Configurations (SOLIDWORKS)
Named variations of a part or assembly that share a parent file — different sizes, material choices, or feature-suppression states in one SLDPRT/SLDASM.
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Definition
Configurations let one part file represent a family of parts (e.g., a fastener at 25 lengths). Each configuration stores its own dimension values, suppressed/unsuppressed feature states, material, custom properties. The configuration tree is navigable from the ConfigurationManager tab.
Configurations can be driven manually, by a design table (Excel), or by the inline configuration table inside SOLIDWORKS.
Why it matters
Configurations replace 200 nearly-identical SLDPRT files with one file. Bill of materials (BOMs), drawings, and assembly references all configuration-aware. Without configurations, every nut, bolt, and standard part bloats the file system.
Common pitfalls
- Using configurations where derived parts would be cleaner — feature explosion makes the file unwieldy.
- Forgetting that suppressed features in a configuration may still exist in feature-tree references downstream.
- Not designing configurations to share parents — refactoring later requires re-publishing.
What a configuration actually stores
A configuration is a named variation of the same document. It can suppress/unsuppress features and components, override dimension and equation values, change custom properties, and switch mate states — all without a second file. Configurations are stored inside the part/assembly and surfaced through the ConfigurationManager tab. Derived configurations inherit from a parent so shared changes propagate automatically.
Driving configurations at scale
For a handful of variants, right-click in the ConfigurationManager and edit values manually. For a family (fasteners, fittings, standard frames), drive them from a Design Table so an Excel grid owns every parameter. Keep a lightweight as-machined vs as-cast split with derived configurations, and expose only the properties downstream drawings and BOMs need via configuration-specific custom properties.
References
Primary and vendor documentation used while writing this page (external links, not republished):
SOLIDWORKS Ecosystem Context
This concept is a core structural element of the SOLIDWORKS drafting and engineering environment developed by Dassault Systèmes. Dassault Systèmes' mainstream parametric MCAD — feature-based modelling, assembly mates, and 2D drawings tightly coupled to the 3D model.
Relevant SOLIDWORKS FAQs
❓ Is SOLIDWORKS available on macOS?
Not natively. SOLIDWORKS is Windows-only. Mac users run it via Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp (Intel Macs). On Apple Silicon, virtualisation is limited. The official cross-platform alternative from Dassault is the browser-based xDesign on 3DEXPERIENCE.
❓ What's the difference between SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, and Premium?
Standard is the core modelling + drawings package. Professional adds CAD Library, PhotoView 360 rendering, eDrawings Professional, Toolbox, advanced sheet metal. Premium adds Simulation, Routing (electrical/piping), ScanTo3D, Motion. Most production shops use Premium; education usually uses Premium-equivalent.
❓ What is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS vs. traditional SOLIDWORKS?
Traditional SOLIDWORKS is a desktop product, files saved to disk/network/PDM. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is the same desktop product but cloud-connected: files saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, license tied to a Platform identity, and access to companion cloud apps (3D Sculptor / xDesign, simulation, PLM).
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🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD Specialization (Coursera)
SOLIDWORKS - Tutorial for Beginners in 13 MINUTES!
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