SolidWorks works on Windows and Mac OS and requires a dual-core CPU, 8GB RAM, 2GB free disk space, and a minimum of 2GB graphics memory.

To purchase the software, you need to contact the SolidWorks sales team.

You can get the software with a standalone license or a subscription service with technical support, upgrades, and more. However, the learning curve is quite steep, so beginners may take a while to understand it fully. It also has analytical and testing tools that help you check your designs' integrity. SolidWorks can be your go-to software for complex woodworking designs, as it offers a range of features. The software also has an active community of woodworkers on its forums and message boards where you can collaborate and share ideas.Īlso, it has powerful 2D drafting features, animation tools, and 3D designing capabilities.

It has many templates to create projects according to your skills and preferences easily. SolidWorks is a great woodworking design software that enables you to create intricate patterns. To run the desktop version, your computer needs a 1 GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, 1GB of free hard-disk space, a video card with 512 MB of memory or higher, and hardware acceleration. SketchUp is compatible with Windows and Mac and works with a web browser on any device. However, the paid version allows you to create 3D designs, annotate, and collaborate with others directly from your iPad.Īlso, it supports the Apple Pencil and multi-touch gestures. The only downside is that the software doesn't have stress analysis or design parameters, and there is a cost for using it commercially. SketchUp also has a variety of plugins, like the CutList plugin, to enhance the software's capabilities.Įven for beginners, the software is easy to use and allows for building designs from scratch and editing existing ones. It includes drawing tools like the pencil, rectangle, and arc tools, plus more advanced features like the follow me tool, which helps create complex shapes and forms. The most significant benefit of SketchUp for woodworking design is its range of tools and features. If you need help with the interface, you can find helpful resources such as YouTube video tutorials and detailed books. It is a versatile software offering 2D and 3D modeling capabilities, making it an excellent choice for woodworking design. SketchUp is a popular choice among many woodworkers.

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