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Fieldwire vs SolidWorks

Fieldwire logo

Fieldwire

Software

Field management software for construction teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SolidWorks logo

SolidWorks

Software

3D CAD design software for engineers and designers

From
$3300/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Fieldwire has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Fieldwire free tier limited to 5 team members and 3 projects maximum; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: Fieldwire covers Task management, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Fieldwire and SolidWorks actually diverge.

Attributes where Fieldwire and SolidWorks differ
AttributeFieldwireSolidWorks
Starting priceFree$3300/year
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWindows
Founded20131993

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Fieldwire

  • Task management
  • Digital blueprints
  • Punch lists
  • Inspections
  • Photo documentation
  • Procore
  • Autodesk BIM 360
  • Box

Only in SolidWorks

  • 3D solid modeling
  • Assembly design
  • Technical drawings
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • PDM systems
  • ERP systems
  • CAM software

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Fieldwire

  • Construction task tracking and field coordinationnot SolidWorks
  • Punch list management on mobile devicesnot SolidWorks
  • Project documentation organisationnot SolidWorks
  • Field team communicationnot SolidWorks

SolidWorks

  • Product designnot Fieldwire
  • Engineering analysisnot Fieldwire
  • Manufacturing documentationnot Fieldwire
  • Prototypingnot Fieldwire
  • Quality controlnot Fieldwire

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Fieldwire

  • Free tier limited to 5 team members and 3 projects maximum
  • Basic plan limited to 100 sheets
  • Advanced features (RFIs, submittals, change orders, budget management) restricted to higher tiers
  • BIM viewer availability gated to Business tier and above

SolidWorks

  • Windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • High perpetual licensing costs compared to cloud-based competitors like Fusion 360
  • Performance can degrade with very large assemblies containing thousands of parts
  • Requires separate licensing for advanced simulation features in Professional and Premium editions

Pricing, plan by plan

Fieldwire

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Fieldwire review.

SolidWorks

$3300/year
  • Standard$846/year
    • Parametric modeling
    • Assemblies and drawings
    • Basic analysis
  • Professional$4995/year (approx)
    • Advanced simulation
    • Surfacing tools
    • Sheet metal design
  • Premium$7100/year (approx)
    • All Professional features
    • Reverse engineering
    • Advanced analysis

Which should you pick?

Choose Fieldwire if

  • You need task management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want digital blueprints.
Fieldwire review

Choose SolidWorks if

  • You need 3d solid modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want assembly design.
SolidWorks review

Questions people ask

Is Fieldwire or SolidWorks better?
Neither clearly leads. Fieldwire starts at Free and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Fieldwire or SolidWorks?
Fieldwire has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Fieldwire and $3300/year for SolidWorks.
Does Fieldwire or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
Fieldwire runs on iOS, Android. SolidWorks runs on Windows.
Can I use Fieldwire for free?
Yes. Fieldwire has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year.
What is Fieldwire best used for?
Fieldwire is most often used for construction task tracking and field coordination, punch list management on mobile devices, project documentation organisation, field team communication. Of those, construction task tracking and field coordination and punch list management on mobile devices are not what SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
What can Fieldwire do that SolidWorks cannot?
Fieldwire covers Task management, Digital blueprints, Punch lists, Inspections. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SolidWorks: What is the cost of SolidWorks?

SolidWorks pricing varies by license type. Standard Edition costs approximately $846 on average, while Professional and Premium editions are priced higher depending on reseller and licensing model. Costs typically range from $3,300 to $7,100 depending on features and add-ons.

Source
SolidWorks: What editions of SolidWorks are available?

SolidWorks offers three main editions: Standard (essential CAD with parametric modeling and assemblies), Professional (adds advanced simulation and surfacing), and Premium (comprehensive engineering suite with reverse engineering and complex analysis).

Source
SolidWorks: Does SolidWorks run on macOS?

SolidWorks is primarily a Windows-only application. While macOS users can run it via virtual machines or Boot Camp, native macOS support is not available.

Source
SolidWorks: What AI capabilities does SolidWorks 2026 include?

SolidWorks 2026 integrates native AI assistants LEO and AURA directly into the interface. These AI features provide design assistance and automation for tasks like optimization and feature creation.

Source
SolidWorks: Can I create assemblies and complex 3D models in SolidWorks?

Yes. SolidWorks includes unlimited assembly capabilities, parametric modeling for complex designs, detailing and drawing tools, and built-in analysis for stress simulation and dynamic motion.

Source
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