Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SolidWorks VS Autodesk Revit

Compare SolidWorks VS Autodesk Revit and see what are their differences

SolidWorks logo SolidWorks

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software. SolidWorks is the leading supplier of 3D CAD product design engineering software.

Autodesk Revit logo Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit is building information modeling software for architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, designers, and contractors.
  • SolidWorks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-15
  • Autodesk Revit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-03

SolidWorks features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    SolidWorks offers a robust suite of tools for 3D CAD, simulation, manufacturing, and data management, making it suitable for a wide range of engineering and design tasks.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    SolidWorks is known for its intuitive UI that makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. This reduces the learning curve significantly.
  • Extensive Community and Support
    With a large user base and active forums, finding solutions to problems and gaining insights is relatively easy. SolidWorks also provides thorough documentation and customer support.
  • Frequent Updates
    The software continually gets updated with new features and improvements, ensuring users have access to the latest technologies and capabilities.
  • Integration with Other Tools
    SolidWorks integrates well with numerous other software applications, enhancing workflow efficiency and enabling seamless transitions between different stages of design and manufacturing.

Possible disadvantages of SolidWorks

  • High Cost
    SolidWorks is relatively expensive, which can be a barrier for small businesses and individual users. Licensing and subscription fees can add up quickly.
  • Hardware Demands
    The software requires a powerful computer with ample RAM and a high-performance graphics card, leading to higher hardware costs.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functionalities are easily graspable, mastering advanced features and tools can take significant time and effort.
  • Limited Mac Support
    SolidWorks primarily supports Windows, with limited options for Mac users unless they run a Windows OS via Bootcamp or similar solutions.
  • Occasional Software Bugs
    Like any complex software, SolidWorks may encounter bugs or stability issues, which can disrupt work and reduce productivity.

Autodesk Revit features and specs

  • Collaborative Work Environment
    Revit allows multiple users to work on the same project file simultaneously, fostering a collaborative work environment and improving project coordination.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)
    Revit provides a comprehensive BIM platform that integrates all aspects of a building project, from design to construction, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
  • Parametric Components
    The software utilizes parametric components, enabling users to make changes throughout the model that automatically update related components, ensuring consistency and saving time.
  • Extensive Libraries
    Revit offers extensive libraries of pre-built components and families, which can save users time during the design process and add to the software's flexibility.
  • Advanced Rendering
    Revit includes advanced rendering tools for producing high-quality visualizations, which can aid in client presentations and design reviews.
  • Interoperability
    Revit supports interoperability with other Autodesk applications and numerous third-party software, allowing for a more integrated workflow.
  • Clash Detection
    The software offers built-in clash detection to identify and resolve conflicts between different systems early in the design phase, reducing costly changes during construction.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk Revit

  • High Cost
    The licensing cost of Revit can be prohibitive, particularly for small firms or individual users.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Revit has a steep learning curve, which can be challenging for new users and require significant time investment in training.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software is resource-intensive, requiring robust hardware to run smoothly, which may entail additional costs for hardware upgrades.
  • Complex Interface
    Revit's interface can be complex and overwhelming, especially for beginners, making it difficult to navigate and find specific tools and settings.
  • Limited Customization
    Customizing families and components can be difficult and time-consuming, requiring users to have advanced knowledge of the software.
  • Software Bugs
    Users have reported occasional software bugs and glitches, which can disrupt the workflow and require time to troubleshoot.
  • Subscription Based
    Revit's subscription-based model means ongoing costs for users, which can add up over time compared to one-time purchase software.

Analysis of SolidWorks

Overall verdict

  • Yes, SolidWorks is considered good, particularly for engineering and product design professionals who require sophisticated modeling capabilities. Its extensive features, reliability, and widespread use in the industry make it a solid choice for professionals.

Why this product is good

  • SolidWorks is widely regarded as a leading choice for computer-aided design (CAD) due to its robust set of features, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive support for 3D modeling. It offers a variety of tools for both simple and complex design needs, making it a versatile option for many industries. In addition, it is widely used in educational settings, which contributes to a large, skilled user base familiar with the software. The integration with other tools, enhanced simulation capabilities, and ongoing updates further enhance its reputation.

Recommended for

  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Product Designers
  • Manufacturing Professionals
  • Engineering Students
  • Architects needing 3D CAD capabilities

Analysis of Autodesk Revit

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Autodesk Revit is generally considered a good software choice for professionals involved in architectural and construction design projects due to its comprehensive suite of BIM tools, collaboration capabilities, and continuous support and updates from Autodesk.

Why this product is good

  • Autodesk Revit is widely regarded as a powerful BIM (Building Information Modeling) tool that offers a range of features for design, construction, and management of building projects. It provides an integrated platform for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, facilitating collaboration and design accuracy. Revit supports detailed modeling and complex geometrical design, which enhances visualization and analysis. Its ability to maintain consistency through central files and update all elements dynamically helps in reducing errors and redundancies in the design process.

Recommended for

    Autodesk Revit is recommended for architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, contractors, and building designers who prioritize integrated design processes, collaboration, and detailed building information modeling.

SolidWorks videos

First Look at SOLIDWORKS Software - SOLIDWORKS

More videos:

  • Review - SOLIDWORKS 2018 Overview
  • Review - SOLIDWORKS 2019 - Large Design Review Mode

Autodesk Revit videos

Autodesk Revit- Review by Arch Attire

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SolidWorks and Autodesk Revit)
3D
77 77%
23% 23
Architecture
76 76%
24% 24
3D Modeling
85 85%
15% 15
CAD
67 67%
33% 33

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SolidWorks and Autodesk Revit

SolidWorks Reviews

10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
An expert 3-D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software program that is specially designed for product design, engineering, and mechanical modelling. SolidWorks is known for its parametric modelling capabilities, engineering evaluation equipment, and ability to generate manufacturing-ready drawings.
7 Best 3D Modeling Programs Like SketchUp | EASY RENDER
If it’s flexibility and modeling capability you’re looking for, you could do a lot worse than SolidWorks. Not only is it probably the best 3D modeler on this list, it has been a mainstay in the visualization industry for decades, and has been constantly developed to be more powerful and easier to use. SolidWorks is most commonly used by mechanical and industrial designers,...
Best SolidWorks rendering software [2020 Guide]
There are numerous SolidWorks rendering programs available but we have compiled the very best below in terms of functionality.
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
SolidWorks is another popular CAD software on par (and arguably above) the likes of Autodesk Inventor or Fusion 360. Though definitely harder to learn than SketchUp, SolidWorks is packed with advanced features that companies use to design and manufacture products. All this functionality certainly doesn’t come cheap, however – you’ll have to contact their site to get a quote...
Source: all3dp.com
Top 10 of the best 3D modeling software for architecture
Solidworks is a 3D modeling software mainly used by engineers. It can be a great solution if you need a 3D software for a project, and you just want to create a quick design. You can’t do complex rendering, with a lot of material or texture as it is not a CAD program dedicated to architecture. But it is possible to design a building and get a good overview of your...

Autodesk Revit Reviews

  1. ali ahsan
    · Project Manager at pixarch ·

    Auto desk is perfect software that really help us to create different projects. we as a firm appreciate it. As it have the best UI/UX designs.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SolidWorks and Autodesk Revit, you can also consider the following products

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

ArchiCAD - ArchiCAD 16 enables BIM modeling with a new green approach to planning. Create anything you need with ArchiCAD's flexible new features for design.

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

Autodesk AutoCAD - Autodesk AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application.

AutoDesk InfraWorks 360 - InfraWorks 360 preliminary engineering and design software provides tools to work on infrastructure projects in a real-world context.