Understanding SOLIDWORKS Packages, Cloud Services & xDesign [2026]

Cutting through naming changes, new bundles, cloud tools, and product structure.

Over the past year, many designers and engineers have asked us about the evolving SOLIDWORKS product naming, cloud features, and browser‑based tools. With SOLIDWORKS Cloud being renamed to SOLIDWORKS xDesign along with other naming updates to both the desktop products and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it is understandable that terms like Cloud Services, xDesign, and browser‑based CAD can feel unclear.

This guide explains everything in one place, simply and without jargon, so you can understand:

• What is included in your SOLIDWORKS Desktop subscription
• What Cloud Services provides
• How SOLIDWORKS xDesign and other browser‑based tools fit in
• Why certain products are visible on the Solid Solutions website while others appear under the TriMech Group

Three Layers Working Together

The SOLIDWORKS Ecosystem in 2026

SOLIDWORKS today can be thought of in three connected layers:

1. SOLIDWORKS Desktop (Standard, Professional, Premium, Ultimate)

Installed locally, full‑featured, and the foundation of most engineering workflows.

2. Cloud Services

Included with new subscription licences purchased after July 2023, providing cloud storage and collaboration tools that integrate directly with SOLIDWORKS Desktop.

3. Browser-Based CAD Tools – SOLIDWORKS xDesign (formerly SOLIDWORKS Cloud)

Lightweight modelling tools that run fully in a browser and connect to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. These can work in tandem with SOLIDWORKS or as a standalone experience.

These layers complement each other, so you do not have to choose between them.

Your Traditional CAD Tools

SOLIDWORKS Desktop Packages

The well-known desktop packages remain unchanged and continue to deliver the core design capabilities most teams rely on.

SOLIDWORKS Design Standard

• Core 3D modelling for parts and assemblies.
• Drawings and other documentation
• Import/export tools.
• Advanced AI Automation

SOLIDWORKS Design Professional

Everything in Standard, plus:

• Toolbox libraries
• Photorealistic rendering
• Access to SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
• Task scheduling for automation

SOLIDWORKS Design Premium

Everything in Professional, plus:

• Advanced FEA simulation
• Motion analysis
• Electrical and Pipe Routing
• Advanced costing for parts and assemblies

SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate

Everything in Premium, plus:

• Advanced bill of material management
• Project and Resource Management
• Product structure management
• Lean manufacturing tools

All desktop tools continue to run locally on your Windows workstation. Added SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate functionality runs in browser.

What “Cloud Services” Really Means

A common misconception is that Cloud Services includes browser-based CAD. It does not.

Cloud Services provides:

• Secure online storage
• Simple revision control with approval workflows
• Cloud-based sharing and commenting
• A secure web-based 3D viewer for stakeholders without SOLIDWORKS installed.
• The ability to save SOLIDWORKS files directly to the cloud.
• 5-axis programming and nesting software

Think of Cloud Services as your collaboration and data backbone, not a modelling environment.

Cloud Services does not include:

• SOLIDWORKS xDesign
• Browser‑based CAD modelling
• Full 3DEXPERIENCE roles
• PLM/governance tools beyond basic functionality

Those belong to the next category.

Browser-Based CAD Tools: What is SOLIDWORKS xDesign (formerly named SOLIDWORKS Cloud)

Over the past few years, Dassault Systèmes has offered several browser-based design apps, including:

• xDesign – 3D Creator
• xShape – 3D Sculptor
• xSheetMetal – 3D Sheetmetal Creator
• xFrame – 3D Structure Creator
• xMold – 3D Mold Creator
• xDefine – Manufacturing Definition Creator

Previously this package was known as SOLIDWORKS Cloud, in 2026 this has been renamed to SOLIDWORK xDesign. However, you may still see individual app names referenced across materials and documentation.

This new name should help prevent confusion as while these cloud tools offer many of the same benefits as the desktop version of SOLIDWORKS they are distinctly different, and the old name of SOLIDWORKS Cloud may have implied that it was identical to the desktop SOLIDWORKS .

These tools:

• Run entirely in your browser
• Work on any internet connected device across Windows, Mac, ChromeOS and tablets
• Integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
• Are ideal for conceptual design, ideation, and mobility.
• Use .sldxml files and not traditional SOLIDWORKS files

They are not included in the standard SOLIDWORKS Desktop subscription but are available as additional 3DEXPERIENCE roles.

Editing a part in solidworks xdesign (formerly solidworks cloud)

How SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE Tools Are Organised Across the TriMech Group

Solid Solutions lists and supports all the tools that form part of the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem for UK & Ireland customers. This includes desktop products, Cloud Services, and selected browser‑based tools such as SOLIDWORKS xDesign. These are all available directly on our website.

However, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is much broader. It includes advanced governance, simulation, lifecycle management and industry‑specific roles. These extended roles are supported by TriMech Enterprise Solutions, our specialist division within the TriMech Group.

How the portfolios are divided:

• Solid Solutions: SOLIDWORKS Desktop, Cloud Services, Simulation, Data Management, CAM, and selected browser‑based tools like xDesign.
• TriMech Enterprise: Full 3DEXPERIENCE platform roles, advanced cloud simulation, enterprise governance, and industry‑scale implementations.

This approach ensures customers always get expert‑level support based on the tools they actually use. If a requirement sits outside the Solid Solutions portfolio, we seamlessly connect you with the appropriate TriMech Enterprise specialists.

Should you use Browser-Based CAD or Stay on Desktop?

Both have their place. Here is a simple way to decide:

Choose SOLIDWORKS Desktop if you:

• Collaborate with large assemblies.
• Require full engineering detail.
• Need third party add-ins
• Need advanced simulation or routing.
• Rely on performance and automation.
• Need traditional SOLIDWORKS file formats

Consider SOLIDWORKS xDesign if you:

• Want to create concepts on any device.
• Work remotely or need mobility.
• Prefer a modern, lightweight interface.
• Want quick access for ideation and collaboration.

Summary Table

Keeping Things Clear for 2026 and Beyond

Naming changes and evolving cloud tools can easily create uncertainty, especially when desktop and browser-based tools are discussed together. Our aim is to keep things simple and transparent for SOLIDWORKS users across the UK & Ireland.

If you have questions about:

• What is included in your licence
• How Cloud Services works
• Whether SOLIDWORKS xDesign is right for you
• How the TriMech Group supports the wider toolset

Our team is here to help.

Want to Learn More?

Join one of our upcoming SOLIDWORKS customer events to see what is new in the 2026 release, across both desktop and cloud-connected tools.

Prefer a conversation? Contact our applications or Customer Development teams, and we will help you determine the setup that is best for your workflow.