New student environments are being introduced for SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Students and 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA for Students offers from 20th October, 2026.

Your current subscription remains active until its existing expiration date. However, your data will not automatically transfer to the new environment, as it runs on a different cloud.

⚠️ Action required: If you want to keep your existing designs, export your data before your current subscription expires. Without a backup, your data will be permanently lost.

WHAT'S CHANGING

After years of operation, the SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Students and 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA for Students plan is evolving:
We're launching a new student plan which is simpler, and aligned with the solutions we offer to professionals. And, yes, still with learning content and certification included!
As a consequence, the service you are currently using will no longer be renewable after October 19, 2026.

               
WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

Nothing changes right now. Your subscription end date stays the same, and you can keep working until the end of your subscription. 
If you want to order the new plan, please note your current data will not transfer. A backup will be needed before your subscription expires.

What You Need to Do

1. Save your work
   Make sure your latest changes are saved.
2. Export your data
   Follow the instructions for your environment below.
3. Keep your exported files safe
   Store them somewhere you can access after your current subscription expires.
4. Access the new environment
   Once you have access, import your exported files.

SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Students

Export your data

1. Open the model you want to back up.
2. Save the model.
3. Go to Standard > Save As > Export.
4. Select File on disk (Do not select 3DDrive).
5. Set File Format to 3DXML.
6. Select Allow Editing.
7. Select Include Reference Model.
8. Click Export.

Detailed Guide:

https://help.3ds.com/2026x/English/DSDoc/WxdUserMap/SwxCom-t-Essentials-ExportFile.htm?contextscope=cloud&redirect_lang=english

Import your data

1. Go to Standard > Import.
2. In the Import dialog, select Import.
3. Under Source, select File on disk.
4. Select your exported file.

Detailed Guide:

https://help.3ds.com/2026x/English/DSDoc/WxdUserMap/SwxCom-t-Essentials-ImportFile.htm?contextscope=cloud&redirect_lang=english

3DEXPERIENCE CATIA for Students

Export your data

1. Open the data you want to back up.
2. Select Share > Export from the top bar.
3. In the Export dialog, open the Format list.
4. Select the required file type.
5. Export the data.

Detailed Guide: 

https://help.3ds.com/2026x/English/DSDoc/ExchUserMap/exch-t-Export-Data.htm?contextscope=cloud

Import your data

1. Select Add (+) > Import from the top bar.
2. In the Import dialog, select the required format.
3. Select the file you exported and complete the import.

Available formats include 3DXML, STEP, IGES, SOLIDWORKS, CATIA File, and more.

Detailed Guide: 

https://help.3ds.com/2026x/English/DSDoc/ExchUserMap/exch-t-Import-Data.htm?contextscope=cloud

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue using my current environment?

Yes. You can continue working until your current subscription expires. Your existing subscription end date remains unchanged.

Will my data be transferred automatically?

No. Data from the current environment will not automatically transfer to the new environment.

What if I do not need any of my existing designs?

No action is required for data you do not need to keep.

Can I use my exported files in the new environment?

Yes. The documented workflows provide options to import your exported data into the new environment.