How to open a model in SolidWorks
To open a model file in SolidWorks, click File in the top menu bar, then select Open. A dialog box appears showing your computer's file system. Navigate to the folder where your model file is stored, select the file (look for .sldprt for parts or .sldasm for assemblies), and click the Open button. The model loads into the SolidWorks workspace within seconds.
You can also open a file by pressing Ctrl+O on Windows or Command+O on Mac, which skips the menu step and takes you directly to the file browser. If you have recently worked with a model, you can find it faster by clicking File and then Recent Documents — SolidWorks lists your last-opened files at the top.
When you open a file, SolidWorks checks whether it contains references to other files (like parts used in an assembly). If those referenced files are missing or moved, SolidWorks alerts you with a dialog box. You can then locate the missing files or proceed with what is available.
Key Takeaways
- The quickest path is File > Open or Ctrl+O, then navigate to your model file and click Open.
- SolidWorks recognizes .sldprt files as individual parts and .sldasm files as assemblies containing multiple parts.
- Recent Documents in the File menu shows your last-opened models so you do not have to hunt through folders.
- If a model contains references to other files, SolidWorks will notify you if those files cannot be found.
Understanding file types in SolidWorks
SolidWorks uses three main file types. A .sldprt file is a single part — a 3D object like a bolt, bracket, or housing. A .sldasm file is an assembly, which combines multiple parts into one document. A .slddrw file is a drawing, which shows 2D views and dimensions of a part or assembly, usually for manufacturing or documentation.
When you open a .sldprt file, you see the part in 3D space with its features listed in the left panel. When you open a .sldasm file, you see all the parts arranged together, and the left panel shows the assembly tree — a list of every part and how they fit. When you open a .slddrw file, you see a 2D drawing with views, dimensions, and notes.
You can open any of these file types using the same File > Open method. SolidWorks automatically recognizes the file type and displays it in the correct mode.
Using the file browser to locate your model
When you click File > Open, a dialog box appears with a folder tree on the left and file list on the right. Start by navigating to the folder where you saved your model. If you are unsure where the file is, you can search by typing the filename (or part of it) into the search field at the top of the dialog. SolidWorks will show all matching files on your computer.
The file browser also shows file details — size, date modified, and file type — which helps you confirm you are opening the right version. If you work with many models, creating a dedicated folder for each project makes finding files much faster. Once you locate the file, click it once to select it, then click the Open button.
Opening assemblies and managing missing references
When you open a .sldasm file, SolidWorks loads the assembly and all its referenced parts. If any part file has been moved, deleted, or renamed since the assembly was created, SolidWorks displays a Missing References dialog. This dialog lists which files could not be found and gives you options: you can browse to locate the missing file, skip it, or proceed without it.
If you choose to locate a missing file, SolidWorks opens a file browser so you can navigate to the correct location. Once you select the file, SolidWorks updates the reference and continues loading the assembly. If you skip a missing file, the assembly opens but that part will not appear in the 3D view, which can affect calculations and visualizations.
To avoid missing reference problems, keep all files for a project in the same folder or in a consistent folder structure. If you move or copy an assembly, move its parts at the same time and keep them in the same relative locations.
Opening files from external locations and cloud storage
SolidWorks can open files stored on your local computer, external drives, network drives, and cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive. When you use File > Open, the file browser shows all these locations in the left panel under This PC or Favorites. Navigate to the cloud folder or network location the same way you would navigate to a local folder.
If you are opening a file from cloud storage, make sure the file is fully downloaded to your computer before opening it. Some cloud services sync files on-demand, which can cause delays or errors if SolidWorks tries to read a file that is still syncing. Check your cloud storage app to confirm the file is marked as available offline.
Network drives work the same way, but opening files over a network connection is slower than opening files from your local drive. If you work with large assemblies over a network, consider copying the files to your local computer first, making your changes, and then copying them back.
Troubleshooting when a file will not open
If SolidWorks does not open a file, check these common causes. First, confirm the file is actually a SolidWorks file — it should have a .sldprt, .sldasm, or .slddrw extension. If the file has a different extension, it may be a different file type that SolidWorks cannot read. Second, make sure the file is not corrupted. Try opening a different SolidWorks file to confirm SolidWorks itself is working.
Third, check whether the file is locked or in use by another program. If someone else has the file open on a network drive, or if another application is accessing it, SolidWorks may refuse to open it. Close the file in the other location or application, then try again. Fourth, verify that you have read permission for the file. If the file is on a network drive or shared folder, your account may not have permission to access it — contact your IT department or the file owner.
If none of these steps work, try opening SolidWorks in Safe Mode by holding Shift while launching the program. Safe Mode disables add-ins and plugins that might be interfering with file opening. If the file opens in Safe Mode, one of your add-ins is the problem.
Opening multiple models at the same time
SolidWorks allows you to open multiple files in the same session. Each file appears in its own tab at the top of the workspace. To open a second file while one is already open, use File > Open again — the new file opens in a new tab rather than replacing the current file. You can switch between open files by clicking their tabs.
This is useful when you need to compare two versions of a model, reference dimensions from one part while editing another, or work on related files side by side. However, opening many large assemblies at once can slow down your computer. If you notice SolidWorks becoming sluggish, close tabs you are not actively using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if SolidWorks says the file is from a newer version?
This means the file was created in a newer version of SolidWorks than the one you have installed. SolidWorks can usually open newer files, but some features may not display correctly. Update SolidWorks to the latest version if possible. If you cannot update, contact the person who created the file and ask them to save it in an older format compatible with your version.
Can I open a SolidWorks file without having SolidWorks installed?
No, you need SolidWorks installed to open .sldprt, .sldasm, and .slddrw files. However, you can view SolidWorks files using the free eDrawings Viewer, which displays 3D models and drawings but does not allow editing. Your company may also have a license for SolidWorks Premium or SolidWorks Standard, which includes viewing tools.
Why does my assembly open with parts missing?
Parts are missing because their files have been moved, deleted, or the file path has changed. SolidWorks should have shown you a Missing References dialog when you opened the assembly. If you dismissed it, you can fix the references by clicking File > Find and Replace References, which lets you locate and reconnect missing files.
Can I open a read-only copy of a file?
Yes. When you open a file, SolidWorks checks its properties. If the file is marked read-only, SolidWorks opens it but prevents you from saving changes to the original file. You can still make edits, but when you click Save, SolidWorks prompts you to save as a new file with a different name. This protects the original file from accidental changes.
How do I open a file that is currently open by someone else on the network?
SolidWorks allows multiple people to view the same file, but only one person can edit it at a time. If someone else has the file open for editing, SolidWorks opens your copy in read-only mode. You can view and reference the file, but you cannot save changes to it. Wait for the other person to close and save the file, then close and reopen your copy to get editing access.