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Does SOLIDWORKS Work on Mac?

Yes—but not as a native macOS desktop application. The current SOLIDWORKS desktop application is supported on Windows, while SOLIDWORKS provides several ways to use its design tools from a Mac.

For the full desktop SOLIDWORKS experience, a Windows PC/workstation remains the recommended option, particularly for demanding mechanical CAD work because graphics compatibility and performance can be limiting on Macs.

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Ways to Use SOLIDWORKS on a Mac

1. Use Parallels Desktop + Windows

One option is to run Windows in a virtual machine using Parallels Desktop and then install SOLIDWORKS inside Windows.

SOLIDWORKS currently lists Parallels Desktop 26.0.1 on Mac among its supported virtual-environment configurations for SOLIDWORKS 2026.

Parallels Desktop for Mac: Official setup guide and performance recommendations for running SOLIDWORKS on macOS via Windows 11 virtualization.

Advantages

• Keeps macOS as your main operating system
• Allows Windows applications to run alongside Mac applications
• Convenient for students and occasional CAD work

Disadvantages

• Uses additional RAM and CPU resources
• Graphics performance can be lower than a dedicated Windows workstation
• Some SOLIDWORKS functionality may be limited
• Hardware/graphics certification needs careful consideration

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2. Use Windows Through Boot Camp

On compatible Intel-based Macs, Windows can be installed using Apple’s Boot Camp approach, allowing the Mac to boot directly into Windows.

This provides a more direct Windows environment than virtualization.

Important

Apple’s newer Apple-silicon Macs do not use the traditional Boot Camp setup, so this method is mainly relevant to older Intel Macs.

Also, SOLIDWORKS’ current support documentation specifically notes that Macs running Windows through Boot Camp are not supported.

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3. Use SOLIDWORKS Browser-Based Tools

SOLIDWORKS also offers browser-based design tools that can run on a Mac without installing the traditional Windows desktop application.

The SOLIDWORKS Cloud offerings provide browser-based capabilities for areas including:

• Parametric design
• Freeform design
• Sheet metal
• Structural design
• Rendering
• Manufacturing detailing
• Collaboration
• Data management

Best For

• Students
• Learning CAD
• Mac users
• Collaborative design
• Users who don’t want to install Windows

This is one of the most convenient options if you specifically want to work from macOS.

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4. Use eDrawings on Mac

If you don’t need to create or fully edit SOLIDWORKS models, eDrawings is available for macOS.

It can be useful for:

• Viewing SOLIDWORKS models
• Reviewing assemblies
• Viewing drawings
• Sharing designs
• Basic design communication

However, eDrawings is not a replacement for the full SOLIDWORKS CAD application.

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Mac vs. Windows for SOLIDWORKS

Feature	Mac	Windows PC
Native SOLIDWORKS desktop app	❌	✅
SOLIDWORKS through virtualization	✅	—
Browser-based SOLIDWORKS tools	✅	✅
eDrawings	✅	✅
Full desktop CAD experience	Limited/workarounds	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Graphics compatibility	More complicated	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Professional mechanical CAD	Possible with limitations	Recommended

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Which Method Should You Use?

Student

Browser-based SOLIDWORKS or Parallels + Windows

Good if you’re primarily learning part modeling, assemblies, and drawings.

Professional Engineer

Windows workstation ⭐

This is the safest choice for demanding professional SOLIDWORKS work.

Mac User Who Only Needs to View Models

eDrawings for Mac

is a convenient option.

User Who Wants Cloud-Based CAD

Use the SOLIDWORKS browser-based/cloud tools.

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