Installation and Activation

This guide walks you through installing CADshift for SOLIDWORKS and activating your license.

System Requirements

Before installing CADshift, ensure your system meets these requirements:

Getting Started

Step 1: Create an Account

To download CADshift, you first need to create an account:

1. Visit cadshift.com
2. Click Sign Up or Register
3. Enter your details:
   • First name
   • Last name
   • Email address
   • Password
4. Click Register

Step 2: Verify Your Email

1. Check your inbox for an email from CADshift
2. Click the verification link in the email
3. Your account is now activated

Step 3: Download CADshift

After email verification, you’ll receive a second email containing:

• Your download link for the CADshift installer (.msi file)
• Trial information

Click the download link to save the installer to your computer.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Close SOLIDWORKS

Before installing, close SOLIDWORKS completely. The add-in cannot be registered while SOLIDWORKS is running.

Step 2: Run the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded .msi file
2. Double-click to run the installer
3. If prompted by Windows Security, click Run anyway

Step 3: Accept the License Agreement

1. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA)
2. Check the box to accept the terms
3. Click Next to continue

Step 4: Choose Installation Location

1. The default location is C:\Program Files\CADshift
2. Click Browse to choose a different location (optional)
3. Click Next to continue

Step 5: Complete Installation

1. Click Install to begin installation
2. Wait for the installation to complete
3. Click Finish to close the installer

Step 6: Start SOLIDWORKS

1. Launch SOLIDWORKS
2. The CADshift add-in loads automatically
3. Look for the CADshift tab in the Command Manager ribbon

Free Trial

CADshift includes a 14-day free trial with full access to all features across every tier.

How the Trial Works

• The trial starts when you register your account
• No credit card required to start the trial
• Full access to all features during the trial period
• Trial status is shown in the License window

Checking Trial Status

To see your trial information:

1. Click the CADshift tab in SOLIDWORKS
2. Click the License button
3. Your trial status and remaining days are displayed

What Happens When Trial Ends

When your 14-day trial expires:

• You will lose access to CADshift features
• Your settings and configurations are preserved
• To continue using CADshift, you need to purchase a subscription

Purchasing a Subscription

All purchases are handled through the CADshift website using Stripe for secure payment processing.

How to Purchase

1. Visit cadshift.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Go to your Subscriptions page
4. Choose your plan (see comparison below)
5. Enter your payment details (credit card via Stripe)
6. Complete checkout

Edition Comparison

After Purchase

Once your payment is processed:

1. You’ll receive an email with your Product Key (activation code)
2. The email also contains a download link if you need to reinstall

License Activation

After purchasing, you need to activate your license in SOLIDWORKS using your Product Key.

Activating with Product Key

1. Open SOLIDWORKS
2. Click CADshift → License
3. Click Enter Product Key (or similar)
4. Enter your product key exactly as shown in your email
5. Click Activate

Activation Successful

When activation succeeds:

• Your license status shows as Active
• Your subscription period (start and end dates) is displayed
• You have full access to your subscribed features

Subscription Management

Viewing Your Subscription

Log in to cadshift.com to view:

• Current subscription status
• Product key
• Subscription period
• Registered computers

Computer Registration

Your license allows a limited number of computer registrations (seats). Each seat can be used on one computer at a time.

To manage registered computers:

1. Log in to cadshift.com
2. Go to your Subscriptions page
3. Click on your subscription
4. View and manage registered computers
5. Unregister computers you no longer use

Resetting Your Product Key

If you need a new product key (for example, if it was compromised):

1. Log in to cadshift.com
2. Go to your Subscriptions page
3. Click Reset Product Key

Subscription Cancellation

You can cancel your subscription at any time from the website.

How to Cancel

1. Log in to cadshift.com
2. Go to your Subscriptions page
3. Click Cancel Subscription

What Happens After Cancellation

• You keep access until the end of your current billing period
• You are not charged for the next period
• Your settings and configurations are preserved
• You can resubscribe at any time

Students and Educators

CADshift is free for students and educators with a valid educational email address.

Activating Educational License

1. Visit cadshift.com
2. Click Free for Students
3. Sign up with your .edu email address
4. Verify your email
5. Download and install CADshift
6. Your Professional license activates automatically

Troubleshooting

Installation Issues

Account Issues

Activation Issues

Getting Help

If you continue to have issues:

1. Email Support - [email protected]
2. Website - cadshift.com/support
3. Check for Updates - Use the Update button in the CADshift tab

Uninstalling CADshift

To remove CADshift from your computer:

Windows 10/11

1. Open Settings → Apps → Apps & features
2. Search for “CADshift”
3. Click on CADshift
4. Click Uninstall
5. Follow the prompts to complete removal

Control Panel Method

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features
2. Find “CADshift” in the list
3. Right-click and select Uninstall
4. Follow the prompts

Next Steps

After installation and activation:

• Export your first DXF with custom file names
• Configure layers for your laser software
• Explore sheet metal features like bend line trimming