7 Best-Selling SolidWorks Books Millions Trust

Expert picks from Prof. Sham Tickoo, Matt Lombard, and CADArtifex highlight best-selling SolidWorks books for proven learning

Updated on June 25, 2025
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There's something special about books that both experts and millions of users depend on — especially in a field like SolidWorks, where mastering the software can unlock new design possibilities. SolidWorks remains a cornerstone for engineers and designers, powering innovations across industries. As CAD tools evolve, so does the need for reliable, accessible learning resources that stand the test of time.

Prof. Sham Tickoo of Purdue University Northwest has authored several influential guides that have helped thousands grasp complex concepts with clarity; his approach emphasizes practical projects alongside theory. Matt Lombard’s focused expertise on SolidWorks assemblies and system administration fills crucial gaps for users managing intricate designs and IT environments. Meanwhile, CADArtifex's hands-on exercises challenge learners to apply skills in realistic scenarios, sharpening practical design acumen.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific SolidWorks needs might consider creating a personalized SolidWorks book that combines these validated approaches with your unique goals and skill level.

Best for advancing CAD proficiency
CADCIM Technologies and Prof. Sham Tickoo of Purdue University Northwest bring you this extensive textbook backed by decades of academic and industrial expertise. Their commitment to education shines through a well-structured guide that not only teaches SOLIDWORKS 2017 tools but also connects you to real-world engineering challenges. Their experience in software development and engineering education ensures the content meets both student and professional needs, making it a trusted resource worldwide.
SOLIDWORKS 2017 for Designers book cover

by CADCIM Technologies, Prof. Sham Tickoo··You?

2017·1106 pages·SolidWorks, 3D Modeling, Assembly Design, Sheet Metal, Surface Modeling

When Prof. Sham Tickoo and CADCIM Technologies developed this guide, their goal was clear: to help you master SOLIDWORKS 2017 through a parametric and feature-based approach. The book dives deep into modeling, assembly, and sheet metal tools, supported by clear text and graphical examples that connect theory with practical mechanical engineering designs. You’ll find chapters arranged to build your skills progressively, with tutorials and projects that mirror industry applications. Whether you're a student or a professional aiming to sharpen your CAD skills, this resource lays out how to generate detailed drawings and understand complex assemblies without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for practical mechanical design skills
SOLIDWORKS 2016 for Designers offers a thorough pathway to mastering the modeling and assembly tools of this CAD software version. It emphasizes a parametric and feature-based approach, making complex concepts accessible through text paired with clear graphical examples. The book’s structured chapters, filled with tutorials and real-world mechanical design projects, provide you with a practical learning experience. Whether you're an engineering student or a practicing designer, this resource focuses on bridging theoretical concepts with industry applications to sharpen your SolidWorks skills effectively.
SOLIDWORKS 2016 for Designers book cover

by Prof. Sham Tickoo·You?

2016·1090 pages·SolidWorks, Design, 3D Modeling, Assembly, Sheet Metal

What started as a challenge to teach complex CAD software to engineering students became Prof. Sham Tickoo's detailed guide to mastering SOLIDWORKS 2016. This book walks you through essential parametric and feature-based modeling techniques, assembly processes, and sheet metal design with clear explanations and numerous graphical examples. You’ll find practical insights into generating accurate drawings for documentation, reinforced by real-world mechanical engineering projects and exercises. If you want to strengthen your ability to navigate SOLIDWORKS 2016’s tools and apply them to industry-relevant designs, this book offers a solid framework without overwhelming you with unnecessary jargon.

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Best for personal modeling mastery
This AI-created book on advanced SolidWorks modeling is tailored to your specific skill level and design interests. By sharing your experience and goals, you receive a book that focuses precisely on the advanced techniques you want to master. This personalized guide helps you explore complex modeling challenges and design nuances, making your learning efficient and directly relevant to your projects.
2025·50-300 pages·SolidWorks, SolidWorks Basics, Parametric Modeling, Assembly Techniques, Surface Modeling

This tailored book delves into advanced SolidWorks modeling and design techniques, crafted specifically to match your background and goals. It explores complex CAD functionalities, precision modeling, and intricate assembly methods that seasoned designers rely on. By focusing on your interests and experience level, it reveals how to navigate challenging design scenarios, enhance modeling efficiency, and apply advanced features in real-world projects. The content combines widely validated techniques with a customized focus, making your learning journey both relevant and engaging. This personalized approach ensures you gain deep insight into SolidWorks mastery, addressing the precise skills you want to develop and the complex problems you aim to solve.

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Best for mastering assembly modeling
What makes SolidWorks 2011 Assemblies Bible stand apart is its dedicated focus on assembly design within SolidWorks 2011, answering the call from users craving more depth than standard manuals provide. This book dives into organizing parts into assemblies and subassemblies with detailed tutorials and thorough coverage of the software's assembly functions. It serves both as a standalone guide and a complementary volume to the Parts Bible, providing a robust resource set for those serious about refining their SolidWorks skills. Whether you're managing complex projects or aiming to streamline your modeling process, this book offers practical knowledge tailored to the nuances of assembly work in SolidWorks.
2011·648 pages·SolidWorks, 3D Modeling, Assemblies, Subassemblies, CAD Techniques

Matt Lombard's decades of expertise in SolidWorks modeling shine through in this focused guide on assemblies within the 2011 version of the software. You’ll learn not only the technical steps for organizing parts into complex assemblies and subassemblies, but also gain insight into best practices that help avoid common pitfalls. The book balances thorough explanations with practical tutorials, covering functions from the basics to advanced features, making it suitable if you want to deepen your mastery beyond standard usage. If your work depends on efficient and precise assembly design, this book offers a detailed roadmap that complements its companion volume on parts.

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Best for CAD system administrators
The SolidWorks Administration Bible stands as a vital resource for IT and CAD managers charged with overseeing SolidWorks environments. Unlike user guides focused on design techniques, this book addresses the challenges of installation, maintenance, licensing, and user support that administrators face daily. Its detailed approach to hardware selection, deployment tools, and troubleshooting ensures that organizations can maintain efficient and standardized SolidWorks systems. Anyone responsible for the operational side of SolidWorks will find this book an indispensable manual for sustaining high performance and collaboration.
2009·569 pages·SolidWorks, System Administration, Licensing, Deployment, User Training

While working as a SolidWorks expert, Matt Lombard noticed a significant gap in resources for those responsible not just for using but also administering this complex software. This book dives into the nuts and bolts of managing SolidWorks environments, covering everything from hardware setup to licensing, user training, and system standardization. You’ll find practical guidance on deploying updates, troubleshooting, and optimizing collaboration within your organization. If your role extends beyond design into IT management or CAD administration, this book equips you with the precise knowledge to keep your SolidWorks systems running smoothly.

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Best for hands-on SolidWorks learners
This book offers a structured approach to mastering SOLIDWORKS 2017, guiding you through mechanical design fundamentals with practical tutorials that build your skills progressively. Its widespread adoption among students and professionals alike reflects its clear layout—from sketching basics to advanced features like mold tools and rendering. If you're aiming to gain hands-on experience and comprehensive command over SOLIDWORKS, this book addresses those needs by combining essential concepts with practical application, making it a valuable resource for anyone starting or teaching mechanical CAD design.
2017·304 pages·Mechanical Drawing, SolidWorks, Mechanical Design, CAD Modeling, Assemblies

Tutorial Books present a methodical introduction to SOLIDWORKS 2017 that moves beyond just commands, helping you develop practical skills through fourteen focused tutorials. You start with core modeling principles, progressing into assemblies, sheet metal design, and advanced topics like surface modeling and rendering, making complex concepts accessible by breaking them down step-by-step. This approach suits those looking to build hands-on proficiency, whether you're a student, educator, or an engineer refining your CAD capabilities. For example, chapters on DimXpert and weldments provide concrete guidance on annotations and structural components, equipping you to handle detailed mechanical projects with confidence.

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Best for daily skill building
This AI-created book on SolidWorks skills is tailored to your experience level and learning goals. It focuses on providing day-by-day practical projects that build your proficiency quickly and effectively. By concentrating on tasks that suit your background and interests, this personalized guide helps you develop key SolidWorks abilities without overwhelm. It's a focused way to boost your design skills, making the software more accessible and useful for your specific needs.
2025·50-300 pages·SolidWorks, SolidWorks Basics, 3D Modeling, Assembly Design, Sheet Metal

This tailored book focuses on rapidly enhancing your SolidWorks proficiency through a unique day-by-day project-based learning approach. It explores essential SolidWorks features, from fundamental 3D modeling to complex assemblies, guiding you through practical tasks designed to build skills incrementally. By aligning with your existing background and goals, it ensures each lesson matches your pace and interests, making skill acquisition both engaging and effective. The book reveals how consistent daily practice with real-world design challenges accelerates mastery, turning complex commands into intuitive tools. This personalized guide cultivates confidence and fluency, examining topics that matter most to you, fostering a deeper connection with the software’s capabilities in a focused, tailored manner.

Tailored Guide
Project-Based Learning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for learning SolidWorks simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2016: A Tutorial Approach stands out by offering a learn-by-doing method that many users have found accessible and effective. The book’s clear tutorials cover essential FEA concepts such as model preparation, meshing, and various types of analyses, all contextualized with real-world mechanical engineering examples. This practical orientation makes it especially beneficial for those engaged in mechanical design who want to effectively integrate simulation into their workflow. Its focus on hands-on learning and industry relevance has made it a well-recognized resource among SolidWorks users seeking to enhance their simulation capabilities.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2016: A Tutorial Approach book cover

by Prof. Sham Tickoo Purdue Univ·You?

2017·270 pages·Engineering, CAD, SolidWorks, Finite Element Analysis, Structural Analysis

Millions of users turn to this book for its straightforward, hands-on approach to learning finite element analysis (FEA) within SolidWorks. Prof. Sham Tickoo, with years of academic experience at Purdue University, crafted this tutorial-focused guide to bridge textbook theory and practical application. You’ll explore key topics like meshing, boundary conditions, and thermal analysis through clear, mechanical engineering industry examples that make complex concepts tangible. Whether you’re a student or a practicing engineer seeking to deepen your simulation skills, this book lays out the essentials methodically without overcomplication.

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Best for real-world design practice
CADArtifex LLC is an independent publisher specializing in Computer-Aided Design and engineering textbooks, founded by mechanical engineer Sandeep Dogra who brings over twenty years of professional experience to this work. Their deep industry insight informs the creation of practical, challenging exercises aimed at developing your skills beyond tutorials, emphasizing real-world mechanical design using SOLIDWORKS. This background makes the book a valuable resource for those seeking an immersive learning experience in CAD modeling.
2017·118 pages·SolidWorks, 3D Modeling, Mechanical Design, CAD Software, Design Practice

What happens when mechanical engineering expertise meets hands-on software training? CADArtifex LLC, founded by Sandeep Dogra, leverages decades of industry experience to craft this collection of 100 mechanical design challenges that demand active problem-solving rather than passive instruction. You won’t find step-by-step guides here; instead, you’re tasked with interpreting detailed drawings and modeling them using SOLIDWORKS tools. This approach sharpens your spatial reasoning and design adaptability, with exercises suited for a broad skill range from beginners to advanced users. If you’re eager to deepen your practical understanding of 3D modeling by wrestling with authentic mechanical parts, this book is a solid companion.

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Proven SolidWorks Methods, Personalized

Get expert-backed SolidWorks strategies tailored to your unique skills and goals.

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Conclusion

This collection of seven best-selling SolidWorks books reveals clear themes: a balance of foundational theory, hands-on application, and system-level expertise. If you prefer proven methods, start with Prof. Sham Tickoo’s "SOLIDWORKS 2017 for Designers" for comprehensive modeling techniques. For validated approaches to assembly and administrative challenges, Matt Lombard’s books provide indispensable guidance. Those seeking to sharpen practical skills should dive into the "SOLIDWORKS Exercises" for real-world challenges.

Combining these resources offers a well-rounded grasp of SolidWorks—from design to simulation and system management. Alternatively, you can create a personalized SolidWorks book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed by delivering reliable, expert-backed knowledge that’s stood firm amid evolving CAD demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Starting with "SOLIDWORKS 2017 for Designers" is a strong choice. It offers a practical approach to core CAD skills suitable for both students and professionals, helping you build a solid foundation before moving to specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to SolidWorks?

Not at all. Many, like "SOLIDWORKS 2017 Learn by doing," guide you step-by-step through basics to advanced features, making them accessible even if you're just beginning your SolidWorks journey.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with comprehensive design guides such as Prof. Tickoo’s books, then explore specialized texts like Lombard’s assemblies or system administration. Finish with hands-on practice using "SOLIDWORKS Exercises" to apply what you’ve learned.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast SolidWorks changes?

While some editions focus on specific versions like 2016 or 2017, the core principles and modeling techniques remain highly relevant, offering foundational knowledge adaptable to newer software releases.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"SOLIDWORKS 2017 Learn by doing" stands out for practical tutorials that let you apply concepts immediately, from part modeling to advanced features like weldments and rendering.

Can personalized books complement these expert picks?

Yes! While these expert books cover proven methods, personalized SolidWorks books tailor content to your experience and goals, helping you focus on what matters most. Learn more here.

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