10 SolidWorks Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

When Matt Lombard first realized how challenging SolidWorks could be for new users, he set out to create a guide that bridges the gap between beginner basics and advanced techniques. Drawing from his mechanical engineering background and extensive experience as an independent SolidWorks consultant, he unpacks not only how to use the software but why certain approaches work best. You’ll find detailed chapters on part and assembly modeling, 2D drawing methods, and nuanced topics like search criteria and file management strategies such as Pack-and-Go. This book suits those starting fresh with SolidWorks as well as seasoned users seeking to deepen their mastery beyond the basics.

Unlike most SolidWorks manuals that skim over surface modeling, Matt Lombard dives deep into the nuances of complex shape creation, drawing from his extensive consulting experience. You’ll learn how to manipulate surfaces, splines, and curves with precision, explore advanced filleting techniques, and understand hybrid feature workflows that go beyond basic modeling. The book breaks down challenging topics like geometry evaluation and decorative features into manageable chapters, making it a solid resource if you want to elevate your design skills specifically in surface modeling. If your focus is mastering the subtleties of shape and form within SolidWorks, this book will serve you well; casual users might find it too dense.

This personalized SolidWorks book provides a tailored framework that aligns precisely with your experience level and design objectives. It offers targeted strategies for mastering key SolidWorks functionalities such as part and assembly modeling, sketching techniques, and drawing creation, carefully selected to fit your specific industry context. The book cuts through generic tutorials and focuses on practical application, ensuring you gain efficient skills to tackle real-world design challenges. By emphasizing a structured progression that suits your goals, it bridges foundational concepts and advanced features, empowering you to enhance modeling accuracy, optimize workflows, and prepare for professional certification if desired.

Mastering SolidWorks offers a thorough reference and tutorial guide for users ranging from beginners to advanced professionals. Matt Lombard, a seasoned mechanical engineer with decades of hands-on experience in plastics design and CAD consultation, draws from his daily use of SolidWorks to provide clear, practical instructions backed by real-world examples. The book delves into core 2D and 3D techniques with over 40 chapters complemented by video tutorials, while also introducing lesser-known features and advanced file management tools that enhance workflow efficiency. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this book lays out a pathway to mastering SolidWorks capabilities in a structured yet flexible way.

What if everything you knew about learning SolidWorks was wrong? Greg Jankowski challenges the idea that mastering this complex software requires years of trial and error. Drawing from his extensive experience in mechanical design and CAD, he breaks down SolidWorks 2006 into clear, manageable steps that teach you how to create precise 3D models and robust 2D sketches. You’ll get practical exposure to design intent, virtual prototyping, and even collaboration workflows, with chapters guiding you through design drawings and visual property editing. If you're aiming to move beyond basics and build confidence in SolidWorks, this book fits well without overwhelming you.

When Tayseer Almattar challenges the usual way of learning SOLIDWORKS, he offers a clear path grounded in real design and engineering experience. You’ll move beyond mere software navigation to grasp core 3D modeling concepts, assembly techniques, and engineering drawings with practical exercises. Chapters like "Advanced Mates" and "Design Tables" dive into skills that prepare you for CSWA and CSWP certifications, making this a solid choice if you want to build mechanical parts and assemblies confidently. If you're an aspiring engineer or designer seeking hands-on mastery without fluff, this book delivers a thorough grounding in SOLIDWORKS fundamentals and beyond.

This personalized book provides a practical, step-by-step approach to rapidly enhance your SolidWorks skills through daily targeted exercises and project-driven learning. It offers a tailored framework that aligns with your current experience and specific goals, cutting through irrelevant advice common in generic tutorials. The book emphasizes incremental skill-building in key SolidWorks areas such as part modeling, assembly creation, sketch techniques, and drawing generation. By focusing on actionable daily tasks, it addresses both foundational knowledge and applied proficiency, ensuring steady progress within a defined 30-day period. This tailored approach fits your unique context, whether you're a beginner aiming to build confidence or an intermediate user seeking efficient skill refinement.

Introduction to Solid Modeling Using SolidWorks 2018 is a detailed, hands-on guide that walks you through both fundamental and advanced solid modeling techniques using the SolidWorks software. William E. Howard, leveraging his extensive background in engineering design and teaching, crafted this book to bridge theory with practice, focusing on keystroke-level tutorials that lead you step-by-step through part modeling, assembly creation, and even engineering analysis like mechanism modeling and mold design. You’ll find chapters on sheet metal bending and rapid prototyping particularly useful if you aim to deepen your engineering applications. This book suits engineering students and professionals eager to gain practical SolidWorks skills through structured exercises and real-world design challenges.

When Paul Tran first discovered how overwhelming new users find the SOLIDWORKS interface, he set out to simplify that learning curve with this book. Drawing from his extensive experience working with companies like NASA and Boeing, Tran breaks down the basics of part creation, assemblies, and drawings into manageable, project-based lessons. Each chapter builds on the last, with real-world exercises and self-test questionnaires that help you confirm your grasp before moving forward. If you want a hands-on, methodical introduction to SOLIDWORKS fundamentals, this book is tailored for you, though experienced users might find its pace a bit elementary.

When Tayseer Almattar developed this book, the goal was clear: demystify SOLIDWORKS 2020 for engineers and designers aiming to master mechanical part modeling and assembly design. You’ll learn to navigate the software interface, create 2D sketches, build complex 3D models, and generate detailed engineering drawings. The author guides you through practical exercises designed to prepare you for CSWA and CSWP certification, emphasizing both fundamental skills and advanced mates for assemblies. If you’re starting out in design or prepping for certification, this book offers a methodical pathway, though experienced professionals might find it more foundational than advanced.

When Alejandro Reyes first discovered the challenge new users face grasping SolidWorks, he crafted this guide to demystify the software’s core functions. You’ll learn how to navigate the interface, apply fundamental part modeling commands, and assemble components into detailed drawings with Bills of Materials. The book emphasizes process-driven learning over isolated commands, making it easier to understand how to approach real modeling tasks step by step. Whether you’re a student or an instructor, this book offers a focused path to mastering the essentials required for Certified SolidWorks Associate and Professional exams.

SOLIDWORKS Exercises offers a hands-on approach to mastering 3D modeling through 100 real-world mechanical exercises that challenge you to analyze and create designs independently. Drawing from Sandeep Dogra's extensive two-decade background in mechanical engineering and CAD education, the book avoids spoon-feeding step-by-step instructions, instead encouraging deeper engagement with SOLIDWORKS tools and design principles. You learn how to interpret technical drawings and apply your skills to build complex models, which is particularly beneficial if you're aiming to advance beyond basic tutorials. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this book pushes you to develop problem-solving abilities essential for professional modeling work.