r/SolidWorks • u/Allergic2Humans • 5d ago
Hardware Clone solidworks for Linux/Mac?
Now that people are reverse engineering using AI and rebuilding products for different platforms, are there thoughts on doing this for solidworks? Not to be fully feature compliant because yes solidworks needs a lot of hardware optimization from windows but atleast something that works for intermediate levels?
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u/chooKcha 5d ago
Yes.... try it: https://github.com/bherbruck/solidcraft
Might not be perfect on day 1 but either was SW.
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u/emorisch CSWP 5d ago
Not sure how confident I would be in vibe-coding something as calculation intensive as a CAD software.
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u/shakalakagoo 5d ago
I've tried to vibe code some FEA sheets on Julia and failed miserably. IA is far from that, at least nowadays
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u/Lopsided_Quarter_931 4d ago
Vibe coding is a somehow dismissive term for people with no background in software engineering to publish untested software or websites. At least for me. Coding agents in the hands of experienced software developers that know how to structure a project with testing back and front etc is crazy powerful. I’m watching my old colleagues and friends who gave founded and sold software companies build insanely complex stuff alone in very short time. Someone replacing Solidworks according to accepted software development standards will happen, I have zero doubts.
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u/HectorTheMelancholic 3d ago
Sorry but this is just an excuse, anyone with the right amount of time can learn these language.
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u/space_wiener 4d ago
What’s your point exactly? The dude that reverse engineered the abode stuff said it was vibe coded. And it’s also full of bugs. So the person you are replying to is correct.
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u/IntelligentRevenue39 5d ago
I don't need a 1:1 clone. Wishlist for anyone thinking about doing this:
- keep all workflows the same so I won't have to learn a new system.
- output in .sldasm, .sldprt, .slddrw, x_t, .dxf, .pdf, .step, .igs, .stl
- make it hostable so multiple users can share a strong GPU and work off a browser, and I can manipulate an assembly with a tablet
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u/mxracer888 4d ago
Unfortunately the sldasm/sldprt/slddrw file specs are not publicly published, so I don't believe it's possible to output on Solidworks file types in the way that ArtCraft did with Photoshop, Adobe published the .PSD file type specification so that's why he was able to do it.
I've looked at tackling the idea though, currently working on an implicit model CAD software that should give a solid base of features to pull over into a parametric software though
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u/IntelligentRevenue39 4d ago
CREO and other packages can import SLDxxx so maybe someone's already figured out the formatting?
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u/mildw4ve 4d ago
I'm pretty sure adding Solidworks file support to software like CREO costs money for licensing, might be wrong.
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u/IntelligentRevenue39 4d ago
Interesting case study. To avoid legal issues, then, I'd be all for something that works like Solidworks but outputs Parasolid
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u/Neither-Goat6705 4d ago
They just extract the parasolid geometry stream from the file. File is most likely a Structured Storage formatted file developed by MS with a specific extension and there are common methods and tools to open and read the storage streams
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u/TheBlackComet 5d ago
OnShape. Browser based and made by the original Somidworks team. Not the exact same workflow, but very similar.
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 5d ago
Have you looked at the xDesign apps? They are 100% developed by SOLIDWORKS and run in a browser, even on Linux machines, Android tablets, Apple devices, Chromebooks, etc. I run them on my Amazon Fire tablet. They are not native SOLIDWORKS files. Instead they use the CATIA geometry kernel. But they dp export in all the popular neutral file formats. You can share your Collaborative clous storage space with users and work on projects together. If your device has a dedicated GPU, that will enhance performance.
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u/IntelligentRevenue39 5d ago
I have looked into xDesign. It's $2500/yr, in case anyone else is curious
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 5d ago edited 5d ago
That's the commercial pricing. Are you a commercial user? The Maker version (which prohibits commercial use) is $48USD annually (and currently on sale for $24USD thru the end of October). There is also a student license of the xApps, in case you are a student.
Maker discount code = HALLOWEEN50OFF
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u/IntelligentRevenue39 5d ago
I believe there is a cap to how much revenue an individual can make before needing to switch over to commercial ... still, for a web-based solution $24 isn't bad at all. Thanks for letting me know about the sale
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 5d ago
Yep. $2000USD is the PROFIT (not revenue) limits for income derived from using the Maker versions. The terms of the license prohibit using it for freelance or consulting work, or commercial endeavours. It is strictly for hobbyist and personal use and is not intended for any serious form of freelance commercial use. An Etsy storefront, yes. An engineering consultancy, no.
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u/ktm1001 4d ago edited 4d ago
And files are marked as maker version or something(or perhaps not editable). Nobody wants some strange files in their system. Totally useless...
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 4d ago
Edible? 🤔
SOLIDWORKS for $2 a month is useless? 🤔
Strange files? 🤔
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u/ktm1001 4d ago
Idk how it works.... But I'm sure files are flagged like they are educational licence or something. No company can't take them and use them in their assemblies. Perhaps like step, but then is whatever how I make them
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 4d ago
Yes. The Maker version native .SLD**** files do carry a digital watermark that prevents them being used by commercial or student/academic licenses. It's no secret. That info is published in the Maker version FAQs and other product literature. What's the big deal about it? It keeps unscrupulous folks from abusing the service that SOLIDWORKS and Dassault are offering .
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u/Dr_Lipshitz_ 5d ago
Buddy, SW will sue you for looking at their software wrong. Would love to see someone clone it
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u/LeadingImportant1142 5d ago
Lets see how the whole Abobe thing pans out. It's a huge gray area at this point.
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u/mxracer888 4d ago
Not really a gray area as long as it's truly a clean room build. If it turns out there's Adobe code in the project it'll be a firestorm, but as long as it's truly clean room their only options are to attempt to purchase it, or ignore it completely, or to compete which would likely mean drastic reduction in price or even properly features free tiers
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u/FeverForest 4d ago
Everyone forgets about the 6000+ patents Adobe holds for very abstract ways of editing photos. Vibe code themselves directly into infringement.
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u/Dr_Lipshitz_ 4d ago
100% agree. I regularly use Adobe for work and its gone to shit the past few years. They got way too comfortable just existing at the top. SW feels very similar
Maybe one day theyll be proper competition again.
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u/flyinghorselabs 5d ago
I've though the same. All I want is a damn Linux client.
I think the better approach though is to use FreeCAD as a base and ape Solidworks' workflow and UI.
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u/Don_Q_Jote 5d ago
I would think starting from scratch to build your own CAD software might be easier than trying to clone and debug all the translation issues. But...
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u/socal_nerdtastic 5d ago
All the worlds software is moving online, where OS does not matter. Eventually Solidworks will come out with an online version, but in the meantime you can use OnShape.
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u/Neither-Goat6705 4d ago
Already has... SolidWorks xDesign. But it is not the same app as the desktop version.
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u/SamanthaJaneyCake 4d ago
I hate relying on internet connectivity to use my main tools. I’ll never be fully on board with cloud software.
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u/LRCM CSWP 5d ago
Companies need post-sale support and the ability to use add-ins and integrations.
Somebody might make a clone, but you would need to convince the business users that the most painful part of CAD--switching--isn't painful.
Also, OnShape exists which negates the need for specific OS.
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u/abstract_concept 5d ago
What's wrong with FreeCAD that you couldn't fix instead?
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u/mildw4ve 5d ago
The CAD kernel.
FreeCAD is a truck with a moped engine.8
u/xVolta 5d ago
You think a slop-coded Solidworks clone will be better? Perhaps I could interest you in one of these fine bridges I have for sale!
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u/LeadingImportant1142 5d ago
a slop-coded Adobe is faster and almost as good - and this was done in about a week... image at 6 months or a year...
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u/nomadsgalaxy 4d ago
If you can, go with freecad.
If you can't, and are very much used to Solidworks, I'm working on adapting Proton/Wine to make it work as native as possible within Linux. Here's that project; https://github.com/nomadsgalaxy/SM4L
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u/orion0782 4d ago edited 4d ago
Generally it is not possible since Solidworks is based on the Parasolid Kernel. Any "clone" would need to pay Parasolid for the rights to use the kernel, which defeats the purpose of open source. The only Kernel of note that is open source is OpenCascade. If you'd like a truly open source alternative for Linux and Mac, consider FreeCAD.
BTW: I found a Change.Org petition to make Parasolid open source (with only 8 signatures)!
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u/ATonyD 4d ago
Personally, I'm looking forward to AI putting a bunch of companies out of business. Maybe start with Facebook, Tesla, and a bunch of oil companies. Cloning business models should be the next achievement. As for Solidworks ... just seems like there are better things to do for society.
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u/sixpackabs592 5d ago
You can try on shape it’s a lot of ex solidworks ppl, I know some companies switching over so it must be halfway decent
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 5d ago
u/Allergic2Humans Have you looked at the xDesign apps? They are 100% developed by SOLIDWORKS and run in a browser, even on Linux machines, Android tablets, Apple devices, Chromebooks, etc. I run them on my Amazon Fire tablet. They are not native SOLIDWORKS files. Instead they use the CATIA geometry kernel.
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u/Neither-Goat6705 4d ago
I think the root of confusion with users is due to Dassault naming the legacy Parasolid based desktop product SolidWorks Design and newer Catia code/cloud-based product SolidWorks xDesign. Folks assume they are the same product, just hosted differently but they are in fact completely different products with the native data not shareable between them without going through a translation.
Since xDesign is Catia based, is the data generated by xDesign directly usable in Catia (v6?) without translation?
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 4d ago edited 4d ago
I think of the naming as similar to a Chevy Corvette and a Chevy Camaro. Both are Chevy-branded products developed by Chevy's engineering department from the Chevy division of General Motors.
In their native state, xApps store their models as database objects and not as traditional Windows-style "files". In order to be shared with other apps, especially on a Windows PC, they must be exported using one of many neutral file formats, OR a 3DEXPERIENCE platform-specific file type called 3DXML.
Provided that you export the xDesign model or assembly in a "3DXML with authoring abilities" file format, then it should import into CATIA V6 with no problems.
You may already know, there are two flavors of 3DXML, the default "for viewing only" lightweight format, and the more robust format "with authoring abilities" that contains full sketch, feature, component, and assembly info.
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u/Neither-Goat6705 4d ago
I would equate it to both products being called a Ford Mustang and realizing the appended Mach E derivative is just an electric crossover that shares nothing with a Mustang.
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u/experienced3Dguy CSWE | SW Champion 4d ago
There's the problem! You're used to dealing with Fords! 🤣🤣🤣
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u/Neither-Goat6705 4d ago
I could of used the GMC Denali example were one would expect a fullsize SUV but would be disappointed to find out it is just a bicycle. 😝
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u/LeadingImportant1142 5d ago
Autodesk has already been cloned so it's coming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8yC0dBmm2I&t=15s
I don't condone the outrageous prices companies charge and I am not sure on the legalities of such clones but I also feel that large monopolistic companies are robbing people in more ways than one. (Are you listening Funsion 360? )
With that being said - Solidworks is one of the few that IMO take care of us intermediate users and hobbyist. I would not support a clone of Solidworks since they have a Solidworks for Makers plan that's only $50 a year. This is a deal. It's currently on sale for $25 - this is a STEAL.
I have a full license for my work laptop as well a Makers license on my personal PC at home and they are like 99% identical from a use standpoint. Although you cannot share files between the two, if you are wanting to learn CAD - this is the way to learn an industry wide accepted CAD program.
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u/orion0782 4d ago edited 4d ago
There are plenty of AutoCAD like clones out there (such as QCAD) since the technology is relatively easy to copy. There are plenty of open source picture editing software that have been available for years such as GIMP and Inkscape. 3D modeling is a different beast altogether. The only thing novel about ArtCraft is the means they used to reverse engineer Adobe Illustrator.
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u/HarryBalsagna1776 4d ago
Lol I can't wait to see the even more buggy, less optimized vibe coded slop that people try to pass as CAD software. Will be hilarious.
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u/SexyGoy 2d ago
Keep licking the boot. Ok so have you used FreeCAD? Its hella sloppy compared to SW. Just downloaded the PDF thing and it looks fine. I'll use it and report back if it's slop or not!
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u/HarryBalsagna1776 2d ago
I'm not going to waste my time creating IP with buggy, unreliable tools with unknown security features and an unknown future. By all means, knock yourself out though.
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u/WeirdEngineerDude 5d ago
You’d have to reverse engineer all the crashes and then the crash reporter crashing. That’s no easy task.
Check out and support FreeCAD. Replace Solidworks the old fashioned way.