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SOLIDWORKS Information

SOLIDWORKS Information

SOLIDWORKS is software that is widely used across the UT Cockrell School of Engineering. We license three different versions of SOLIDWORKS.

They are functionally similar, but your reason for using SOLIDWORKS determines which version you should use.

What version can I use?

  • If you are using SOLIDWORKS for instruction or coursework, either as an instructor, TA, or student, you can use either SOLIDWORKS Education or SOLIDWORKS Student.

  • If you are using SOLIDWORKS for research or any non-commercial, UT-related purpose not directly related to classwork (such 3D printing or machining), you should use SOLIDWORKS Research. This is the case regardless of whether you are faculty, staff, or student.

What is the difference between Education and Student Premium?

  • There is a matrix here that shows which components are included with Education and Student Premium: Education Product Matrix

  • The Education version licensing is run by an on-campus license server, which means you need to either be on campus or connected to the UT VPN in order to run it.

  • The Student version has a standalone license, which is valid for a year. The license is stored on your computer and does not need to be connected to any campus license server.

Where can the software be installed?

  • SOLIDWORKS Education can be installed on computers owned by students OR owned by UT Austin.

    • This includes on-campus research labs, UT-owned computers used by faculty or grad students, University-provided remote environments such as TACC.

    • Education Edition connects to an on-campus license server (managed by ME IT), so if using this version from off campus, you need to be connected to the UT VPN. For this reason, it is easier for students to install Student Edition on their own computers, because that version does not require connection to the VPN.

  • SOLIDWORKS Student can only be installed on personal computers owned by students.

  • SOLIDWORKS Research can only be installed on computers owned by UT Austin.

What if I have accessibility concerns?