Solid Edge Community Edition: Free 3D CAD for Makers
Solid Edge Community Edition · for Windows
Developer: Siemens Digital Industries Software (opens in a new tab)
- Windows
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: resources.sw.siemens.com
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Designcenter Solid Edge Community Edition is a free version of Siemens' Solid Edge 3D CAD software for makers, hobbyists and enthusiasts. It is for personal, non-commercial use: files cannot be opened in commercial versions and 2D drawings are watermarked.
Siemens’ Solid Edge (now branded Designcenter Solid Edge) is a professional 3D CAD system for mechanical design. The Community Edition gives makers, hobbyists and engineers working on personal projects the same core design tools for free.
What you can design
- Parts, assemblies and sheet metal.
- Automated drafting and exploded views.
- Animation, advanced rendering and simulation.
- Synchronous technology, Siemens’ approach to editing models directly without rebuilding a feature history.
Parts and assemblies you design can be 3D printed, which makes the Community Edition popular for prototypes and home workshop projects.
The limits
Siemens is clear about the conditions:
- It is intended for personal use and may not be used for commercial purposes.
- Files created in the Community Edition cannot be opened in commercial versions of Solid Edge.
- 2D drawings are watermarked.
For commercial work, Siemens offers an online subscription. Qualifying startups can apply for a free annual Solid Edge Premium subscription, and there is a separate free program for students.
How to download
- The Download button opens the official Community Edition page on Siemens’ site.
- Choose Download on that page and follow the steps to get the installer.
- Install it on a Windows PC.
Community editions can trail the latest commercial release for a while, so check which version you receive.
If you want a parametric CAD tool with no commercial restrictions at all, OpenSCAD is open source. The commercial alternative many compare with Solid Edge is SOLIDWORKS.
Pros
- Professional 3D CAD tools at no cost
- Parts, assemblies, sheet metal and simulation
- Designs can be 3D printed
Cons
- Personal, non-commercial use only
- Files do not open in commercial versions
- 2D drawings are watermarked
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell products designed in Solid Edge Community Edition?
No. Siemens states the Community Edition is intended for personal use and may not be used for commercial purposes. A paid subscription is available for commercial projects.
Can I open Community Edition files in the commercial Solid Edge?
No. Files created in the Community Edition cannot be opened in commercial versions of Designcenter Solid Edge.
Solid Edge Community EditionFree
Download (opens in a new tab)
