If you have ever wondered what files can SolidWorks open, there is an easy way to find out. Here is how to do it. Go to File/Open or use shortcut Ctrl+O to open the screen.

On the new screen that opens, click on menu in lower right corner.

This will open a list of all supported file formats that SolidWorks can open.

Here is the list of all file formats that you can open with SolidWorks:

• .sldprt – SolidWorks part file
• .sldasm – SolidWorks assembly file
• .slddrw – SolidWorks drawing file
• .drw – SolidWorks drawing file (Creo Parametric uses same file extension, best to avoid)
• .asm – SolidWorks assembly file (Creo Parametric uses same file extension, best to avoid)
• .prt – SolidWorks part file (Creo Parametric uses same file extension, best to avoid)
• .sldxml – SolidWorks 3DEXPERIENCE file format
• .3mf – 3d manufacturing file format, best used for additive manufacturing
• .sat – ACIS file format, often used to import 3d files from one software to another
• .dll – used for add-ins
• .ai – Adobe Illustrator file
• .psd – Adobe Photoshop file
• .dwg, .dxf – Autocad file format
• .ipt, .iam – Autodesk Inventor files
• .prt, .ckd – CADKEY files
• .cgr – Catia graphics file
• .catpart , .catproduct – Catia V5 files
• .emn, .brd, .bdf, .idb – IDF files
• .ifc – IFC 2×3 files
• .igs, iges – IGES files
• .jt – JT files
• .lfp, .sldlfp – Lib Feat Part
• .stl, .obj, .off, .ply, .ply2 – Mesh files
• .x_t, .x_b, .xmt_txt, .xmt_bin – Parasolid files
• .prt, .xpr, .asm, .xas – PTC Creo files
• .3dm – Rhino files
• .par, .psm, .asm – Solid Edge files
• .step, .stp – STEP AP203/214/242 – universal 3d file format
• .prtdot, .asmdot, .drwdot – SolidWorks template files
• .prt – Unigraphics NX file format
• .vda – VDAFS files
• .wrl – VRML file

It is best to avoid using the same file extension as another software where possible. This is because in Windows often only one software is setup to use a particular file format and opens it automatically when double clicked with a left mouse button.