Solidworks | Training Files
| Extension | Description | Example |
|-----------|-------------|---------|
| .SLDPRT | Part file | Bracket, lever, housing |
| .SLDASM | Assembly | Clamp mechanism, gearbox |
| .SLDDRW | Drawing | Orthographic views, BOM |
| .SLDPRT (with configs) | Multi-body part | Mold insert, weldment cut list |
| .X_T, .STEP | Neutral formats | Import for reverse engineering practice |
SolidWorks training files are a set of pre-built part, assembly, drawing, and simulation models provided by Dassault Systèmes (or authorized training partners) to accompany official coursework. They allow students to follow along with instructor-led or self-paced lessons without having to model every component from scratch.
Many textbooks (such as the SolidWorks Bible series or engineering college textbooks) come with a companion website or USB drive containing "Exercise Files." These range from simple geometric shapes to complex surface modeling challenges.
If you'd like, I can also write a student-facing guide or instructor note template for using these files in a class setting.
SolidWorks training files are pre-built CAD documents designed to guide users through learning the software's tools, workflows, and best practices. These files serve as the foundation for hands-on exercises in official training courses, self-paced tutorials, and certification preparation. Core Components of Training Files
Training files are typically organized into specific lesson folders to maintain a structured learning path.
Case Studies: Folders containing "start" files and examples used during live or recorded instruction to demonstrate new concepts.
Exercises: Practice files intended for independent work at the end of a lesson to reinforce skills.
Completed Files: Found within "Completed Case Study" or "Completed Exercises" folders, these allow users to check their final geometry against a verified model.
Samples & Tutorials: Pre-loaded files included with the SolidWorks installation that feature comments on every step of the design history (FeatureManager Design Tree). Common Learning Workflows
Training files typically follow a progression from basic 2D sketching to complex 3D assemblies.
Whether you are a CAD beginner or a seasoned engineer preparing for the Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) exam, training files are the backbone of your learning journey. They bridge the gap between watching a tutorial and actually building muscle memory.
However, many users struggle with finding the right files or practicing bad habits that break their models later. This guide shares where to find the best SOLIDWORKS training files and how to use them to master the software. 📍 Where to Find SOLIDWORKS Training Files 1. Built-In SOLIDWORKS Tutorials ("On My PC")
Did you know that a massive library of training files is already sitting on your hard drive? SOLIDWORKS includes native files specifically designed for their step-by-step built-in lessons. solidworks training files
How to access them: Click the Home icon at the top of your screen to open the Welcome window. Navigate to the Learn tab and click On my PC.
Why they are great: These files often include full feature trees with developer comments explaining exactly why each sketch and feature was made the way it was. 2. Official SOLIDWORKS Support Site
If you are taking an official course or using an older book, you will need the specific companion files.
How to access them: Head directly to the SOLIDWORKS Support Training Files page. You can filter files by the course area, manual title, and the software release year. 3. MySolidWorks and SolidProfessor
If you want dynamic video learning paired with downloadable exercise files, digital platforms provide the most comprehensive paths.
MySolidWorks: The official learning platform offers guided learning paths with part files you can download and manipulate yourself.
SolidProfessor: Often included in your subscription service, SolidProfessor offers over 15,000 video tutorials with matching practice files ranging from basic sketching to sheet metal and Simulation. 🛠️ 4 Tips to Maximize Your Training Files
Simply opening a file and copying steps will not make you a master. Apply these practices to truly level up:
Study the Feature Manager Tree: Before changing anything, roll back the feature bar in the design tree. Step through the model chronologically to see the "design intent" and understand the parent-child relationships of the features.
Practice "Intentional Breaking": Change a dimension in an early sketch and see if the rest of the model holds up or blows up. Robust models adapt seamlessly to dimensional changes.
Never Leave Sketches Under-Defined: Blue lines in a sketch mean geometry is free to move. Always apply proper dimensional and geometric constraints until the sketch turns black (fully defined).
Clean Up the Tree: Experienced users keep feature trees organized. Rename your critical features (e.g., "Main Extrude", "Mounting Holes") in your practice files so you build the habit of creating clean data. 🏆 Test Your Skills with Training Challenges
Once you are comfortable with standard training files, step out of your comfort zone: SolidWorks training files are a set of pre-built
Model from Drawings: Find a 2D engineering drawing with complex dimensions. Try to build the 3D model from scratch using the fewest features possible.
Reverse Engineer an Object: Pick a physical object on your desk, grab a caliper, and try to recreate it perfectly in SOLIDWORKS.
What specific tools or features are you trying to learn next? Reply with your current training focus and I can recommend the exact files or exercises you should practice with.
Finding the right training files for SOLIDWORKS is essential for bridging the gap between watching a tutorial and actually mastering the software
. Whether you are a student or a professional, there are several high-quality official and community-driven resources available to help you build a solid foundation. visiativ.co.uk 1. Built-In Software Tutorials
The most accessible training files are already installed on your computer. Many users overlook the free, integrated walkthroughs that come with every license. www.javelin-tech.com How to Access : Click the SolidWorks Resources tab (house icon) and select Key Feature
: Tutorials often feature an orange box around icons; clicking these in the tutorial window highlights exactly where the command is located in your actual interface.
: Learning the User Interface (UI), sketching, and basic features at your own pace. www.javelin-tech.com 2. MySolidWorks Platform MySolidWorks
is the official hub for individual learning modules and classroom materials. MySolidWorks - Official SOLIDWORKS Community Training Files & Manuals
: If you have attended an instructor-led class, you can download corresponding manuals and exercise files here. Learning Paths
: These bundles group lessons by topic (e.g., Simulation, Assembly Modeling) to ensure a complete understanding of a specific workflow. Cloud Access : Offers a Free Introduction to SOLIDWORKS for those without a current license. MySolidWorks - Official SOLIDWORKS Community 3. Academic & Technical Guides
For structured, curriculum-based learning, several technical manuals provide step-by-step instructions and project files.
To effectively use SOLIDWORKS training files, you must ensure they match the specific version of the software you are running, as files from newer versions generally cannot be opened in older ones. Many textbooks (such as the SolidWorks Bible series
Official training files are primarily designed to accompany SOLIDWORKS instructor-led courses and manuals, covering everything from core "Essentials" to advanced specialized modules like Sheet Metal, Weldments, and Mold Design. How to Access Official Training Files
You can download official exercise files directly from the SOLIDWORKS Support site.
Log In: Use your 3DEXPERIENCE ID (or create one at solidworks.com).
Filter by Course: Select the "Product Area" (e.g., SOLIDWORKS CAD) and the specific "Manual Title" (e.g., SOLIDWORKS Essentials).
Select Your Version: Choose the year version that matches your installed software.
Extract and Install: Files often download as self-extracting .exe or standard .zip files. It is recommended to extract them to your desktop or a dedicated training folder. Setting Up Training Templates
To use training-specific document properties and units, you should link the training templates to your SOLIDWORKS file locations: Go to System Options (Gear Icon) > File Locations. Select Document Templates from the dropdown menu.
Click Add and navigate to the extracted "Training Templates" folder. Popular Training Resources by Skill Level Downloading Training Files - Hawk Ridge Systems
As of 2025, a new generation of training files is emerging. SolidWorks’ parent company (Dassault) is integrating AI via the Magic SOLIDWORKS initiative. Future training files will be “adaptive”—if you struggle with a loft, the file will automatically insert a helper sketch or offer a video tip.
Additionally, cloud-based files (on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform) allow collaborative training. Two students in different countries can open the same training assembly, and one can “extrude” while the other watches in real-time.
For now, look for training files that include QR codes—scan them with your phone to see a short time-lapse of an expert modeling that exact part.
Open completed part → Spin it → “Looks nice” → Close.
