Run SOLIDWORKS on Mac with Parallels Desktop Pro

Parallels Desktop Pro gives architecture, engineering, and industrial design professionals the power to run the full-featured version of SOLIDWORKS on their Mac devices.
Unlock all features of the popular CAD (computer-aided design) and CAE (computer-aided engineering) software, from cross-platform collaboration to 3D modeling, parametric design, simulation, and beyond.

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Run the full-featured version of SOLIDWORKS on Mac

Master modeling on your Mac with SOLIDWORKS and Parallels Desktop Pro. Access full functionality and features on your existing Mac hardware—so you don’t have to look for a SOLIDWORKS alternative for Mac devices.

Capture your intent with parametric modeling

Define and design your models with intelligent parametric modeling capabilities that can capture your intent and keep up with revisions, changes, and adaptations in a 3D setting.

Work with surface and complex geometry modeling

From freeform surface tools to offsets, lofts, extrudes, and more, SOLIDWORKS gives you a comprehensive toolkit for working with surface geometries to create complex or organic shapes with precision.

Combine sheet metal and weldment structures

Along with complex geometry modeling, SOLIDWORKS gives you specialized tools for working with the components of sheet metal and weldment assemblies like sheets, beams, and tubes.

Innovate faster with design automation and configurations

SOLIDWORKS includes design automation capabilities, including design variation generation and methods for reducing repetitive tasks, to take the heavy lifting out of design—so you can create more efficiently and keep up with demand.

Manage complex designs with assembly modeling

With top-down assembly modeling functions, advanced mate design techniques, and tools for editing assemblies and layouts, SOLIDWORKS helps you create complex products and designs in a structured way.

Test your designs with simulation and analysis tools

SOLIDWORKS allows you to test your designs using FEA techniques to assess their real-world behavior and potential. Run analyses for stress, thermal, motion, and fluid flow.

Show off your designs with photorealistic rendering

Ready to market or present your design? Use the photorealistic rendering engine in SOLIDWORKS software to create high-quality visuals and animations that interact with lighting, scenes, and surroundings.

Convert 3D models to 2D drawings

Once your design is ready, SOLIDWORKS allows you to generate detailed, associative 2D drawings by importing views from your 3D models. You can export these drawings as DXF or DWG files for manufacturing.

Send designs to production with CAM integration

Prepare CAD models for manufacturing—and save on production time—with a direct CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) integration that generates CNC toolpaths.

Keep channels open with PDM and cloud collaboration

Store, access, and share CAD and design data in one centralized location so teams can collaborate, revise, and manage production collaboratively.

Parallels Desktop Pro for Mac

Authorized by Microsoft

Optimized for Mac M-series

Starting at per year

billed annually

Use 200,000+ Windows apps
Access the full range of SOLIDWORKS features
No need for a second Windows machine
Switch between macOS and Windows effortlessly

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Why choose Parallels Desktop Pro for running SOLIDWORKS on Mac

Authorized by Microsoft

The only solution authorized by Microsoft to run Windows 11 on Apple M-series Macs.

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Parallels Toolbox included in the Pro Edition

Gain access to 50+ free productivity tools designed to simplify tasks.

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Live support

24/7 support is available by phone, chat, or email support for all subscribers. Get in touch anytime, anywhere.

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30-day money back guarantee

Cancel any time during your initial month if you are not completely satisfied.

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Trusted by over 7 million Mac users worldwide

“I am an industrial designer who uses SOLIDWORKS extensively and love the Apple experience and have waited for the day SOLIDWORKS will make a product specifically for Mac. Until then, I have been trying to figure out how to use SOLIDWORKS with Parallels Desktop Pro.”

Industrial Designer

“I chose Parallels Desktop Pro because it is really easy to use and set up. I use it often with SOLIDWORKS when modeling and designing parts for the Auburn Formula team.”

Engineering student

Using SOLIDWORKS on Mac FAQ

Can I run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac?

Yes, you can run SOLIDWORKS using Parallels Desktop Pro on any Mac with macOS 12 (Monterey) or higher, including devices with Apple M1, M2, or M3 series chips. Discover how to get the current version of Parallels Desktop Pro here.

Parallels Desktop Pro is a Microsoft-authorized solution that gets you up and running with Windows 11 on your Mac in one click.

Explore this article in our knowledge base to learn how Parallels Desktop Pro 20 is optimized to run SOLIDWORKS and other applications.

What SOLIDWORKS software can I run on a Mac with Parallels Desktop Pro?

With Parallels Desktop Pro, you can run SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE, SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD, SOLIDWORKS xDesign, SOLIDWORKS Electrical, and DraftSight.

What version of Parallels Desktop do I need to run SOLIDWORKS?

SOLIDWORKS runs best with the latest Parallels Desktop Pro Edition. If you need multiple licenses, consider Parallels Desktop for Business or Parallels Desktop Enterprise.

Will running SOLIDWORKS slow down my Mac?

Good news: Running SOLIDWORKS in a virtual machine (VM) through Parallels Desktop Pro on your Mac shouldn’t significantly affect performance.

However, if you find your Mac is running more slowly than usual, it may be worth exploring our tips and tricks for optimization or adding additional memory to your device.

I’m getting an error message when I launch SOLIDWORKS on my Mac. How do I fix it?

You may be able to resolve some error messages by restarting SOLIDWORKS or your virtual machine through your Parallels Desktop Pro interface.

If you’re still encountering problems launching SOLIDWORKS, both SOLIDWORKS and Parallels Desktop Pro provide extensive support options that can help you resolve the issue.

Can I run other Windows applications alongside SOLIDWORKS on Mac?

Yes! You can run other Windows apps in addition to SOLIDWORKS on Mac using Parallels Desktop Pro. For extra immersion, you can learn how to use Coherence mode in Parallels Desktop Pro to blend your Windows and Mac operating systems.

Can I collaborate with Windows users while running SOLIDWORKS on a Mac with Parallels Desktop Pro?

You can! Because Parallels Desktop Pro creates a Windows virtual machine on your Mac, you can collaborate with other Windows users just as if you were using a regular Windows machine.

Is SOLIDWORKS on Mac with Parallels Desktop Pro compatible with third-party software?

Parallels Desktop Pro allows you to run the Windows version of SOLIDWORKS, and third-party software compatibility is tied to the version. It may affect the availability or performance of specific features or workflows within SOLIDWORKS.

Does Parallels Desktop Pro offer educational discounts?

Parallels Desktop Pro comes with exclusive discounts of up to 50% off for students enrolled in a qualifying institution or professional educators employed at an eligible institution. Get started by verifying your educational discount eligibility here.

How do university students and faculty benefit from using Parallels Desktop Pro to run SOLIDWORKS on Mac?

Parallels Desktop Pro has been recommended by leading academic institutions to run SOLIDWORKS on Mac through a Windows virtual machine. Academic institutions use SOLIDWORKS in their curriculums for students in the architecture, engineering, and industrial design fields.

By using Parallels Desktop Pro as a bridge between popular Mac hardware and Windows-based SOLIDWORKS software, universities and colleges empower students and educators to learn and teach across platforms.