How to Use SOLIDWORKS from Home: VPN, Licensing, and Remote Access Options Explained

1. Understanding SOLIDWORKS Licensing Models

Before discussing remote access, it’s important to understand how SOLIDWORKS licenses work:

• Standalone license: Tied to a single machine. To use it at home, you must deactivate on your office PC and reactivate on your home PC.
• Online license: Tied to a user account rather than a device. Allows you to log in from different machines, but requires internet access.
• SolidNetwork License (SNL, floating): Licenses are pooled on a server and distributed to clients on demand. Common in offices with multiple engineers.
• 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Cloud-connected licensing, accessible on any device through login credentials.

Key takeaway: The way you access SOLIDWORKS remotely depends heavily on which license type you have.

2. Using SOLIDWORKS via VPN

For companies with floating SNL licenses and SOLIDWORKS PDM vaults, VPN is the classic solution.

How it works:

• Your home PC (or work laptop) connects to the company network over VPN.
• This gives access to the license server, PDM database, and archive server.

Requirements:

• Firewall ports must be configured for SNL, SQL, and archive servers.
• A stable internet connection is essential; VPN adds latency that can slow file transfers.

Risks:

• VPN exposes the company network to security threats if users connect from unmanaged personal PCs.
• Performance is often worse than local LAN.

Best practices:

• Use company-issued laptops rather than personal PCs.
• Enforce multi-factor authentication and endpoint protection.
• Consider Remote Desktop (RDP) into a workstation at the office, instead of pulling large assemblies across VPN.

3. License Borrowing and Online Licensing

If VPN isn’t viable, there are other ways to use a license remotely.

• Borrowing a floating license: Check out a license from the SNL server while in the office, then take your laptop home. Works offline for a set period. Limitation: not available for personal PCs.
• Online licensing (standalone): Lets you log into SOLIDWORKS from any machine with your account. This avoids VPN completely.
• Emergency licenses: During COVID-19, VARs issued temporary license files for remote users. Not common now, but worth asking if needed.

4. Alternatives to VPN for SOLIDWORKS PDM

Accessing PDM over VPN can be fragile. Here are options that reduce risk:

• PDM Offline Mode: Check out files into a local view before going remote. Work offline, then reconnect and check in later.
• Structure Copy: Export assemblies and references as a ZIP, work locally, then re-import when back online.
• Remote Desktop to Office Workstation: Keeps large assemblies and vault traffic inside the office network; you only stream screen data.
• 3DEXPERIENCE Platform: A true cloud environment where CAD data is managed in the cloud, eliminating the need for VPN.

5. Modern Option: 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS

Dassault Systèmes is clearly pushing users toward 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, which runs on a login-based model.

Benefits:

• No VPN required.
• Access SOLIDWORKS on any machine where the software is installed.
• Cloud data management (via ENOVIA) replaces PDM vault complexity.

Drawbacks:

• Subscription model.
• May not be practical for teams with heavy legacy PDM setups.

6. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Outdated info: Some engineers still expect the old “Home Use License” program, but it was discontinued.
• Slow VPN performance: Don’t try to open huge assemblies directly over VPN; use RDP or offline workflows.
• Unclear policies: Work with IT to clarify what’s allowed on personal devices. Misalignment causes frustration.

7. Choosing the Right Approach

• Small team with standalone licenses: Use online licensing for flexibility.
• Mid-sized company with SNL: Use company laptops, VPN with MFA, or license borrowing.
• PDM users: Strongly consider RDP or offline workflows to avoid poor VPN performance.
• Cloud-ready teams: Evaluate 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for long-term flexibility.

Conclusion

Working remotely with SOLIDWORKS is possible, but not always seamless. The right approach depends on your license model, IT policies, and tolerance for performance trade-offs.

If you’re frustrated with VPN bottlenecks or licensing restrictions, it may be time to explore online licensing or 3DEXPERIENCE. The goal is simple: keep engineers productive, whether in the office, at home, or on the go.

‍