Can SolidWorks License Be Shared?

When it comes to software licensing, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions set by the software provider. SolidWorks, a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software, is no exception.

Many users wonder if they can share their SolidWorks license with others. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the possibilities.

Understanding SolidWorks Licensing

SolidWorks offers different types of licenses based on usage requirements. The most common types are:

Standalone License: This license is tied to a specific computer or user and allows only one instance of SolidWorks to run at a time.
Network License: This license is hosted on a server and allows multiple users to access SolidWorks simultaneously within the licensed quantity.

The key difference between these licenses lies in their ability to be shared among multiple users.

Sharing Standalone Licenses

In general, standalone licenses are not designed to be shared among multiple users simultaneously. Each standalone license is intended for use by a single individual on a specific computer. Sharing such licenses would violate the terms of use set by SolidWorks and may lead to legal consequences.

If you need to collaborate with others using SolidWorks, there are alternative options available:

Create separate user accounts: If you have multiple designers or engineers working in your organization, it’s recommended to obtain individual standalone licenses for each user. This ensures compliance with SolidWorks’ licensing policies while allowing everyone to work independently.
Use network licenses: If your organization requires multiple users to access SolidWorks simultaneously, consider investing in network licenses. These licenses are specifically designed for shared usage and can be accessed by multiple users from different computers within the licensed quantity.

Sharing Network Licenses

Network licenses are designed for sharing among multiple users within the licensed quantity. When you purchase a network license, you install the SolidWorks License Manager on a server, which hosts the licenses and manages their distribution to users on connected computers.

The number of simultaneous SolidWorks instances that can be launched depends on the number of network licenses purchased. For example, if your organization has ten network licenses, up to ten users can run SolidWorks concurrently.

Benefits of Network License Sharing

Sharing network licenses offers several advantages:

Cost-effectiveness: Network licenses allow organizations to optimize their software investment by providing access to multiple users without purchasing individual licenses for each person.
Flexibility: Network licenses enable easy collaboration and resource allocation. Users can access SolidWorks from any connected computer, making it convenient for teams working on different projects or locations.
Centralized management: With a network license setup, administrators have better control over license usage. They can monitor and manage license distribution, ensuring compliance with the licensed quantity.

In Conclusion

SolidWorks standalone licenses should not be shared among multiple users simultaneously as it violates licensing terms. Instead, consider obtaining separate standalone licenses or investing in network licenses based on your organization’s requirements. Network licenses allow simultaneous access for multiple users within the licensed quantity while offering cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and centralized management.

If you have any further questions regarding SolidWorks licensing or need assistance in choosing the right licensing option, it’s recommended to reach out to SolidWorks’ official support or consult with a certified SolidWorks reseller.