A reverse engineering plug-in that brings 3D scan data straight into SOLIDWORKS. Export a scan from Artec Studio, extract features and sketch on the mesh, and build manufacturing-ready, feature-based solid models without leaving the CAD environment your team already knows.
Send us a part, or a scan and a drawing, and we will model it live in SOLIDWORKS with you.
What is Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS?
Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS is a reverse engineering plug-in from Hexagon that adds scan-to-CAD tools directly inside SOLIDWORKS. It processes mesh and point cloud data, extracts features from 3D scans, and lets you sketch, fit surfaces and check deviation against the scan, so the result is a native, editable SOLIDWORKS model rather than a surface that merely matches the scan.
The point is to keep reverse engineering where your design work already happens. Engineers model in the SOLIDWORKS interface they know, with the part's feature tree, constraints and drawings built the normal way, while the plug-in handles the scan data that SOLIDWORKS on its own cannot work with.
Typical work it is bought for: recreating CAD for legacy parts with no drawings, repairing and replacing broken critical parts, designing around existing parts so new components fit first time, value analysis to reduce manufacturing cost, diagnosing and fixing flawed designs, and custom-fit work such as prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Artec’s webinar walking through a complete Artec 3D scanning and SOLIDWORKS reverse engineering workflow (about 16 minutes).
Editable scan-based CAD models in five steps
Artec 3D scanning, SOLIDWORKS and the Geomagic plug-in together form an end-to-end scan-to-CAD workflow: capture the part, prepare the mesh, and build a solid model you can edit and manufacture.
Capture
Digitize the part with one or more Artec scanners: Micro II for small precision parts, Spider II or Point II for fine detail, Leo wirelessly on the floor, Ray II at large scale.
Optimize & send
Refine the mesh in Artec Studio or with the plug-in's processing tools, then send whole meshes, CAD objects or 2D sections into SOLIDWORKS.
Segment
Group the mesh into regions and fit primitives, or cut mesh sections as sketch references. Hybrid and manual reverse engineering are both supported.
Build the solid
Extrude, sweep and revolve sketches, combine the resulting 3D elements, and end with a solid model faithful to the scan data.
Verify
Check surfaces and bodies against the imported mesh at any point, feature by feature, until the model is ready for manufacturing.
What Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS actually does
Scan processing, feature extraction, sketching, surfacing and deviation checks, all inside the SOLIDWORKS feature tree.
Unlimited-complexity sketching
Design around existing parts, however complex the shape, and create models that fit into place, with Geomagic's sketching tools working directly on scan data.
Mesh and point cloud processing
Handle and refine large mesh and point cloud data sets inside SOLIDWORKS, so scan cleanup does not require a separate application.
Region grouping and feature extraction
Segment the scan into regions and extract planes, cylinders and other primitives automatically, or guide the extraction yourself.
Mesh sections as sketch references
Cut sections through the scan to get accurate 2D profiles, then sketch, constrain and build features on top of them the normal SOLIDWORKS way.
Automatic surfacing
Fit accurate surfaces to organic, freeform scans for shapes that were never built from simple features, such as castings, ergonomic forms and custom-fit devices.
Real-time deviation analysis
Compare your 3D model to the scan data directly while you work, so accuracy problems are caught at the feature where they start.
One-click export from Artec Studio
Send any mesh, CAD object or section from Artec Studio to SOLIDWORKS in a single click, with no file juggling between applications.
Device integration
Import data, or scan directly into SOLIDWORKS with most 3D scanners on the market, so the plug-in fits mixed-hardware shops too.
Recover lost design data
Bring legacy and damaged parts into a CAD environment, uncover the original design intent, and fix built-in faults so they do not recur.
Ways to buy Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS
Add the plug-in to scanners you already own, buy it as part of an Artec scanning package, or step up to the standalone Design X application if your work outgrows the plug-in.
Software only
Already scanning? Add the plug-in and start reverse engineering complex parts inside SOLIDWORKS.
- Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS license
- Works with your existing SOLIDWORKS seat
- Commercial or educational terms
- Maintenance programs available
Artec scanner + plug-in
An Artec 3D scanner of your choice bundled with the plug-in and Artec Studio, for a complete scan-to-SOLIDWORKS setup.
- Artec scanner of your choice
- Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS license
- One or more Artec Studio licenses
- Better value than buying the pieces separately
Geomagic Design X
The standalone reverse engineering application, with broader tooling and LiveTransfer to several CAD systems.
- Broader mesh and point cloud tools
- More surfacing control and automation
- LiveTransfer to SOLIDWORKS, NX, Creo and more
- Go, Plus and Pro tiers
Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS requires a licensed copy of SOLIDWORKS. It is offered on commercial and educational terms with Geomagic maintenance programs. Tell us your SOLIDWORKS version and the parts you need to model, and we will confirm compatibility and quote the right configuration.
Technical specifications
Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS vs Geomagic Design X
| Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS | Geomagic Design X | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you work | Inside SOLIDWORKS | Standalone application |
| Requires SOLIDWORKS | Yes | No |
| Output | Native SOLIDWORKS model | LiveTransfer to SOLIDWORKS, NX, Creo, Inventor, AutoCAD |
| Mesh and point cloud tooling | Core processing | Broader, with advanced repair in Pro |
| Surfacing | Automatic surfacing | Auto, selective and Exact Surfacing |
| Automation | Not included | Scan Process and Batch Process (Pro) |
| Best fit | SOLIDWORKS-only teams, straightforward parts | Organic geometry, difficult data, multiple CAD targets |
Artec scanner pairing
| Artec scanner | Type | 3D accuracy, up to | Typical reverse engineering work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artec Micro II | Desktop, automated | 0.005 mm (5 µm / 0.0002 in) | Small machined and molded parts, dental, jewelry, medical devices |
| Artec Point II | Handheld laser | 0.02 mm (0.0008 in) | Shiny, dark and otherwise difficult surfaces |
| Artec Spider II | Handheld | 0.05 mm (0.002 in) | Complex geometry, sharp edges, castings, tooling |
| Artec Leo | Handheld, wireless | 0.1 mm (0.004 in) | Large parts, weldments, fixtures, machinery scanned in place |
| Artec Eva | Handheld | 0.1 mm (0.004 in) | Medium to large parts where capture speed matters most |
Accuracy figures are Artec's published specifications for the scanner alone; achievable model fidelity depends on part size, surface finish, environment and operator technique. Ray II data can also be brought in for large objects, and Leo and Ray II data can be merged to maximize resolution.
System requirements
| Component | Published minimum | 3DMakerWorld recommendation for Artec scan data |
|---|---|---|
| CAD | Licensed SOLIDWORKS installation | Current SOLIDWORKS release; we confirm version compatibility at quoting |
| Operating system | Windows 8.1 (64-bit) | Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel or AMD, 2.0 GHz minimum | Intel Core i7 / Ryzen 7 class or better, high single-core clock |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 32 GB RAM or more |
| Storage | 30 GB free (additional space for cache) | NVMe SSD with 500 GB+ free for project and cache data |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Quadro graphics card | NVIDIA RTX professional card, 8 GB VRAM or more |
| Display | 32-bit true color, 1280 × 960 | 1920 × 1080 or higher |
The published minimum is a floor, not a working configuration. SOLIDWORKS and dense Artec scan data running together push memory and GPU harder than the minimum anticipates. We also spec and supply workstations known to run Artec Studio and SOLIDWORKS together properly.
Why buy Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS from 3DMakerWorld?
As a Gold-Certified Artec 3D reseller, we sell the scanner, the reverse engineering software and the training as one package, and we use the same workflow in our own service bureau.
🥇 Gold-Certified Artec 3D Partner
Scanner, reverse engineering software and training from one vendor, with one point of contact when something goes wrong.
🛠️ We run this workflow ourselves
Our service bureau scans parts and builds CAD models. Application advice comes from production experience, not a spec sheet.
💬 Honest tool guidance
If Artec Studio's own tools cover your parts, or Design X fits your work better than the plug-in, we will say so before you buy.
🧪 Demos on your own data
Send a part or a scan and a drawing. We show the real modeling workflow in SOLIDWORKS on it, not a canned demo.
🎓 Training & workflow guidance
Onboarding that covers the full path, from Artec Studio data preparation through feature extraction and modeling in SOLIDWORKS.
📞 US-based support
Hexagon support with your maintenance plan, plus application support from our team in Naperville, Illinois and Lenexa, Kansas.
Frequently asked questions
What is Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS?▾
Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS is a reverse engineering plug-in from Hexagon that runs inside SOLIDWORKS. It processes 3D scan data, extracts features, and lets you sketch, surface and check deviation against the scan, so you can build native, editable SOLIDWORKS models from physical parts.
Do I need SOLIDWORKS to use it?▾
Yes. It is a plug-in, so it requires a licensed SOLIDWORKS installation. If you do not use SOLIDWORKS, or you need to deliver models to other CAD systems, the standalone Geomagic Design X is the better fit.
How much does Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS cost?▾
It is offered on commercial and educational terms with Geomagic maintenance programs, and is also available bundled with an Artec 3D scanner and Artec Studio. Because the license terms, maintenance and any scanner bundle all move the number, we quote rather than publish: send us your application through the form below and we will return a written quote.
Does it work with Artec 3D scanners?▾
Yes. It can be used with data from any Artec 3D scanner, from Micro II to Ray II. Any mesh, CAD object or section can be sent from Artec Studio to SOLIDWORKS in a single click. It also works with data from most other 3D scanners on the market.
Should I buy Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS or Geomagic Design X?▾
Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS keeps reverse engineering inside SOLIDWORKS, which suits teams that live in SOLIDWORKS and want one window. Design X is the standalone, more capable application: broader mesh and point cloud tooling, more surfacing control, automation, and LiveTransfer to several CAD systems. If SOLIDWORKS is your only CAD system and your parts are straightforward, the plug-in is often enough. For organic geometry, difficult scan data or multiple CAD targets, Design X is the right tool.
I already have Artec Studio. Why do I need the plug-in?▾
Artec Studio covers the reverse engineering essentials and exports to SOLIDWORKS. For more complex parts, the plug-in adds advanced sketching, feature extraction, surfacing and deviation tools inside SOLIDWORKS itself. If Artec Studio already handles your parts, we would rather tell you that than sell a second license.
Which SOLIDWORKS versions are supported?▾
Supported versions change with each release of the plug-in. Tell us which SOLIDWORKS version you run and we will confirm compatibility before you buy.
What are the system requirements?▾
A licensed SOLIDWORKS installation, plus a published minimum of 64-bit Windows 8.1, a 2.0 GHz Intel or AMD processor, 8 GB RAM, 30 GB of free disk space, a 1280 × 960 32-bit true-color display, and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card. For real work with dense Artec scan data we recommend Windows 11 Pro, an i7-class or better CPU, 32 GB RAM or more, an NVMe SSD, and an NVIDIA RTX professional card with 8 GB or more of VRAM.
Do you offer educational pricing?▾
Yes. Geomagic software is offered on separate educational terms, and Artec offers educational packages that bundle scanners with software. We quote educational, multi-seat, lab and consortium configurations. Tell us the institution and the seat count and we will put it together.
Do you provide training and support?▾
Yes. Licenses carry Hexagon support with maintenance, and 3DMakerWorld provides U.S.-based application support on top of that. We run Artec scanners and reverse engineering work in our own service bureau, so you are calling people who use this workflow. Offices in Naperville, Illinois and Lenexa, Kansas.
Can you just do the reverse engineering for us?▾
Yes. 3DMakerWorld runs an Artec-based 3D scanning and reverse engineering service bureau. For a one-off legacy part, an obsolete spare or a supplier problem, we can scan the part and deliver a SOLIDWORKS model without you buying any software. It is also the cheapest way to find out whether the workflow is worth bringing in-house.
Get a quote, or a demo on your own part
Tell us about the parts you need to model and your SOLIDWORKS version. We will confirm compatibility, quote it, and show you the workflow on your data.
We also scan parts and deliver SOLIDWORKS models as a service, with no software purchase. Learn more about our reverse engineering service.