To prepare SOLIDWORKS training files for use, you must download the official datasets and configure your system to recognize the provided templates. These files are typically organized by lesson and include both "Case Study" files for follow-along instruction and "Exercise" files for independent practice. 📥 Downloading and Extracting Files
You can download the training datasets directly from the SOLIDWORKS Training Files support page.
Log in: You may need a SOLIDWORKS ID or Customer Portal account.
Filter: Select your specific version year (e.g., 2024) and the manual title (e.g., Essentials).
Extract: Files are usually provided as a self-extracting .exe or a .zip folder. Right-click the downloaded file and select Extract All.
Standard practice is to extract them to C:\SOLIDWORKS Training Files. ⚙️ Configuring Training Templates
Training files often require specific document templates (units, drafting standards) to work correctly.
Locate Templates: Look for the Training Templates folder inside your extracted files. Add File Location: Open SOLIDWORKS and go to Tools > Options > System Options. Select File Locations from the left menu. Choose Document Templates from the dropdown menu.
Click Add and browse to your extracted Training Templates folder.
Confirm: Click OK and select Yes on any system prompts to finish the setup. ✍️ Working with Text in Training Exercises Using SOLIDWORKS Composer: Lesson 13 - Questions!
Writing out the whole address C:\SOLIDWORKS Training Files\Using SOLIDWORKS Composer\Lesson13\CaseStudy. SOLIDWORKS Forums Downloading Training Files - Hawk Ridge Systems
A useful feature of SolidWorks training files is that they often include embedded design intent and fully editable feature trees, not just static geometry. This allows learners to:
Additionally, many official training files come with linked problem/solution folders (e.g., “Exercise” vs. “Completed”) and a readme or PDF guide that references the file name, making it easy to match hands-on exercises to the correct starting point. This transforms passive viewing into active, reversible experimentation.
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.
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
SOLIDWORKS training files are essential resources for mastering the software, providing the specific 3D models and assemblies used in standard certification courses. You can access these files directly through the official SOLIDWORKS Training Files page GoEngineer Community How to Access Training Files
The training material is organized to help you follow along with case studies and exercises. SWYFT Solutions Download from Official Site : Visit the SOLIDWORKS support portal
to find files for various releases. Select your specific software version (e.g., 2023, 2024) and product area (like SOLIDWORKS CAD or Simulation). Locate Built-in Local Files
: Many tutorial models are installed automatically with the software. You can typically find them in the following folder on your computer:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS [version]\samples\tutorial Access via Software UI Open SOLIDWORKS and click the Question Mark icon in the top right. Select the solidworks training files
to open the folder containing the sample and tutorial models. GoEngineer Community Content of the Training Packages
A standard training download is typically structured to support structured learning: SWYFT Solutions Case Study Folders
: Contains base files for examples demonstrated during lessons. Exercises Folders
: Contains the files needed for the independent practice exercises at the end of each lesson. Completed Folders
: Includes finished versions of the models so you can check your progress and troubleshoot errors. SWYFT Solutions Additional Learning Resources MySolidWorks
: An online hub with lessons, forums, and certification preparation courses for CSWA and CSWP exams. Built-in Tutorials
: Step-by-step guides integrated directly into the software interface. Training Providers : Specialized partners like Javelin Tech Solid Solutions
offer supplementary resources, eBooks, and virtual training downloads. www.javelin-tech.com or a particular certification exam WHERE ARE THE TRAINING FILES - SOLIDWORKS CAD
SOLIDWORKS training files are essential resources provided by Dassault Systèmes and certified training partners to help users master 3D CAD design through hands-on practice. These files typically accompany official training manuals and are organized by lesson to match specific course curricula, such as SOLIDWORKS Essentials, Advanced Part Modeling, or Assemblies. Accessing Training Files
You can download the official training files directly from the SOLIDWORKS Training Files support page GoEngineer Community Locating Files
: Use the keyword search (e.g., searching "Template" or the specific course name) to find the correct dataset. Version Matching
: It is critical to download the version that matches your installed software (e.g., use 2022 files for SOLIDWORKS 2022) to ensure file compatibility. Customer Portal
: Active subscription members can also access full content, including eBooks and supplementary data, via the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal File Structure and Organization
Official training datasets are usually delivered as self-extracting executable packages or Case Study Folder
: Contains the initial files needed to follow along with the step-by-step instructions in a lesson. Exercises Folder
: Includes additional parts or assemblies required to complete the laboratory exercises at the end of each chapter. Training Templates
: These specific files set the correct units, drafting standards, and document properties required to achieve the intended results in the training exercises. Best Practices for Using Training Files File Management
: It is recommended to extract files to a dedicated local folder. In SOLIDWORKS , you can add this folder to your System Options > File Locations > Document Templates to make training templates easily accessible. Learning Approach
: Most courses use a "process-based" approach, meaning you learn commands in the context of completing a specific design task rather than just learning individual tools in isolation. Certification Prep : Using these files to practice for exams like the CSWA (Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate) CSWP (Professional)
is highly recommended. Many training sets include sample exam exercises to help you gauge your readiness. SolidWorks WHERE ARE THE TRAINING FILES - SOLIDWORKS CAD 4 Nov 2021 —
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 To prepare SOLIDWORKS training files for use, you
Training files typically follow a progression from basic 2D sketching to complex 3D assemblies.
The folder was labeled simply: SOLIDWORKS TRAINING FILES.
To most, it was a digital junk drawer—a collection of standardized brackets, generic aluminum extrusions, and pre-solved stress analysis simulations used to teach engineers how to click the right buttons. But to Elias, the new intern at Vertex Dynamics, it was a mystery wrapped in a ".SLDPRT" file extension.
"Whatever you do," his supervisor, Marcus, had grunted on day one, pointing a grease-stained finger at the server directory, "don’t open the 'Legacy' sub-folder. It’s corrupted. Crash your machine, maybe the whole server. Just stick to the 'Basic Parts' curriculum."
For three weeks, Elias obeyed. He built the required flanges. He mated the universal joints. He learned the art of the "Fully Defined" sketch, turning lines from blue to black. He was bored out of his mind.
Vertex Dynamics was a company that built automated harvesting drones. They were sleek, complex machines. Yet, Elias was stuck designing a mounting bracket for a sensor he’d never seen.
It happened on a Tuesday night. A thunderstorm rumbled outside, rattling the windows of the engineering bay. The power fluctuated, and the server reset. When Elias logged back in, the directory structure had shifted. The permissions had glitched. The 'Legacy' folder was wide open.
Inside, the filenames were mundane: Bracket_v1, Housing_Test, Extrusion_Final.
But the top file was named Project_Chimera_Assembly.SLDASM.
Elias glanced at the door. The cleaning crew was three floors down. He double-clicked.
The assembly tree populated slowly. A complex geometric skeleton began to form on the screen. At first, it looked like a standard drone frame. But as the components resolved—spinning into existence with the high-pitched whine of the workstation’s cooling fans—Elias realized this wasn't a harvester.
It was organic. Not in shape, but in function. The parts were moving.
SolidWorks is a static environment. You design, you constrain, you move on. But this assembly contained a level of sophisticated motion study Elias had never seen. The mechanical linkages folded and unfolded like the wings of a beetle. The materials assigned were not standard aluminum or steel; they were custom materials in the library labeled Alloy_X and Synthetic_Ligament.
He clicked on a part file: Actuator_Claw.SLDPRT.
He rotated the 3D model on screen. It was a masterpiece of engineering. The geometry was complex, curved, and eerily skeletal. He clicked the "Edit Material" button.
A warning popped up: Material Library Link Broken. Referencing Local Database: C:/System32/...
Elias frowned. That wasn't a standard file path. He minimized SolidWorks and navigated to the folder. There, hidden among the system files, was a text log generated by the part file itself.
DATE: 10/14/2019 USER: Dr. A. Vance NOTE: Third iteration. Stress analysis shows failure at 4000 PSI. The grip is too strong; it crushes the payload. Need to reduce tensile strength or increase sensor sensitivity. The subject requires a gentler touch.
Subject? Elias thought. He scrolled down.
DATE: 11/02/2019 NOTE: Motion study successful. The mimicry is exact. If the hydraulic line ruptures, the backup latch engages automatically. Safety protocol "Honey-Badger" is active. Do not delete the configuration. It’s learning.
Elias felt a cold prickle on the back of his neck. "It’s learning." That was impossible. CAD software didn't learn. It was a tool, a fancy digital Etch A Sketch. He went back to the assembly.
He hovered over the "Mate" folder in the design tree. There were hundreds of mates—gear mates, screw mates, cam mates. But at the bottom was a custom
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.
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. Additionally, many official training files come with linked
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:
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 is the most critical step in moving from a beginner to a proficient SOLIDWORKS user. These files are typically categorized into Sample Files pre-installed on your machine, Instructor-Led Files tied to official curriculum, and Practice Exercises for skill-building. 1. Where to Find Training Files
There are three primary ways to access official and community-driven SOLIDWORKS files:
Pre-Installed Local Files: SOLIDWORKS automatically installs a set of tutorial models on your computer. You can find them at:C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS [version]\samples\tutorial.
Official SOLIDWORKS Website: You can download comprehensive file sets for various training manuals directly from the SOLIDWORKS Training Files portal.
MySolidWorks: This platform offers a searchable Training Catalog where you can find files for specific courses you have taken or are currently enrolled in. 2. Types of Training Material
Depending on your skill level, you should focus on different file types: Training | MySolidWorks
| 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 |
Communities like r/SolidWorks and the CAD Tutor forum often share user-generated training files.
| Source | Type | Link / Search Term | |--------|------|---------------------| | GrabCAD Library | Community models | Search “SolidWorks training exercise” | | Model Mania (Dassault) | Annual contest files | “Model Mania SOLIDWORKS” | | YouTube instructors | Practice files in description | Channels: CAD CAM Tutorials, SolidWorks Mania, Vertanux1 | | McMaster-Carr | Real-world CAD models | Download STEP files, rebuild yourself | | CSWP Sample Exam | Certification practice | Official SW site → Certification → Sample exam ZIP |
| # | Exercise | Skills | |---|----------|--------| | 1 | Tennis Ball Can (with lid threads) | Helix, Sweep, Shell, Loft | | 2 | 4-bar linkage assembly | Mates: concentric, coincident, angle limit | | 3 | Sheet metal enclosure | Base flange, hem, joggle, flat pattern | | 4 | Pipe weldment (3D sketch) | Weldments, trim/extend, cut list | | 5 | Plastic bottle with draft | Draft analysis, parting line, rib, lip/groove | | 6 | Gearbox housing (casting) | Draft, fillet, rib, hole wizard, section view | | 7 | Propeller (freeform) | Boundary surface, thicken, curvature display | | 8 | Spring with variable pitch | Helix, variable pitch, swept cut for flat ends | | 9 | Exploded view + motion study | Exploded lines, keyframe animation | | 10 | Drawing with BOM & balloons | Custom properties, broken view, alternate position |