Your Essential Guide to Understanding SOLIDWORKS File Types

Ever wondered why SOLIDWORKS uses so many different file formats? Each one plays a specific role in how your designs are created, stored, and shared.

From 3D parts and assemblies to 2D drawings and neutral exchange files, every format helps you manage a different step of your design work.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every major SOLIDWORKS file type, what they do, and which ones you can import and export to other CAD software.

What Are SOLIDWORKS File Types?

When you work with CAD software like SOLIDWORKS, you deal with different types of CAD files that store your 3D models, drawings, and design data. SOLIDWORKS documents come in several formats, each serving a unique purpose in your design process.

The most common ones are part or assembly documents. A part file holds a single 3D model, such as a screw or bracket, while an assembly file combines several parts to form a complete product. You can think of these as the building blocks of your design.

Drawings are another common file type. They translate your 3D models into 2D technical views with dimensions and notes that help in manufacturing. These are what you often share with machinists or suppliers.

Beyond the main file types, there’s also the composer file, which is useful when you need to create product manuals, animations, or visual presentations from your existing models. It lets you show how something is built or assembled without editing the original design.

SOLIDWORKS can also read files from other programs. This helps you work with teams using different CAD tools or import 3D printing and mesh formats for further modeling.

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Native SOLIDWORKS File Types

Native SOLIDWORKS file types are the core CAD formats you use when creating and managing your designs in the software.

These files store your main design data and let you move between modeling, assembly, and drawing with full compatibility. Each file serves a specific role in your design process.

Here are the main types you’ll work with:

• Part files (.sldprt): Used for individual 3D parts. Each file contains a single model, like a screw, gear, or bracket. These files are versioned by SOLIDWORKS releases, such as 2022 or 2023.
• Assembly files (.sldasm): Combine multiple part files to show how components fit and move together in a full design.
• Drawing files (.slddrw): Create 2D documentation directly linked to your 3D parts or assemblies. These include dimensions, notes, and views for manufacturing.
• Template files (.prtdot, .asmtmplt, .drwtmplt): Help you start new designs with consistent settings and layouts for parts, assemblies, or drawings.
• Library feature part (.sldlfp): Store predefined features like holes or cuts that you can reuse to save time on repetitive designs.
• Edrawings (.eprt): Lightweight files for sharing 3D models and drawings with others who don’t have SOLIDWORKS installed.
• Form tool (.sldftp): Specialized files used in sheet metal design for creating stamping, forming, or cutting features.

Data Exchange and Neutral File Formats

When you need to share your designs with others who use different software, SOLIDWORKS lets you export and import neutral formats.

These are standard file types that make it easier to move files between systems while keeping your model geometry intact.

They’re especially useful when you work with teams using different design tools or when you want to send files for simulation, 3D printing, or manufacturing.

Here are the main data exchange and neutral formats you’ll work with:

• 3D XML (.3dxml): Stores detailed 3D modeling information. Often used with 3DX applications for visualizing and sharing product data.
• ACIS (.sat): Built using the AutoCAD kernel, this format is popular for exchanging CAD data across different software.
• IGES (.igs): One of the earliest file types for 3D data sharing. It supports wireframes and solid models, but is less common today.
• Parasolid (.x_t / .x_b): The native kernel format for SOLIDWORKS. It’s the best option when importing or exporting SOLIDWORKS part files for direct modeling without losing accuracy.
• STEP (.step, .stp): Widely used for transferring detailed 3D models between various CAD programs. It’s often preferred for mechanical design collaboration.
• VDA-FS (.vda): Originally developed for the automotive industry, though now largely replaced by STEP files.

Mesh and 3D Printing Formats

When it comes to 3D printing or sharing models for visualization, mesh file formats are your go-to options. These files store your design as a collection of triangles that define the shape of your model’s surface.

They’re lightweight and easy to process, which makes them perfect for printing and rendering. Here are the main mesh and 3D printing formats you’ll use:

• STL (.stl): The most common file type for 3D printing. It’s widely supported by nearly all 3D printers and is ideal for rapid prototyping.
• VRML (.wrl): Often used for web-based 3D visualization. It supports color and texture, which makes it useful for interactive online models.
• 3MF (.3mf): A newer, more detailed format meant to replace STL. It stores color, materials, and other properties, providing more accurate 3D print results.
• AMF (.amf): Designed for additive manufacturing, this format includes metadata like material type and color, helping you manage complex print jobs.

Using these formats makes it easy to prepare your models for 3D printing or visual presentations without losing important geometric or visual details.

2D Vector File Formats

2D vector file formats store your drawings using math-based data instead of pixels. This means your lines, curves, and shapes stay sharp no matter how much you zoom in or resize them.

These formats are especially useful when sharing 2D data for manufacturing, documentation, or working with other CAD systems.

Here are the most common 2D vector file formats used in SOLIDWORKS:

• DXF (drawing exchange format): DXF files are commonly used to exchange 2D CAD data between different programs and CNC machines.
• DWG: A native AutoCAD format that SOLIDWORKS supports for both import and export, making collaboration simple.
• AI (Adobe Illustrator): A vector graphic format often used in graphic design. You can import or export this format for logos or layout elements.
• PDF: Though mainly for documents, PDFs exported from SOLIDWORKS can include vector-based drawing views that keep sharp details.
• SVG (scalable vector graphics): A web-standard format that stores vector graphics. It’s less common in SOLIDWORKS but useful when creating visuals for web or digital content.

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What Can You Import and Export Into SOLIDWORKS?

To help you understand which file types work with SOLIDWORKS, we’ve prepared a table below showing what you can open and what you can save when you use the software. This is useful when you work with people who use other design programs.

The table lists each file type and shows whether SOLIDWORKS can import or export it. You can see which formats work for part files, assemblies, and drawings.

For example, you can check if IGES files or STEP file formats are supported for both importing and exporting.

It also shows support for other formats like VRML files, which are common when sharing 3D designs online.

Application	Parts Import	Parts Export	Assemblies Import	Assemblies Export	Drawings Import	Drawings Export
3D XML		✅		✅
ACIS	✅	✅	✅	✅
Adobe Illustrator	✅	✅			✅	✅
Adobe Photoshop PSD	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Adobe Portable Document Format		✅		✅		✅
Autodesk Inventor	✅		✅
CADKEY	✅	✅	✅
CATIA V5	✅		✅
DXF/DWG files	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
DXF 3D	✅
Highly Compressed Graphics		✅		✅
IFC	✅	✅	✅	✅
IGES	✅	✅	✅	✅
JPEG		✅		✅		✅
JT	✅		✅
Mechanical Desktop	✅		✅
Parasolid	✅	✅	✅	✅
PDF		✅		✅		✅
ProE/Creo	✅	✅	✅	✅
Rhino	✅
ScanTo3D	✅	✅
Solid Edge	✅		✅
STEP	✅	✅	✅	✅
STL files	✅	✅	✅	✅
TIFF	✅	✅	✅	✅		✅
Unigraphics/NX™	✅		✅
VDAFS	✅	✅
VRML	✅	✅	✅	✅

Source: help.solidworks.com

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Why Is It Important to Understand SOLIDWORKS File Types?

With the number of different file types that work with SOLIDWORKS, it can feel overwhelming to understand them all. But why should you put in the effort to learn them? Here are some benefits that it can give you and your team:

Efficient Project Workflows

When you understand how each file extension functions, your projects move more smoothly. For example, separating your solid models into part, assembly, and drawing files helps you track design intent clearly.

You know exactly where your 3D geometry lives and how it connects to related documentation. This structure also makes revisions faster since changes to one file update across linked documents automatically.

Better Collaboration

When working with suppliers or teams using different programs, it’s common to exchange data in neutral formats like STEP or IGES. These make it possible to export CAD files without losing accuracy.

Understanding which format to use helps you keep design details intact while simplifying communication with partners who don’t use the same CAD software.

Manufacturing Readiness

When your design is ready for production, choosing the right file type becomes key. You might send only graphical information for visual review or export CAD files like DXF for laser cutting or STL for 3D printing.

Picking the correct format helps your manufacturing team work directly from your model without conversion issues, reducing delays and rework.

File Management and Version Control

Knowing how each file behaves also helps with storage and updates. For instance, keeping the original part file separate from shared or converted versions prevents data loss during the import process.

Setting consistent naming rules for each file extension also makes it easier to organize your projects, manage backups, and maintain control across multiple versions.

Leveraging SOLIDWORKS Features

Some SOLIDWORKS formats contain full CAD data, while others hold only graphical information. You might even use extended reality files to visualize products in AR or VR.

Knowing the difference means you can decide when to use editable files for modeling or lighter formats for sharing. This understanding saves time and helps you get the most from your tools without slowing down your workflow.

One Design Review Platform for All Your CAD Files: CADchat

If your team works with CAD models, CADchat makes collaboration simple. It’s a cloud-based meeting and communication tool built for engineers, designers, and other users who handle CAD files every day.

Whether you’re building components, reviewing digital models, or refining your design process, CADchat brings everything into one place.

What makes it stand out is that it’s completely file-agnostic. You don’t need to worry about what software a teammate is using or what SOLIDWORKS file type they sent. CADchat supports them all.

You can open, review, and discuss models from any platform without converting or re-uploading files. This CAD interoperability saves time, reduces confusion, and helps everyone focus on design instead of compatibility issues.

When you upload your model, you can create discussions, highlight specific details, and share design intent with your team.

Even non-technical members can view 3D models and provide input without needing CAD software. That makes communication smoother and helps you save time during reviews and approvals.

Collaborate freely across different CAD formats. Get started with CADchat now!

FAQs About SOLIDWORKS File Types

What file format does SOLIDWORKS use?

SOLIDWORKS mainly uses the SLDPRT file format for part models, SLDASM for assemblies, and SLDDRW for drawings. These are its native file types and are used to save and edit designs directly in the software.

What are the 4 types of files?

The four main types of files in SOLIDWORKS are part files, assembly files, drawing files, and template files. Each one serves a different purpose, from creating 3D parts to combining them and generating technical drawings.

What files can be imported to SOLIDWORKS?

SOLIDWORKS can import many file formats, including STEP, IGES, STL, DXF, DWG, and Parasolid files. This lets users work with designs from other CAD programs without losing key model details.

What is the difference between an STP file and a CAD file?

An STP file is a neutral 3D format used for sharing models between different design programs, while a CAD file is a native file made in specific software like SOLIDWORKS or AutoCAD. In short, STP files are for compatibility, and CAD files are for editing.