What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2026 for Parts

SOLIDWORKS 2026 adds practical improvements for part modeling and fabrication workflows that reduce manual steps and improve control in sheet metal, weldments, and structural systems. Key updates include more flexible Base Flange start conditions, smarter Break Corners for internal corners, automatic cleanup of equations when deleting features, better Structure System corner previews, improved Cut List property usage, and precise XYZ reference point placement.

Base Flanges

For sheet metal users, the Base Flange command now provides more flexibility in defining starting conditions. You are no longer limited to starting from the sketch plane, you can also start from a surface, face, plane, vertex, or even an offset. This makes designing sheet metal parts that need to originate from specific reference geometry much easier.

Break Corners

Break Corner tool is commonly used to add chamfers or fillets for removing sharp edges and creating a smooth finish. The tool is now more intuitive, with a new option in the Property Manager that allows you to apply breaks specifically to internal corners, a process that previously required greater time and manual effort.

Delete With Equations

Equations are often used to drive sketches and features. If you delete a sketch or feature that uses or is referenced by an equation, it can cause errors unless the associated equations are also removed. SOLIDWORKS 2026 simplifies this with a new checkbox that allows you to delete these equations automatically when you delete the related sketch or feature.

Structure Systems

Applying treatments to complex corner used to be challenging. SOLIDWORKS 2025 made this easier by adding callouts in the graphics area for selecting trim types and options. Now, the 2026 release takes it a step further with a visual preview that displays all possible trim combinations, letting you choose the trim type and trim order without guesswork. This eliminates the need for trial and error.

Cut List Properties

For engineers working with structural systems, cut list items are an essential part of your workflow. Each cut list item stores detailed information about individual members, such as material, length, and quantity. In SOLIDWORKS 2026, you can now reference this information directly in custom properties. This ensures greater consistency and enables cut list data to be used seamlessly in downstream workflows.

Reference Points

Reference points are construction geometry used to define precise locations for creating features. However, accurately placing them has often been difficult and time-consuming, requiring users to select existing geometry or create complex workarounds. Now, with SOLIDWORKS 2026, you can define reference points directly by entering absolute X, Y, and Z coordinates.

The updates highlighted above represent some of the top enhancements that can help users work more efficiently and confidently. There are many more features in this release, and you can explore the full list in the official SOLIDWORKS documentation and “What’s New” guides to discover additional ways to streamline your design process.

Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support team.

Telephone        : (65) 6226 3784
Email               : support@seacadtech.com
WhatsApp       : (65) 9372 1461

Author: Jeff Wong / Application Engineer

Last updated: 2026-03-09