General Questions
Can I edit my profile?
Yes, when you are signed in you can edit your profile by clicking on “Edit Profile” at the top right of the gallery page.
What if I feel a project in the public gallery is inappropriate?
Hopefully, this will not happen, the SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids team regularly checks the public gallery to ensure that projects are within the “terms of use” guidelines.
If something slips past us, you can “Flag” a project to let us know. Flagging can also be used to flag duplicate projects or to request deletion.
What is SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids is an online ecosystem of apps that you can use to create, print, and make your ideas and creativity come to life.
With 4 apps Shape It, Style It, Mech It and Print It, SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids offers a fun and exciting way to learn and experience design and making.
What is the right age to use SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
SOLIDWORKS Apps for kids is designed for kids ages 4 and up.
We have worked hard to make sure that the apps and ecosystem is a safe place for kids. For more information take a look at the Parents & Guardians page.
If you are 16 or older, you can set up an account and start using the apps instantly by clicking the “Try now” link at the top right of the Apps for Kids website.
If you are under 16, you will need permission from a parent or guardian. Enter your parent or guardian’s email on the sign-up page to have them activate your account.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a “kid” don’t let your age hold you back! If you want to create and make amazing things, no matter how old you are, it’s easy to jump right in and start creating!”
What is the best way to learn how to use SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
The best way to start and learn how to use our apps is to use the in-app getting started videos.
Once you have run through the getting started videos, head over to the videos page for more tutorials and how to tips!
Have fun and enjoy learning all about our apps and how to create amazing things!
Do you have a mobile app(s) for SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
At the moment all apps are browser-based and can be used on any new web browser. (We recommend using the Google Chrome browser, but other browsers should work fine)
We are looking into the possibility of providing native apps for mobile devices, keep a look out for announcements in the future!
What browsers are supported for SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids supports modern web browsers that are HTML 5 compatible. These include Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids may work on other browsers but the experience may be affected.
What devices are ok to use with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids runs in a browser so it should be usable on any device that supports HTML5 web browsers. For optimum performance, laptops and desktop computers are advised. Some tablet devices may affect performance.
How can I contact the SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids Team?
To contact the team, simply use the in-app feedback form. We look forward to hearing from you!
What do the colors of the apps mean?
The colors of the apps represent the types of apps and how they relate to real design practices.
Creation is red, enhancement is black, and production is purple. There is more explanation of this on the Parents & Guardians page.
What does “public beta” mean?
The public beta is the last stage in our testing process. Anyone can sign up to use the apps and start creating straight away.
At this stage, we are still working on some small details to make sure we release the best possible apps we can. There are no limitations of use for public beta.
Can I log in with other social accounts such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter or Linked In?
At present we do not support using social media accounts with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids, this is something we are investigating for a future release.
Where can I find help in SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
Help is offered in a few different ways depending on the type of help needed.
On the SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids website, you can go to the help center., where you will see the different options for getting help.
This FAQ page is great for common questions about SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids.
For help using the apps, the best place is the video gallery! We also provide getting started videos directly in the app.
If you still have a question, feel free to post it to our in-app feedback tool.
I have my own 3D printer, can I print my creations?
The Print It app is exactly what you need if you wish to 3D print your Shape It and Style It creations!
From the 3D print panel, click “Download STL”. Then open the STL in your favorite 3D print software.
Check out the video below to find out how, or head over Print It page to learn more.
Can I use a touch device with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids?
Yes! Having a great touch experience is very important to us! Currently, all our available apps are designed to work with touch.
We have tried to ensure that touch workflows work well with tablets, hybrid laptops, and touch-enabled monitors. We do not currently support small form devices like smartphones.
Will SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids be available in other languages?
Yes, we intend to localize into French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese and Simplified Chinese in the future, with more languages added based on the feedback we receive.
At present, the website and apps are only available in US English.
Account Questions
How can I change my Avatar picture?
Yes, from the gallery click your current Avatar picture to change your avatar (profile picture)
I forgot my username and password… Help!
Don’t worry about your username, you log in to Apps for Kids with your (or your parents) email address. You can change your username if you wish (see “How do I change my username” on the FAQ page)
To reset your password, we have added a change password tool to our app and to the sign in page.
At sign in you can change your password by clicking “forgot password”.
You can also change your password when you are signed in by editing your profile.
How can I create an account and start using Apps for Kids?
If you are 16 or older, you can set up an account and start using the apps instantly by clicking the “Try now” link at the top right of the Apps for Kids website.
If you are under 16 you will need permission from a parent or guardian. Enter your parent or guardian’s email on the sign-up page to have them activate your account.
Can I change my username?
Yes, edit your profile and you will be able to change your username.
Can I delete my account?
If you wish to close your account and delete all of your data including models, username, email, etc. Follow the steps below:
1. From the gallery, select “Edit Profile”
2. Switch to the “Privacy” tab
3. Select “Delete my account”
4. Ensure that you read and agree to the notice
5. Select “Delete”
Your data will be deleted from all of our servers within 30 business days.
Apps
My project is a Staff Pick, what does that mean?
Staff pick projects are projects that we think are Awesome!! It means that your project has been chosen by the SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids team to be highlighted in the “Featured Projects” area on this public website.
For every project of yours that is chosen as a staff pick, you will see your staff pick count in the gallery increase.
Can I remove a proect that I shared to the Public Gallery?
At the moment there is no mechanism for you to remove a project that you have shared to the public gallery. – We are working on it!
If you still wish to remove one of your projects from the gallery, please send your request using the in-app feedback form and include the username and project name with a brief description of the project.
Can I edit my profile?
Yes, when you are signed in you can edit your profile by clicking on “Edit Profile” at the top right of the gallery page.
I have my own 3D printer, can I print my creations?
The Print It app is exactly what you need if you wish to 3D print your Shape It and Style It creations!
From the 3D print panel, click “Download STL”. Then open the STL in your favorite 3D print software.
Check out the video below to find out how, or head over Print It page to learn more.
How many projects can I create?
There is currently no limit to how many projects you can create.
Have fun creating and remember to share what you create in the Public Gallery!
Can everyone see the projects that I create?
All projects you create are private to you and cannot be seen by anyone else. The only way to make a project public is to share it to the public gallery.
How do I favorite a project?
In SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids, you can favorite a project by “liking” it.
To do this you simply click on the heart icon on a project in the gallery. All projects you “like” will be accessible in the “projects I like” list on the gallery!
How do I 3D print my creation?
The Print It app is exactly what you need if you wish to 3D print your Shape It and Style It creations!
Check out the video below to find out how, or head over Print It page to learn more.
How can I print my creation on paper?
By using Print It, you can print any of your Shape It or Style It creations on paper in a number of different ways.
– Standard print – print your creation with or without a background
– Color by numbers – print without any color and use the number key to color in your own picture
– Cube print – cut out and fold up your paper print to create a 3D box of your creation
Learn more on the Print It page, or check out this video.
What does “riff” mean?
“Riff” is actually a jazz term for when music is improvised. To “riff”, is to make it your own, but at the same time pay tribute to the originator.
We use the term “riff” in SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids when a public project is copied, updated and shared back to the public gallery.
If you preview a riffed project, you will see where it came from and what riffs have been created from it.
How can I share my project for others to see?
Sharing is a core part of what SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids is all about!
In any app, you can use the menu button at the top right and click “Share”.
Or you can use the share arrow on your project thumbnail when you are in the gallery view.
Have fun sharing your creations, we can’t wait to see what you create!
Are there any shortcut keys I can use in the apps?
Yes, our intention is to use the familiar shortcuts that are often used in professional apps so that kids are already familiar when they start to learn more advanced apps in the future.
Here are some keyboard shortcut keys to get you started:
– “F” to zoom the screen to fit the model
– “Control+Z” to undo
– “Control+Y” to redo
– “Spacebar” to show the View Cube
– “Control” select a face(s), then drag the arrows whilst still holding control to add geometry or add a loop
Parents and Guardians
How can I verify my child’s account?
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids is open to kids of all ages.
We make every effort to ensure that Apps for Kids is a safe and fun place for kids.
When kids are under 16, we ask for their parent’s e-mail address so you, the parent or guardian, can approve and verify the account. Simply follow the email instructions to verify.
This also means that you can moderate your child’s account if you wish to do so.
How do I link children’s accounts to my account?
Currently, there is no way to link accounts. We are working on this.
At present, if kids are under 16 we ask them to provide their parents or guardians email and the account is verified and moderated by the adult.
For educators, we have a beta program for a “Classroom” platform. To learn more, take a look at the Educators page.
Is SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids safe for kids to use?
Yes, privacy is very important to us.
We have worked hard to make sure that the apps and ecosystem is a safe place for kids. For more information take a look at the Parents & Guardians page.
What 3D printers can I use to 3D print SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids projects?
The Print It app is exactly what you need if you wish to 3D print your Shape It and Style It creations!
We have partnered with Sindoh to create Cloud Print. Connect your Apps for Kids account to any Sindoh 3DWOX Printer (with the latest firmware) for effortless 3D printing.
If you do not have a Sindoh 3D Printer and want to 3D print using a different printer you can simply save an STL of your creation.
From the 3D print panel, click “Download STL”. Then open the STL in your favorite 3D print software.
Check out the video below to find out how, or head over Print It page to learn more.
Educators
How can I use SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids in my classroom?
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids can be used in schools to help kids learn STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) subjects and more. Apps for Kids is easy to use so that kids can focus on what they are creating and not how to create it.
Check out the Educators page for more information.
We are working on creating a platform to manage your educational organization, teacher and student accounts, and class content. We will also provide curriculum examples for schools, after-school workshops and more.
If you would like to help us create, review or promote curriculum for SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids please sign up to the Classroom Beta Program here.
What curriculum is provided to help teach?
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids can be used in schools to help kids learn STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) subjects and more.
Today we have a number of tutorials and help videos that can be used to teach concepts for design and making things.
We are working on creating a platform to manage your educational organization, teacher and student accounts, and class content. We will also provide curriculum examples for schools, after-school workshops and more.
Check out the Educators page for more information.
If you would like to help us create, review or promote curriculum for SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids please sign up to the Classroom Beta Program here.
If you would like to help us create, review, or promote curriculum for SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids, please contact us through our in-app feedback tool.