Solidworks Training Files [DIRECT – EDITION]

To effectively use SOLIDWORKS training files, you must ensure they match the specific version of the software you are running, as files from newer versions generally cannot be opened in older ones.

Official training files are primarily designed to accompany SOLIDWORKS instructor-led courses and manuals, covering everything from core "Essentials" to advanced specialized modules like Sheet Metal, Weldments, and Mold Design. How to Access Official Training Files

You can download official exercise files directly from the SOLIDWORKS Support site.

Log In: Use your 3DEXPERIENCE ID (or create one at solidworks.com).

Filter by Course: Select the "Product Area" (e.g., SOLIDWORKS CAD) and the specific "Manual Title" (e.g., SOLIDWORKS Essentials).

Select Your Version: Choose the year version that matches your installed software.

Extract and Install: Files often download as self-extracting .exe or standard .zip files. It is recommended to extract them to your desktop or a dedicated training folder. Setting Up Training Templates

To use training-specific document properties and units, you should link the training templates to your SOLIDWORKS file locations: Go to System Options (Gear Icon) > File Locations. Select Document Templates from the dropdown menu. solidworks training files

Click Add and navigate to the extracted "Training Templates" folder. Popular Training Resources by Skill Level Downloading Training Files - Hawk Ridge Systems

What Are SolidWorks Training Files?

At their core, SolidWorks training files are pre-built or guided model files designed specifically for educational purposes. Unlike random designs downloaded from generic 3D repositories, official training files are structured to teach a specific function or command.

These files typically come in three categories:

1. Part Files (.sldprt): Used to practice sketching, extrusions, revolves, sweeps, and lofts.
2. Assembly Files (.sldasm): Used to practice mating components, top-down design, and interference detection.
3. Drawing Files (.slddrw): Used for dimensioning, annotations, and bill of materials (BOM) creation.

Additionally, many advanced training sets include simulation files (stress analysis), mold design projects, and sheet metal flat patterns.

Pass 3: The “Broken File” Repair

• Some advanced training files are intentionally corrupted with “dangling” relations (e.g., a sketch that lost its edge reference).
• Use the “Find References” and “Replace Entity” tools to fix the file. This is exactly what you will do in a real job when a coworker sends you a broken assembly.

Conclusion

SolidWorks Training Files are the bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They remove the blank-page anxiety of starting from scratch and allow users to focus on specific tools. Whether using the built-in lessons for certification prep or textbook exercises for class, these files provide the structured repetition necessary to become a proficient CAD designer.

Finding the right training files is the most critical step in moving from a beginner to a proficient SOLIDWORKS user. These files are typically categorized into Sample Files pre-installed on your machine, Instructor-Led Files tied to official curriculum, and Practice Exercises for skill-building. 1. Where to Find Training Files

There are three primary ways to access official and community-driven SOLIDWORKS files: To effectively use SOLIDWORKS training files, you must

Pre-Installed Local Files: SOLIDWORKS automatically installs a set of tutorial models on your computer. You can find them at:C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS [version]\samples\tutorial.

Official SOLIDWORKS Website: You can download comprehensive file sets for various training manuals directly from the SOLIDWORKS Training Files portal.

MySolidWorks: This platform offers a searchable Training Catalog where you can find files for specific courses you have taken or are currently enrolled in. 2. Types of Training Material

Depending on your skill level, you should focus on different file types: Training | MySolidWorks

11. Do You Need the Training Files if You Have the Software?

No – but you should still use them.

If you cannot access official files:

• Redraw from engineering drawings (Google “mechanical drawing exercises PDF”)
• Use Onshape public models (export to STEP, import to SW)
• Follow modeling challenges (e.g., #100DaysOfCAD)

Where to Find Them

• SolidWorks Installation Folder
  C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\samples\
  (Contains tutorial examples but not the full training curriculum files) What Are SolidWorks Training Files

• 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

The "Rollback" Technique: The Secret Power of Training Files

One reason experts love SolidWorks training files is the Rollback Bar. This is a yellow horizontal line at the top of the Feature Manager tree.

When you receive a finished training file (e.g., an engine block), do not just look at the final pretty picture.

1. Drag the Rollback Bar all the way to the top of the tree.
2. Click "Re-build." The model disappears.
3. Drag the Rollback Bar down one feature at a time.

You will literally watch the model be built step-by-step, exactly as the original designer intended. This is like watching a master painter work from the blank canvas up. No video tutorial offers this level of forensic learning.