No original CAD needed
MECHCAD has its own file readers. No SolidWorks install, and no need to ask the sender for a conversion.
MECHCAD 2026 · CAD FILE IMPORT
Open SolidWorks files without SolidWorks
A customer or supplier sent a .sldprt or .sldasm and you do not have SolidWorks? MECHCAD 2026 reads the file itself, so you can use it straight away: assemble it with your own parts, make drawings or export STEP.
| File | Result in MECHCAD |
|---|---|
| SolidWorks part (.sldprt) | Editable sketches + feature tree (steps that cannot be rebuilt are kept as exact geometry and listed) |
| SolidWorks assembly (.sldasm) | Converted to MECHCAD parts + assembly |
| Alibre part (.ad_prt) | Rebuilt as editable sketches + features |
| Alibre assembly (.ad_asm) | Converted to MECHCAD parts + assembly |
| Siemens NX part (.prt) | Part (solid) |
| Parasolid (.x_t, .x_b), STEP | Part / assembly |
How to do it
- 01
Download and install MECHCAD 2026, then press Start 30-day Premium trial on the Welcome screen.
- 02
Choose File › Open… and select a .sldprt, .sldasm, .ad_prt or .ad_asm file.
- 03
Check the result, then Save As a MECHCAD file or export STEP / STL.
Keep working on it
Mate it with your own parts, make production drawings, check interference and build a BOM in one program.
Old archives too
Open old SolidWorks archives even after the original licence has lapsed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need SolidWorks installed?
No. MECHCAD reads .sldprt and .sldasm files by itself.
Do I get the SolidWorks feature tree?
Yes. Since MECHCAD 2026.80, SolidWorks (.sldprt) and Alibre (.ad_prt) parts open with editable sketches and feature tree. Steps that cannot be rebuilt yet are kept as exact geometry and listed, and you can add new features on top.
What if a file does not open?
Ask the sender for a STEP export and import that instead. See the import troubleshooting page in the manual.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, a free 30-day Premium trial inside the app.
Read the full steps in the manual
SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Alibre are trademarks of their owners. MET is an Alibre partner and is not affiliated with the owners of SolidWorks or AutoCAD.