Pro-Tips

Avoid the "Idle" Kick

The online trial will time out after 10 minutes of inactivity to save server space. If you’re stepping away, make sure to save your work to the Home Folder first!

Master the Mouse

SOLIDWORKS is designed for a 3-button mouse.

Hold the Middle Mouse Button (Scroll wheel) to rotate your model; hold Ctrl + Middle Mouse to pan.

The "Search" Secret

Can't find a command? Use the search bar in the top right corner.

Pro-tip: Click the "Eye" icon next to the search result, and SolidWorks will move your mouse and point exactly to where the button is hidden.

Get the Most from Your Online SOLIDWORKS Trial

Everything you need to go from your first login to your first 3D model.

Follow our expert-led resources to evaluate SOLIDWORKS with confidence.

Getting Started

Our 3-Step Success Roadmap

Don’t just click around - create. Follow our structured roadmap to go from a blank screen to a 3D reality during your 7-day trial.

The Quick Start (Hour 1)

Get the software running and your first sketch on the screen.

The "Aha!" Moment (Days 1–3)

Build something real and see the power of Parametric Design.

The Deep Dive (Days 4–7)

Test the features that matter to your business.

Trial Video Series: From Sketch to Success

Go from a blank sketch to a professional design. These quick guides show you how to build 3D parts, generate drawings and BOMs, and master specialised tools for weldments, sheet metal, and simulation - right through to adding your logo and creating final renders.

Build Your First Part – Go from a 2D sketch to a 3D model.

Generate 2D Drawings – Turn models into professional blueprints.

Exploded Views & BOMs – Show how it fits together with Parts Lists.

Add Your Branding – How to apply your logo to your design.

Rapid Weldment Design – Speed up structural steel workflows.

Master Sheet Metal – Design, bend, and flatten with ease.

Validate with Simulation – Test your parts under real-world stress.

Create Stunning Renders – Turn designs into photo-quality images.

Need a Hand? We’re Here.

The trial is just the beginning. At Solid Solutions, we don't just sell software; we provide the UK’s most awarded technical support.

Contact Us
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Beginner's SOLIDWORKS Tutorials

New to 3D design? Start here. These essential tutorials are designed to take the guesswork out of your first few clicks. We’ll guide you through the SOLIDWORKS interface and core tools, helping you build your very first model with confidence in just a few minutes.

User Interface

Even though SOLIDWORKS is simple to learn, it’s best not to jump in blind. This three minute video will introduce you to the main areas of the interface along with the basic controls, and is a must watch for anyone that’s new to SOLIDWORKS.

Basics - Sketching
Basics - Features
Basics - Assemblies
Basics - Drawings

Interactive Virtual Walkthroughs

These interactive virtual walkthrough run in your browser and will guide you through every step required. You can follow along with each click or step through the tutorial using the left and right arrow keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I get started with the online trial?

Please watch our videos “SOLIDWORKS Online Trial – Getting Started” and "User Interface and Basic Controls" to get a quick understanding of how to start using the trial and then make use of the resources on this page. The resources include video walkthroughs, interactive step by step guides and links to helpful playlists.

These short videos are subtitled so they can be viewed with or without sound.

How can I get help?

We have made various resources available on this page to help you get started using your trial. Within the trial you will also find SOLIDWORKS has extensive help documentation.

Virtually every command in SOLIDWORKS has tool tips that explain its function and a button that you can click to learn more. If you have technical issues with your trial then please get in touch with our support team.

How do I upload files?

Files can be uploaded from your local machine to the Home Folder within the online trial.

1. Access My Files using the command from the toolbar in the upper left corner and open the Home folder.

2. Choose Upload Files

How do I download files?

Files can be downloaded to your local machine from the Home Folder within the online trial.

1. Save files you wish to download into the Home Folder from inside SOLIDWORKS .

2. Access My Files using the command from the toolbar in the upper left corner and open the Home Folder.

3. Select a file and choose Download.

What browser should I use?

The online trial works well with most common browsers provide they are compatible with HTML5. We’d recommend using the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge as these are the browsers we have used most with the online trial.

How do I save my progress?

Any files you save within your Home Folder will be kept between sessions of your online trial, other files will not be kept. You can also download files from your Home folder if you want to keep a local copy.

My session has expired, how can I start working again?

A session can expire if the maximum duration is exceeded or if you are inactive for more than 10 minutes. Following the expiration, you will have 10 minutes to reconnect to your session. If you connect after this then you will be given a new session and any unsaved work will be lost.

If I get disconnected while working, will I lose my work?

If for any reason you get disconnected, the platform will preserve your session for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, you will be given a new instance and any unsaved work will be lost. Please save your files regularly to your Home Folder.

I have further questions, who can I ask?

If you have further questions then please get in touch with our support team or review some additional Online Trial FAQs from SOLIDWORKS.

Can't find the answer you were looking for?
Contact us on 01926 333777 or via the button below.