6 SolidWorks Books for Beginners That Build Strong Foundations
Expert recommendations from Matt Lombard, Alejandro Reyes, and Sandeep Dogra guide your SolidWorks journey with beginner-friendly resources.
Every expert in SolidWorks started exactly where you are now—at the beginning, ready to tackle 3D design with curiosity and determination. SolidWorks remains a vital skill in engineering and product design, accessible through progressive learning and practical application. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or aspiring professional, building a solid foundation early on will smooth your path forward.
Matt Lombard, a mechanical engineer and renowned SolidWorks consultant, has authored key texts like the "SolidWorks Bible 2013" that combine deep understanding with clear guidance. Alejandro Reyes, a Certified SolidWorks Expert and longtime instructor, crafted the "Beginner's Guide to SOLIDWORKS 2018" to simplify the interface and core modeling techniques for newcomers. Sandeep Dogra, with decades of engineering and teaching experience, offers hands-on challenge books that promote confidence through practice.
While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized SolidWorks book that meets them exactly where they are. Tailored content can adapt to your focus areas and skill level, enhancing your learning journey.
Matt Lombard(you?)·
Matt Lombard(you?)·
Matt Lombard's background as a mechanical engineer and his role as a SolidWorks consultant shine through in this extensive guide, offering a clear path for beginners to grasp not just how SolidWorks operates, but why it functions that way. The book carefully balances foundational topics like part and assembly modeling with advanced insights into file management and best practices, supported by video tutorials and downloadable example files. You’ll find chapters that demystify complex features like Pack-and-Go and search criteria, making it suitable for newcomers who want a solid start without feeling overwhelmed, as well as for experienced users seeking deeper understanding. If you want a resource that grows with your skills, this book provides a steady and thorough learning curve.
Alejandro Reyes(you?)·
Alejandro Reyes(you?)·
After analyzing extensive teaching experience and industry demands, Alejandro Reyes developed a clear pathway for newcomers to grasp the essentials of SOLIDWORKS. He guides you through mastering the interface and core part modeling, assembly, and drawing commands, emphasizing process completion over isolated tool use. For example, the book includes chapters on creating components and their 2D drawings with Bills of Materials, preparing you for Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate and Professional exams. If you're starting from scratch and want structured, practical exposure to foundational SOLIDWORKS concepts, this book meets that need with a steady, approachable pace.
This tailored book offers a progressive and engaging introduction to SolidWorks designed specifically for beginners eager to build essential skills comfortably. It explores foundational concepts, core tools, and step-by-step modeling techniques that match your current background and learning pace. The content focuses on removing overwhelm by breaking down complex topics into manageable segments, enabling you to build confidence through hands-on exercises and clear explanations. By concentrating on your interests and goals, this personalized guide reveals a learning path crafted to your unique needs, fostering steady progress from novice to capable user. Whether you aim to design parts, assemblies, or drawings, this book supports your journey with tailored clarity and encouragement.
CADArtifex(you?)·
The breakthrough moment came when CADArtifex, led by mechanical engineer Sandeep Dogra, crafted this book not as a tutorial but as a hands-on challenge for learners eager to sharpen their 3D design skills. Instead of spoon-feeding step-by-step instructions, it pushes you to analyze real-world mechanical drawings and then create your own models, fostering deeper understanding and problem-solving ability. With 100 practical exercises, you develop proficiency in using SolidWorks’ powerful tools while also gaining the adaptability to apply these skills across other CAD platforms. This approach suits beginners who want to build confidence through practice and designers looking to elevate their modeling capabilities without being overwhelmed by theory.
CADArtifex, John Willis, Sandeep Dogra(you?)·
CADArtifex, John Willis, Sandeep Dogra(you?)·
This book removes barriers for newcomers by breaking down the complexities of SOLIDWORKS 2020 into manageable lessons that build your skills progressively. Sandeep Dogra and co-authors, backed by decades of engineering and teaching experience, designed it to help you master the core environments like sketching, part modeling, assembly, and drawing. You'll find step-by-step tutorials in every chapter, including hands-on exercises that reinforce your understanding of parametric 3D design and configurations. Whether you're self-learning or supplementing classroom instruction, the book’s clear structure supports your journey from beginner to intermediate user without overwhelming you.
What happens when clear structure meets practical learning? This book transforms the SolidWorks learning curve into manageable steps, guiding you through everything from basic sketching to complex assemblies. The chapters are arranged so you can either follow along systematically or jump straight into hands-on tutorials, such as extrude and revolve features in chapters 3 and 4, which demonstrate real design applications. If you're new to SolidWorks and want a resource that balances explanation with practice, this book lays out the essentials without overwhelming technical jargon. It's ideal if you aim to build foundational skills for part modeling, assemblies, and drawings.
This tailored book explores the fundamentals of SolidWorks with a focus crafted specifically for your learning style and background. It covers core concepts progressively, helping you build a strong foundation without feeling overwhelmed. By concentrating on your unique pace and comfort level, the book reveals essential techniques in part modeling, assemblies, and sketching, designed to build your confidence steadily. Through a personalized learning experience, it addresses the challenges beginners often face, offering a clear path through foundational topics that match your goals and interests. This approach ensures an engaging introduction to SolidWorks, making complex ideas accessible and tailored to how you best absorb new skills.
SACHIDANAND JHA(you?)
SACHIDANAND JHA(you?)
When Sachidanand Jha crafted this collection, he envisioned a practical tool for those eager to sharpen their CAD skills without the pressure of rigid tutorials. Instead of walking you through each model step by step, this book offers 200 varied exercises that challenge you to apply your SolidWorks knowledge in realistic scenarios. You’ll develop proficiency with orthographic views, projections, and feature-based modeling through diverse tasks suited for beginners to advanced users. This approach suits anyone looking to build hands-on experience and confidence in CAD software by tackling independent, dimensioned designs at their own pace.
Conclusion
These six SolidWorks books share a commitment to guiding beginners through accessible, step-by-step learning combined with practical challenges. Together, they cover fundamental concepts, structured tutorials, and real-world exercises that build confidence and skill progressively.
If you're completely new, starting with the "Beginner's Guide to SOLIDWORKS 2018" offers structured exposure to core commands. For hands-on growth, "SOLIDWORKS Exercises" and "SOLIDWORKS 200 EXERCISES" provide varied practical challenges. Moving into current software features, "SOLIDWORKS 2021 For Beginners" helps you stay up to date. The "SolidWorks Bible 2013" serves as a foundational resource you can revisit as you advance.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized SolidWorks book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in SolidWorks and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "Beginner's Guide to SOLIDWORKS 2018" for a clear, structured introduction. It eases you into the interface and core modeling concepts without overwhelming you.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to SolidWorks?
No, all selected books focus on beginners. For example, "SOLIDWORKS 2021 For Beginners" balances explanation with hands-on tutorials tailored to newcomers.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with the "Beginner's Guide to SOLIDWORKS 2018," then practice with "SOLIDWORKS Exercises" and "SOLIDWORKS 200 EXERCISES." Use "SolidWorks Bible 2013" as a reference as you grow.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Both have value. Newer books like "SOLIDWORKS 2021 For Beginners" cover current features, while classics like "SolidWorks Bible 2013" offer solid foundational knowledge.
Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?
No prior knowledge is needed. These books assume you’re new and build fundamentals from scratch, focusing on practical skills and clear explanations.
Can personalized books help me learn SolidWorks faster?
Yes! Personalized books complement expert guides by tailoring content to your pace and goals. They help focus on what matters most for you. Learn more here.
Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!
Related Articles You May Like
Explore more curated book recommendations