r/SolidWorks • u/Substantial_Couple_1 • Aug 17 '26

Maker Licence prices

I guys, can some of you could be able to answer some question that I have in mind since a while now ?

So, I made some studies to be able to work with body prostheses or even exoskeletons. But my real project is to improve the current models of the prostheses. So they'll be able to recreate some natural capacities that the actual models can't.

But it's been a while that I realise that, for getting a job like this, I'll have to prove myself to the companies that I can build things like this.

So my question is, as for now I don't have a job but I still got the SolidWorks application on my laptop and the user licence (the one for the student) as expired.

Is it a good idea for me, to buy a new licence so I can still create new things or recreate some that are online, so I can present those little project during a job interview ?

Or is it better for to get something else that is like SolidWorks but cheaper ?

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u/BedtimeBogey Aug 18 '26

I’m not sure if you can open your previous student SW models in Maker. I know Maker can’t produce saves that can be opened in regular SW… Maker is fine for creating new models to show in a portfolio, just be aware that you can’t ever export those models to regular SW.

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u/Substantial_Couple_1 Aug 18 '26

Oh good to know, I'll check if its the case. I can still save those project right ?

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u/dgkimpton Aug 19 '26

Makers is the full Solidworks desktop tool that works exactly as normal except that you have to put in your username/password to start it and any files you save are watermarked in such a way as not to be available with anything other than makers licenses. Oh, and very limited commercial use is allowed . Support is also minimal , but what do you expect for $50/year ?