Altium Designer & SolidWorks Integration: Complete Setup Guide

Getting your PCB design to fit perfectly inside a mechanical enclosure shouldn’t require endless email exchanges, manual file exports, and the frustrating game of “who has the latest version.” Yet that’s exactly how many engineering teams still operate. The good news is that Altium Designer & SolidWorks integration has evolved dramatically, offering real-time collaboration between electrical and mechanical engineers that eliminates the traditional file-passing nightmare.

I’ve worked on projects where the disconnect between ECAD and MCAD teams caused weeks of delays and multiple board respins. After implementing proper integration between Altium and SolidWorks, those same teams now catch interference issues during design rather than after prototype assembly. This guide walks you through setting up that integration, from initial installation to advanced collaboration workflows.

Why ECAD-MCAD Integration Matters for Modern Product Development

Before diving into setup procedures, let’s understand why Altium Designer & SolidWorks integration deserves your attention.

Eliminate manual file translation: Traditional workflows require exporting DXF, STEP, or IDF files from your PCB tool, sending them to mechanical engineers, waiting for feedback, and repeating the process endlessly. Every export-import cycle introduces potential errors and version confusion.

Real-time design synchronization: With proper integration, changes made in either tool sync automatically. When the mechanical engineer adjusts the board outline or adds mounting holes, those modifications appear in Altium Designer for acceptance or rejection.

Catch problems early: Component interference with enclosure walls, connector accessibility issues, and thermal management concerns become visible during design rather than during prototype assembly—when fixes are exponentially more expensive.

Accelerate time-to-market: Teams using integrated ECAD-MCAD workflows consistently report faster development cycles. When electrical and mechanical designers work from synchronized data, fewer iterations are needed to reach production-ready designs.

Understanding the Integration Options

Altium offers two primary approaches for working with SolidWorks: the MCAD CoDesigner plugin (recommended for active collaboration) and traditional file export/import methods (suitable for one-way data transfer).

Integration Methods Comparison

For teams actively collaborating between disciplines, MCAD CoDesigner provides the most efficient workflow. For occasional exports to mechanical engineers who don’t need to send changes back, STEP export remains a valid option.

Prerequisites for Altium Designer & SolidWorks Integration

Before beginning setup, ensure you have the necessary software and licenses.

Software Requirements

License Requirements

Altium side: An active Altium Designer subscription with access to MCAD CoDesigner extension and Altium 365 Workspace.

SolidWorks side: Standard, Professional, or Premium edition. The CoDesigner plugin itself is free for SolidWorks users—it’s included with the Altium 365 Workspace access.

Step-by-Step MCAD CoDesigner Installation for SolidWorks

Setting up the integration requires configuration on both the Altium Designer and SolidWorks sides.

Part 1: Verify Altium Designer Configuration

First, confirm MCAD CoDesigner is installed in Altium Designer:

1. Open Altium Designer
2. Click your profile picture in the upper right corner
3. Select Extensions and Updates
4. Click the Installed tab
5. Scroll to Software Extensions
6. Verify MCAD CoDesigner appears in the list

If MCAD CoDesigner is not installed:

1. Click the Purchased tab in Extensions and Updates
2. Scroll to Software Extensions
3. Find the MCAD CoDesigner icon
4. Click the download arrow to install
5. Restart Altium Designer to complete installation

Part 2: Install the SolidWorks Plugin

The CoDesigner plugin for SolidWorks must be downloaded and installed separately:

1. Visit the Altium downloads page (altium.com/products/downloads)
2. Locate MCAD CoDesigner Plugins
3. Download the SolidWorks version matching your Altium Designer release
4. Close SolidWorks completely
5. Run the installer with administrator privileges
6. Follow the installation wizard prompts
7. Restart SolidWorks

Part 3: Enable the CoDesigner Add-In in SolidWorks

After installation, the add-in may need manual activation:

1. Open SolidWorks
2. Navigate to Tools → Add-Ins
3. Find Altium CoDesigner in the list
4. Check both the Active Add-ins and Start Up boxes
5. Click OK

The Altium CoDesigner icon should now appear in the SolidWorks sidebar. If you don’t see it, check the Task Pane on the right side of the SolidWorks window.

Part 4: Connect to Your Altium 365 Workspace

Both tools must connect to the same Altium 365 Workspace:

In Altium Designer:

1. Go to View → Panels → MCAD CoDesigner to open the panel
2. Sign in with your Altium account if prompted
3. Verify you’re connected to the correct Workspace

In SolidWorks:

1. Open the Altium CoDesigner panel from the sidebar
2. Click Sign In
3. Enter your Altium account credentials
4. Select the appropriate Workspace from the dropdown

Both the electrical and mechanical engineer must be members of the same Workspace. The Workspace administrator can invite users through the Altium 365 web interface.

Configuring CoDesigner Settings in SolidWorks

Proper configuration prevents common issues and optimizes the collaboration workflow.

Essential SolidWorks CoDesigner Settings

Access settings by clicking your profile icon in the CoDesigner panel, then selecting Settings.

Common folder for storing models: If you work with multiple PCB designs sharing components, configure a common folder for component storage. This saves disk space and loading time.

3D Copper and Vias: Enable these checkboxes if you need detailed copper geometry in your mechanical models. Note that this increases file size and processing time.

Component filtering: For designs with many small passive components, use the filter option to exclude components below a certain size from the mechanical view. This improves SolidWorks performance.

Default templates: Configure default part templates to avoid prompts when CoDesigner creates new components. Navigate to System Options → File Locations → Document Templates in SolidWorks.

Settings for SolidWorks PDM Users

If your mechanical team uses SolidWorks PDM:

1. Set the common component folder under PDM control
2. Synchronize the folder with local storage before collaborating
3. Enable Prompt to check out file if opened in read-only mode in PDM settings
4. Check new components into PDM after changes are applied

Basic Collaboration Workflow

Once configured, the push-pull workflow enables seamless data exchange.

Pushing a Design from Altium Designer to SolidWorks

1. Open your PCB design in Altium Designer
2. Open the MCAD CoDesigner panel
3. Click Push
4. Add a comment describing the changes
5. Check Share if this is the first push or you need to invite the mechanical engineer
6. Click Send

The PCB design—including board outline, component models, and placement—becomes available in the SolidWorks user’s CoDesigner panel.

Pulling a Design into SolidWorks

1. Open SolidWorks
2. Access the Altium CoDesigner panel
3. Click Pull
4. Select the project from the list
5. Choose a save location for the SolidWorks files
6. Click OK

SolidWorks creates an assembly containing the board and all components with 3D models.

Making Changes in SolidWorks and Pushing Back

The mechanical engineer can modify various aspects:

• Adjust board outline dimensions
• Change board shape
• Add or relocate mounting holes
• Reposition components for mechanical fit
• Add keepout areas or placement constraints

After modifications:

1. Click Push in the CoDesigner panel
2. Add a comment explaining the changes
3. Click Send

Reviewing Changes in Altium Designer

When the mechanical engineer pushes changes:

1. The MCAD CoDesigner panel shows incoming modifications
2. Each change can be previewed individually
3. Accept or reject each change with optional comments
4. Accepted changes apply to the PCB design automatically

Read more about Altium relative articles:

Altium 365 Pricing: Plans, Features & Is It Worth It?

Altium CircuitMaker: Free PCB Design Software Review & Download Guide

Altium CircuitStudio vs Altium Designer: Which One Should You Choose?

Altium Designer & SolidWorks Integration: Complete Setup Guide

Altium Designer 3D View: How to Visualize Your PCB in 3D

Altium Designer Arduino Library: Schematic & Footprint Download

Altium Designer Download: How to Get the Latest Version (2026)

Altium Designer DRC: How to Set Up Design Rule Checks

Altium Designer Git Integration: Version Control Setup Guide

Altium Designer Hierarchical Design: Multi-Sheet Schematic Guide

Altium Designer Libraries Download: Complete Guide to Component Libraries

Altium Designer on Linux: Installation Guide for Ubuntu

Altium Designer on Mac: Can You Run It on macOS? (Solutions)

Altium Designer PCB Design Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Altium Designer PCB Design: Complete Beginner’s Guide

Altium Designer Price: Complete Cost Breakdown & Licensing Guide (2026)

Altium Designer Student Version: Free Download & How to Get It

Altium Designer Tutorial for Beginners: Learn PCB Design Step-by-Step

Altium Designer: How to Change Units from Mils to mm

Altium vs KiCad: Which PCB Design Software Should You Choose?

EasyEDA to Altium: How to Import & Convert Your PCB Projects

ESP32 Altium Designer Library: Free Download & Tutorial

How to Convert Altium & Eagle Projects to KiCad (Step-by-Step)

How to Convert Altium Files to KiCad: Complete Migration Guide for PCB Engineers

How to Convert KiCad to Altium (and Altium to KiCad): Complete Migration Guide

How to Convert OrCAD to Altium Designer: Complete Migration Guide

How to Create PCB from Schematic in Altium Designer (Step-by-Step)

How to Export Altium Designer Files to JLCPCB & PCBWay

Raspberry Pi Pico Altium Library: RP2040 Schematic & PCB Footprint

SnapEDA & SamacSys LibrariesHow to Use SnapEDA & SamacSys Libraries in Altium Designer

What is .PcbDoc? Altium Designer PCB Format Explained

What is .PrjPcb? Altium Designer Project File Explained

What is .SchDoc? Altium Schematic File Explained

What is a .PCB File? Complete Protel/Altium PCB Format Guide

Advanced Integration Features

Beyond basic push-pull, Altium Designer & SolidWorks integration supports sophisticated collaboration scenarios.

Rigid-Flex Board Synchronization

For rigid-flex designs, CoDesigner transfers folded board geometry between domains:

1. Define rigid and flex regions in Altium Designer
2. Set the fold state using the Layer Stack Regions mode
3. Push to SolidWorks with fold information
4. Mechanical engineer verifies fit in the enclosure
5. Adjust fold angles as needed
6. Push/pull to synchronize changes

Multi-Board Assembly Support

Products with multiple PCBs can be synchronized as complete assemblies:

1. Create a Multi-board project in Altium Designer
2. Define each board’s position relative to the assembly origin
3. Push the entire assembly to SolidWorks
4. Mechanical engineer places boards within the enclosure
5. Position changes sync back to the ECAD domain

Native Component Linking

For organizations using SolidWorks PDM Professional, components can be linked between ECAD and MCAD libraries:

1. Reference the MCAD component in the ECAD footprint parameters
2. Format: <vault>:folder\folder\component.sldprt
3. When pushed to SolidWorks, the native component replaces the generic model
4. Library updates propagate through the linked relationship

Traditional Export Methods: STEP and Parasolid

When real-time collaboration isn’t required, Altium Designer supports direct 3D export.

Exporting STEP Files from Altium Designer

1. Open your PCB design
2. Go to File → Export → STEP 3D
3. Configure export options:
   1. Export Folded Board: For rigid-flex designs
   1. Export as Single Part: Simplifies the model but prevents individual component selection
   1. Component options: Choose between simple bodies or full 3D models
4. Click Save

Exporting Parasolid Files

Parasolid export provides additional options including copper geometry:

1. Go to File → Export → Parasolid
2. Enable 3D Copper if needed (increases file size significantly)
3. Configure component and board options
4. Click Save

Parasolid format often imports more cleanly into SolidWorks than STEP, with smaller file sizes and better detail preservation.

STEP Import Tips for SolidWorks Users

When importing Altium STEP exports:

• Use the Import Diagnostics tool to heal any geometry issues
• Apply a suffix to all components to avoid naming conflicts when multiple boards are used
• Consider importing as a part rather than assembly for simpler designs
• Check that the imported model appears—it may be positioned far from the SolidWorks origin

Troubleshooting Common Integration Issues

Even with proper setup, issues can occur. Here are solutions for frequent problems.

CoDesigner Panel Not Appearing in SolidWorks

Check add-in status: Go to Tools → Add-Ins and verify Altium CoDesigner is enabled.

Conflicting add-ins: Disable other third-party add-ins temporarily to identify conflicts.

Reinstall the plugin: Uninstall, restart SolidWorks, then reinstall the CoDesigner plugin.

Connection or Authentication Failures

Verify credentials: Ensure you’re using the correct Altium account email and password.

Check Workspace membership: The Workspace administrator must add you as a member.

Firewall or proxy issues: CoDesigner requires internet connectivity to Altium 365 servers.

Decals or Textures Not Displaying

In SolidWorks:

1. Navigate to System → Performance
2. Try toggling Enhanced Graphics Performance
3. Enable Use software OpenGL if needed
4. Go to Document Properties → Model Display
5. Check Store appearance, decal and scene data in the model file

Component Models Missing or Incorrect

Missing 3D models: Components without 3D body definitions in Altium appear as simple extruded shapes.

Version mismatch: Ensure CoDesigner plugin version matches your Altium Designer version.

Model path issues: For linked native components, verify the PDM vault path is correct.

Useful Resources for Altium SolidWorks Integration

Official Documentation and Downloads

• MCAD CoDesigner Documentation: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-codesigner
• SolidWorks Preparation Guide: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-codesigner/installing-configuring/solidworks
• CoDesigner Plugin Downloads: https://www.altium.com/products/downloads
• Altium 365 Workspace: https://www.altium.com/altium-365
• ECAD-MCAD Video Tutorials: https://resources.altium.com/mcad-codesigner

Training and Learning

• Altium Academy: https://www.altium.com/academy
• MCAD CoDesigner Onboarding Guide: https://resources.altium.com/codesign
• SolidWorks Partner Page: https://www.solidworks.com/partner-product/altium-365-mcad-codesigner

Component Libraries

• SnapEDA (3D models included): https://www.snapeda.com/
• Ultra Librarian: https://www.ultralibrarian.com/
• Component Search Engine: https://componentsearchengine.com/
• 3D ContentCentral: https://www.3dcontentcentral.com/

Community Support

• Altium Resources Portal: https://resources.altium.com/
• AltiumLive Community: https://www.altium.com/community
• SolidWorks Forums: https://forum.solidworks.com/

Frequently Asked Questions About Altium SolidWorks Integration

Does the SolidWorks CoDesigner plugin cost extra?

No. The CoDesigner plugin for SolidWorks is free for mechanical engineers. However, it requires connection to an Altium 365 Workspace, which is included with an active Altium Designer subscription. The electrical engineer needs the Altium subscription; mechanical engineers only need a free Altium account and Workspace access granted by the administrator.

Can I use CoDesigner with SolidWorks PDM?

Yes. CoDesigner has been developed and tested with SolidWorks PDM Professional. You’ll need to configure the common component folder under PDM control and synchronize before collaborating. Decals are stored directly in the part file to simplify PDM file management.

What happens to my design if the mechanical engineer makes changes I don’t want?

Every change pushed from SolidWorks appears in your Altium Designer CoDesigner panel for review. You can preview each modification and choose to accept or reject it individually. Rejected changes include optional comments explaining why, so the mechanical engineer understands the constraints.

Can I still use STEP export if I have CoDesigner?

Absolutely. STEP and Parasolid export remain available for situations where you need to share with external partners who don’t have Workspace access, create documentation, or interface with other MCAD tools. CoDesigner complements rather than replaces traditional export methods.

Which SolidWorks versions work with CoDesigner?

CoDesigner supports SolidWorks 2019 and newer versions (Standard, Professional, and Premium editions). For best compatibility, use recent versions of both Altium Designer and SolidWorks. Check the version compatibility matrix in Altium’s documentation before updating either tool to ensure the CoDesigner plugin version matches.

Final Recommendations for Successful Integration

After implementing Altium Designer & SolidWorks integration across multiple organizations, here’s my practical advice:

Start with a test project: Before integrating your critical designs, practice the workflow with a simple test board. This helps both teams understand the push-pull process without deadline pressure.

Establish communication protocols: Decide when to push changes, how to comment on modifications, and who approves what. Technical integration works best when accompanied by process agreements.

Keep 3D models current: Component interference detection only works when your footprints include accurate 3D models. Invest time in maintaining quality 3D libraries.

Use incremental collaboration: Rather than completing the entire PCB design before sharing with mechanical, push early and often. Small, frequent exchanges catch issues faster than large, infrequent ones.

Train both teams: The workflow involves both electrical and mechanical engineers. Ensure everyone understands both their responsibilities and their counterpart’s perspective.

The days of emailing STEP files back and forth, wondering which version is current, and discovering mechanical conflicts during prototype assembly are over. With proper Altium Designer & SolidWorks integration, electrical and mechanical teams work from synchronized data throughout the design process—delivering better products faster.