SolidCraft vs SOLIDWORKS: Features, Licensing & Migration
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-23

SolidCraft v0.18.2 is the site's pinned browser build. The main comparison concerns commercial desktop SOLIDWORKS Design; Makers and xDesign are called out separately. Product pages currently describe the 2027 range; STEP instructions cite 2026 Help. Check your installed release, package, add-ins and license.

Can SolidCraft open .sldprt, .sldasm and .slddrw files?
This guide does not promise direct opening of .sldprt, .sldasm or .slddrw in SolidCraft. Makers native files are digitally watermarked and restricted to Makers licenses; commercial and academic editions cannot open them. The official Makers FAQ allows neutral exports such as STEP for exchange. That bypasses the native-file opening restriction, not the product's usage terms, and does not restore feature history.

Choose a plate, spacer or enclosure with known dimensions. Set your tolerances before you begin and record expected and actual results. This is a blank test plan, not a report of a completed migration.

Date / evaluator: ____________________
Source software / version / license: ____________________
SolidCraft build / OS / browser: ____________________
Source file / configuration / dependencies: ____________________
Units / agreed tolerances: ____________________
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________
Decision / remaining work / owner: ____________________

[ ] 1. Units & dimensions
Confirm units and at least three critical dimensions against the original, within your stated tolerances.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

[ ] 2. Solid bodies
Match the expected solid-body count; investigate missing bodies, open surfaces and import errors.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

[ ] 3. Component placement
Check origins, orientations and repeated instances. Test required motion separately from static placement.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

[ ] 4. One dimension change
Change a native parameter, or add and edit a new feature on the import. Record any original feature that must be rebuilt.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

[ ] 5. Downstream rebuild
Check dependent holes, fillets and features after the change; resolve every rebuild error.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

[ ] 6. Geometry export
Export STEP and reopen it in the receiving tool. Check dimensions, units, body count and placement again.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

[ ] 7. Save & reopen
Save a .solidcraft file, close it and reopen it; confirm the geometry and new edits remain correct.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

[ ] 8. Required delivery
Verify drawings, BOM, tolerances and manufacturing records in their required tools. Record any dependency you must retain.
Expected result / actual result / evidence: ____________________
PASS / FAIL / NOT REQUIRED + reason: ____________________

Proceed only when every required check passes your project criteria. A visual match alone is insufficient. Keep the source workflow for any unresolved deliverable.

Official source index
SolidCraft v0.18.2 · project & license
https://github.com/tangency-labs/solidcraft/tree/v0.18.2
SOLIDWORKS Design · packages & licensing
https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-design
SOLIDWORKS for Makers · eligibility & watermarks
https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-makers
SOLIDWORKS xDesign · browser product
https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-xdesign
SolidCraft v0.18.2 · file formats & desktop import
https://github.com/tangency-labs/solidcraft/blob/v0.18.2/docs/book/src/guide/files.md
SOLIDWORKS 2026 Help · Pack and Go
https://help.solidworks.com/2026/english/SolidWorks/sldworks/c_pack_and_go.htm
SOLIDWORKS 2026 Help · STEP export options & errors
https://help.solidworks.com/2026/english/SolidWorks/sldworks/HIDD_EXPORT_OPTIONS_STEP.htm
SOLIDWORKS · system requirements by version
https://www.solidworks.com/support/system-requirements
SOLIDWORKS 2026 Help · STEP exchange
https://help.solidworks.com/2026/english/SolidWorks/Sldworks/c_Step_Files.htm
SolidCraft · local CLI & MCP
https://docs.solidcraft.io/guide/mcp.html