Solidworks Training Files High: Quality

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:

• Roll back the feature tree to see how the part was built step-by-step.
• Suppress/reorder features to understand dependencies and design changes.
• Access in-file comments or sketches that explain constraints and dimensioning choices.
• Use configuration-specific setups to study how different versions of a part are managed.

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.

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Overview of SolidWorks Training Files

SolidWorks training files are a set of pre-built part, assembly, drawing, and simulation models provided by Dassault Systèmes (or authorized training partners) to accompany official coursework. They allow students to follow along with instructor-led or self-paced lessons without having to model every component from scratch.

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Part 3: The Hidden Gems – Training Files on Your Hard Drive

Did you know that standard SolidWorks installations come with a built-in library of training files? Most users never open them. If you have SolidWorks installed on your computer, look for this directory: solidworks training files

C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\samples\whatsnew

Additionally, look for:

• samples\tutorial – Contains step-by-step tasks like the “Retaining Ring” and “Pressure Plate.”
• samples\modelmania – Historic competition files.
• samples\sweep\ – Files dedicated to learning the sweep feature, such as a garden hose or a spring.

Why use these? These files are tested against every new version of SolidWorks. They rarely crash, are lightweight, and are pre-configured to demonstrate specific best practices (e.g., proper use of parent-child relationships). A useful feature of SolidWorks training files is

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Common Folders & Naming

• Lesson_XX – Organized by course module (e.g., Lesson_01_Extrude, Lesson_05_Revolve)
• Completed – Finished models for reference
• Practice – Starting files for exercises
• Simulation – Inputs for FEA, thermal, or flow studies
• Drawings – Part/assembly drawings with annotations

Files often use prefixes like Tutorial_, Exercise_, or CaseStudy_.

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2. Source: Where to Find Them

There are two primary sources for these files:

Right approach (Gold standard):

1. Read the problem statement (usually a PDF or in the tutorial text).
2. Hide dimensions – Use View > Hide All Types or rebuild from a drawing image.
3. Set your own design intent – Choose different planes, reference geometry, or equation-driven dimensions.
4. Check using the provided file – Open it only after you finish. Use FeatureWorks or roll back the feature tree to see the steps.
5. Remake 3 ways – Redo the same part using:
   • Multi-body method
   • Weldments (if structural)
   • Sheet metal conversion

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Where to Find Them

• SolidWorks Installation Folder
  C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\samples\
  (Contains tutorial examples but not the full training curriculum files) Roll back the feature tree to see how

• Official Training CD / Download
  Provided with paid courses (e.g., SolidWorks Essentials, Advanced Part Modeling, CSWP prep)

• MySolidWorks Student Portal
  Available to subscribers – includes downloadable training files per lesson

• SolidWorks Certification Guides
  CSWA / CSWP exam prep includes limited sample files

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B. SolidWorks Installation Folder (If you have an educational license)

• Path: C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\training\
• Contains all standard tutorial files.