available 24/7, right within your SOLIDWORKS environment. This AI companion is a big step towards more intelligent design processes.

Streamlined Information Sharing

Sharing your designs and project data is now more straightforward. SOLIDWORKS 2026 introduces ways to share information directly from the SOLIDWORKS interface, cutting down on the steps needed to get your work out to others. This includes better management of design tables using Excel files and improved ways to visualize component relationships.

Here’s a quick look at how information sharing has improved:

• Direct Sharing: Send design data without leaving your current workspace.

• Excel File Management: Easier control over design tables linked to Excel spreadsheets.

• Component Visualization: Better tools to see how different parts fit together in an assembly.

Working with large assemblies can be a real headache, especially when multiple people need to access the same files. The ability to selectively load parts of a design structure from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a game-changer. It means you can focus on your specific section without bogging down your system or interfering with colleagues working on other areas. This selective loading, combined with advanced filtering, helps find exactly what you need, fast.

This update really focuses on making it simpler to work together and manage your project data, whether you're working alone or as part of a large team. It’s all about reducing friction and keeping your projects moving forward. You can explore the full capabilities of SOLIDWORKS CAD and see how it supports your design needs.

Boosting Manufacturing Efficiency

Shop Floor Programmer Integration

SOLIDWORKS 2026 is bringing some serious game-changers to the manufacturing floor. One of the biggest updates is the integration of the Shop Floor Programmer, now included with SOLIDWORKS Design licenses. This means designers and shop floor folks can work together more smoothly. It's all about cloud-connected tools that make machining operations and fabrication processes simpler and faster. No more jumping between different software or trying to decipher complex instructions. This tool aims to bridge that gap, making sure what's designed on screen can actually be made efficiently.

Streamlined Machining Operations

When it comes to machining, every minute counts. SOLIDWORKS 2026 is packed with features designed to cut down on wasted time and reduce errors. Think about generating toolpaths – this version makes that process more intuitive. You'll find better ways to handle complex geometries and optimize cutting strategies. This isn't just about making things faster; it's about making them more accurate, which means fewer scrapped parts and less material waste. The goal is to get from a 3D model to a finished part with fewer steps and less back-and-forth.

Improved Fabrication Workflows

Fabrication often involves a lot of custom work and specific processes. SOLIDWORKS 2026 is stepping up to make these workflows less of a headache. The software is getting smarter about handling things like sheet metal bending, weldments, and other fabrication-specific tasks. You can expect more automation in generating cut lists, bend tables, and other documentation that fabricators rely on. This helps reduce manual data entry and the chances of mistakes creeping in. It's about making sure the design intent is clearly communicated and easily translated into the physical creation of the product.

The integration of shop floor tools directly into the design environment is a big deal. It means that feedback from manufacturing can be incorporated much earlier in the design process, preventing costly changes down the line. This collaborative approach is key to getting products out the door on time and on budget.

Here's a quick look at what's improved:

• Faster Toolpath Generation: Optimized algorithms mean you spend less time waiting for CAM operations to calculate.

• Enhanced Material Handling: Better support for various fabrication materials and processes.

• Clearer Documentation: Automated generation of shop-ready documents, reducing misinterpretation.

• Direct Machine Integration: Improved connections to CNC machines for more direct data transfer.

Enhancing Design Accuracy and Speed

Smarter Assembly Rebuilds

Working with big assemblies can sometimes feel like trying to move a mountain. SOLIDWORKS 2026 is making things a lot smoother with smarter assembly rebuilds. Instead of the whole thing recalculating every time you make a small change, it's now more selective. This means less waiting around and more time actually designing. You can even choose to rebuild only specific parts of the assembly, which is a real time-saver when you're deep into a complex project.

Faster Sketching Capabilities

Sketches are the foundation of most designs, and in SOLIDWORKS 2026, they're getting a significant speed boost. You'll find that creating and modifying sketches feels more responsive. This allows for a more fluid design process, letting your ideas flow directly into the model without getting bogged down by slow performance. Whether you're drawing simple lines or complex curves, the difference is noticeable, helping you get from concept to creation much quicker.

Advanced Sheet Metal Tools

For those who work with sheet metal, SOLIDWORKS 2026 brings some really useful updates. The tools for creating bends, flanges, and cutouts are more intuitive and powerful. You can now handle more complex sheet metal designs with greater ease and accuracy. This means fewer errors and less time spent fixing mistakes, which is always a win.

The goal here is to reduce the friction between your ideas and the final design. By making core tasks like sketching and assembly management faster and more intelligent, SOLIDWORKS 2026 helps you stay in the creative zone and get more done.

SOLIDWORKS PDM: Increased Data Efficiency

Synchronized Vault Views

Keeping your project files up-to-date across different machines and team members can be a real headache. SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026 introduces synchronized vault views to make this much simpler. Now, you can easily check in files that others have modified, even if you're working on a different computer. This also helps make sure your checked-out files and those still in private states are updated correctly. It’s about making sure everyone’s looking at the right version, cutting down on confusion and rework.

Workflow Archiving for Control

When you're updating your company's design processes or introducing new workflows, managing the transition can get messy. With SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026, you can now archive entire workflows. This is super handy because it stops new files from entering the old system, giving you a clean break and more control as you roll out new procedures. Think of it like putting a lock on a completed stage so no one accidentally adds to it while you're setting up the next phase.

Improved Folder Access Rights

Permissions can be tricky, especially in large projects with many contributors. Sometimes, you need access to a specific sub-folder for your work, but you don't necessarily need to see everything in the parent folders above it. SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026 now lets you get direct access to these sub-folders, even if you don't have the usual viewing rights for the higher-level folders. This means less hassle getting to the files you need without compromising overall data security.

Managing project data efficiently is key to keeping designs moving forward. These updates in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026 focus on making it easier to keep files current, control process changes, and grant access where it's needed, all without adding complexity.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation: Ensuring Performance

Enhanced Simulation Accuracy

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 is bringing some neat improvements to make your analysis results more reliable. For structural simulations, you can now get more precise control over how distributed loads and masses are applied to beam elements. You can choose to apply them 'Per Item' or as a 'Total' value, which gives you finer control over the simulation setup. Plus, if you're running random vibration studies, you can now pull out detailed force results from pin connectors. This means you can see shear force, axial force, bending moment, and torque, giving you a much clearer picture of how those connections will hold up under vibration.

Performance Optimization Tools

It's not just about accuracy; speed matters too. SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 is packing some performance boosts. For instance, injection molding simulations using SOLIDWORKS Plastics are seeing up to a 30% performance jump, which is pretty significant when you're dealing with complex mold designs. In the realm of thermal analysis with SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, there's a new feature that can automatically fill thin gaps. Think about those tight spaces between a heat sink and a component, or glued parts – the software can now fill these with a specified solid material, simplifying the setup and potentially speeding up the analysis process. These updates mean you can get your simulation results faster and with more confidence.

Here's a quick look at some of the key simulation updates:

• Beam Load Options: Choose between 'Per Item' or 'Total' for distributed mass and force on beams.

• Pin Connector Forces: Get detailed force results for pin connectors in random vibration studies.

• Unified Volume Plot: A new plot type in SOLIDWORKS Plastics to fill simulation results, useful alongside short-shot predictions.

• Thin Gap Filling: Automatically fill thin gaps in thermal analyses with a specified material.

Getting accurate simulation results quickly is a big deal for engineers. These updates in SOLIDWORKS 2026 seem to focus on giving users more control over their analysis inputs and getting those results back faster, which can really help keep projects on track.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation helps make sure your designs work great. It lets you test how things will hold up before you even build them, saving you time and money. Want to see how SOLIDWORKS Simulation can boost your product's strength and reliability? Visit our website to learn more!

Wrapping It Up

So, that's a look at what's new with SOLIDWORKS 2026. It seems like they've really focused on making things faster and smarter, especially with those new AI features that can handle some of the more tedious tasks. Whether you're dealing with huge assemblies or just trying to get drawings done quicker, there are some solid improvements here. It's always interesting to see how the software evolves based on what users actually need. Definitely worth checking out if you want to speed up your design process and keep up with the latest tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the biggest change in SOLIDWORKS 2026?

SOLIDWORKS 2026 is packed with new stuff! A major highlight is the use of AI to help make drawings automatically. It also makes working with big designs and everyday tasks much smoother and faster.

How does AI help with designing in SOLIDWORKS 2026?

Think of AI as your smart assistant. It can help create drawings by adding views and labels for you, saving you a lot of time. It also helps make your designs more accurate and speeds up common tasks.

Is SOLIDWORKS 2026 better for working with large projects?

Yes, it's much better! You can now open only the parts of a big design you need, which makes things load faster. This means multiple people can work on the same huge project at the same time without getting in each other's way.

Can I still work if my internet is down?

Good news! SOLIDWORKS 2026 has an improved offline mode, making it easier to keep working even when you're not connected to the internet. This helps you stay productive no matter where you are.

How does SOLIDWORKS 2026 help with making things?

It makes the process of getting your designs ready for the factory much easier. New tools help with programming machines and improving how things are built, making the whole manufacturing process quicker and more efficient.

What about managing design files?

SOLIDWORKS 2026 has updates for managing your files too. You can sync your design files better, archive old project steps to keep things tidy, and have more control over who can see and edit different folders.