What File Types Does SOLIDWORKS Support?

30-Second Summary

Introduction

Why understanding SOLIDWORKS file types is important.

Native SOLIDWORKS File Formats

Core formats for parts, assemblies, and drawings.

Common Import and Export Formats

How SOLIDWORKS communicates with other CAD systems.

2D Drawing and Manufacturing Formats

DWG, DXF, and CNC compatibility.

Neutral and 3D Printing Formats

STEP, IGES, STL, and additive manufacturing.

Choosing the Right Format for Collaboration

When to use which type.

Conclusion

How our team helps streamline file management and interoperability.

One of the most common questions we get is: “What file types can SOLIDWORKS open or save?”

Knowing this is key to keeping your projects moving smoothly from design to production.

Whether you’re importing customer data, exporting parts for manufacturing, or preparing a model for 3D printing, understanding SOLIDWORKS file formats helps you avoid errors and save time.

As an authorised SOLIDWORKS reseller, MECAD Systems helps local designers and engineers work confidently with any kind of CAD data, from legacy AutoCAD drawings to modern 3D formats.

1. Native SOLIDWORKS File Formats

SOLIDWORKS uses three main file types during design; one for parts, one for assemblies, and one for drawings:

File Type	Extension	Purpose
Part File	.SLDPRT	Contains a single 3D model with full feature history, sketches, and materials.
Assembly File	.SLDASM	References multiple parts and defines how they fit together.
Drawing File	.SLDDRW	2D documentation linked to parts or assemblies, used for production drawings.

These files work together – your assembly references part files, and your drawings reference both.

Tip: Keep related files in the same folder or within SOLIDWORKS PDM to prevent broken references when collaborating.

2. Common Import and Export Formats

SOLIDWORKS supports a wide range of file types, making it easy to share models with clients and suppliers who use other CAD tools.

Common Import Formats: STEP, IGES, Parasolid, ACIS, DWG/DXF, STL, OBJ, CATIA, PTC Creo, NX, Solid Edge, Inventor.
Common Export Formats: STEP, IGES, Parasolid, ACIS (for manufacturing); STL, OBJ, 3MF (for 3D printing); DWG, DXF, PDF, and eDrawings (for collaboration).

Tip: STEP (.stp) is the safest universal choice when sharing models with non-SOLIDWORKS users.

3. 2D Drawing and Manufacturing Formats

For manufacturing and 2D workflows, DWG and DXF are the go-to file types. They’re used across laser cutting, plasma, CNC, and drafting software such as AutoCAD or DraftSight.

SOLIDWORKS exports DWG/DXF drawings with all your line weights, layers, and annotations intact – so you can go from design to cutting with no rework.

Tools like SOLIDWORKS CAM and SOLIDWORKS Inspection also integrate directly with these file types to generate toolpaths and inspection documentation automatically.

4. Neutral and 3D Printing Formats

For manufacturing and additive workflows, SOLIDWORKS supports neutral formats like STEP, IGES, and Parasolid, which are ideal for transferring models to CNC or CAM systems.

For 3D printing, the most common export formats include:

STL (.stl) – The standard triangular mesh format used by most 3D printers.
3MF (.3mf) – A newer format that includes colour, material, and texture data.
OBJ (.obj) – Useful for visualisation and full-colour printing.

When exporting for printing, you can control mesh quality, resolution, and tolerance directly from SOLIDWORKS, ensuring accuracy and smooth surfaces on your printed parts.

5. Choosing the Right File Format for Collaboration

Selecting the right file type depends on who you’re sharing with and how they’ll use the data. Here’s a quick guide:

Goal	Recommended Format	Why
Sharing with another SOLIDWORKS user	.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW	Keeps full design intent and links
Sending to a manufacturer	.STEP, .IGES, .PARASOLID	Universally readable and lightweight
Laser cutting / 2D CNC	.DWG, .DXF	Standard for fabrication
3D printing	.STL, .3MF, .OBJ	Compatible with all slicers.
Design review	.EPRT, .EDRW, .PDF	Easy to view without SOLIDWORKS

6. Working with Imported Data

Importing files from another CAD platform? SOLIDWORKS makes it simple.

3D Interconnect lets you open CATIA, Inventor, Creo, and NX files directly — no conversion needed.
Feature Recognition rebuilds imported geometry into editable SOLIDWORKS features.
Import Diagnostics automatically repairs geometry issues.

Together, these tools ensure smooth collaboration across mixed CAD environments.

7. How We Help Our Clients Manage File Compatibility

At MECAD Systems, we help teams simplify their CAD file management, from migrating legacy data to setting up clean PDM structures.

Whether you’re switching from another CAD system or standardising how suppliers deliver parts, our engineers can help you:

Convert and clean up legacy data
Prevent broken file references
Improve team collaboration through PDM and standard export workflows

Tip: Need advice on which file types fit your workflow? Our experts will recommend the best setup for your process.

8. The Bottom Line

So, what file types does SOLIDWORKS support? In short – nearly all major CAD, CAM, and manufacturing formats.

From its native .SLDPRT, .SLDASM, and .SLDDRW files to neutral formats like STEP, IGES, and STL, SOLIDWORKS makes it easy to collaborate across industries and platforms.

Whether you’re sending parts to a fabricator, preparing 3D prints, or working with legacy AutoCAD drawings, SOLIDWORKS gives you complete flexibility.

If you’d like help streamlining file management or choosing the right export process, contact MECAD Systems, our team will help you keep your workflow smooth, accurate, and future-ready.