When it comes to classic MCAD within what analyst CIMdata defines as “design-focused MCAD solutions” – as opposed to “multi-disciplinary MCAD solutions” – Siemens Digital Industries Software’s mainstream solution Solid Edge definitely belongs to the technological top tier.
But despite Solid Edge’s long history, the software has been around since 1996, the solution has been overshadowed by its “big brother” within Siemens, the high-end solution NX CAD. Commercially, Solid Edge brought in around $150 million in 2024, according to analyst CIMdata’s estimates (Siemens doesn’t reveal breakout figures). This compares with NX CAD, which, according to the same source (CIMdata webinar in June 2025) globally landed in second place after DS CATIA, with around $900 million. According to the estimates made by CIMdata for 2024, Solid Edge increased its revenues slightly compared to 2023.
What will happen in 2025 remains open. The statistics from the analyst for the year will come in mid-2026.
Why is the Cloud Important for Mainstream Companies?
However, it is clear that what is now being done with the program, and in light of the Designcenter concept, is not only technically interesting, but also has exciting needs-related implications for what is happening in product development in general. Above all, development is connected to the ability of the increasingly AI-driven economy to produce enormous volumes of data, in parallel with the fact that the world of product development is increasingly flooded with data as product complexity moves towards more electricity, more electronics, and more software integration alongside the mechanical parts. These are development trends that apply equally to small and medium-sized companies as to large OEMs.
An interesting aspect of the context is how long it has taken Siemens and Solid Edge’s tough competitors in the mainstream arena, Dassault Systemes and their corresponding SOLIDWORKS solution, to gain momentum in their community when it comes to advancing to their corresponding cloud environment, 3DEXPERIENCE. PLM&ERP News has covered this long struggle for almost a decade and what is clear here is that the resistance to advancing further towards cloud environments has been compact and long-standing. Much due to several complicated transition paths and a certain level of conservatism among the community members.
In any case, the issues discussed above is a relevant backdrop to why Siemens is keen to bring users to the cloud. Siemens owned HPC, AI, and CAE company’s, Altair Engineering’s CTO, Sam Mahailingam, nailed it during a recent event when he said that, ”as AI maturity reaches new levels, the rate of expansion is breakneck, and as the world moves forward in the AI paradigm, it is also becoming increasingly clear that the amount of data to be processed is growing almost ’hyper-exponentially.’ In short, data drives the AI economy, and there are large volumes in motion.”
Analyst figures confirm the trend: The globally generated data amounts have gone from around 15.5 zettabytes (ZB) over the past decade to an estimated 181 zettabytes by 2025. An even more staggering figure is that nearly 90 percent of all data in the world has been created in the last two years.
In the light of this Siemens’ general aspirations around Designcenter Solid Edge seems well-founded – the Designcenter concept in general and the cloud version Designcenter X Solid Edge in particular.
The new 2026 version, which was launched last week, is with AI-driven automation – which, among other things, sharpens design workflows with intelligent assembly, drawing generation, and a built-in conversation assistant – and with the modern UX and cloud integration, a proactive way to meet the aforementioned challenges that companies in the user base have to face.
The 2026 Version is Renamed Designcenter Solid Edge – A Quick Guide
But before we go any further, a few clarifications to make it easier to navigate the rich possibilities that come with the new solution:
1. The software is renamed and is now called Designcenter Solid Edge (DSE) and is available as desktop, cloud, and hybrid solutions
2. As cloud solutions, the Designcenter programs have the suffix “X” in their names, which means that the new Solid Edge is called Designcenter X Solid Edge, that the Siemens high-end CAD solution NX is called Designcenter X NX, and that the built-in PDM solution is called Teamcenter X, etc. But version 2026 is of course also available as a “regular,” local desktop solution, or as a hybrid alternative with a mix of cloud and desktop functions.
3. DSE will also continue to be part of the Designcenter package, in parallel with Siemens NX, via Designcenter X NX, becoming part of Designcenter X, as well as a whole range of other add-on capabilities within CAD, CAE, and CAM that come with Designcenter X NX, becoming available to Designcenter X Solid Edge users. Two CAD solutions within the same framework, with seamless integration between the programs; both using Siemens Parasolid core technology and thus based on the same data model. Something that, in turn, means that you will not need data migrations, translations, or updates, regardless of which program or connected add-ons you want to work with your model in. With this launch, DSE technology takes a step from mainstream to high-end. Above all, because it has gained a number of productive capabilities, such as AI-driven functionality, new features, and has embarked on an interesting path where value-based licensing removes the barriers to trying and using new tools for simulation, generative design, piping, electrical harnessing, and more. In short, new options in 2026 provide support for everything from advanced inspection to CFD analysis.
Good Analyst Ratings for the NX and Solid Edge Combination
So, a little more in detail – what is Siemens Digital Industries Software now putting on the track? A good indication of the technical capabilities of the NX and Solid Edge combination is that they have recently achieved good evaluation results in the analyst, Frost & Sullivan’s review of CAD systems in ”Frost Radar: CAD 2025”. When weighing together both Siemens software, NX CAD, and Solid Edge, the company received a top position on Frost Radar’s innovation index axis. This becomes especially interesting from the perspective that both are present, seamlessly integrated, in the Designcenter environment. Some of the unique features of the combination included, according to Frost Radar, “the many add-ons available to extend the capabilities of NX; the flexibility of licensing and Siemens electronics design strength, enabling seamless MCAD-ECAD collaboration.”
”A Technological Boost,” says Staples
Dan Staples also highlighted the value of this combination in his presentation:
“Yes, the combination is a fundamental part of the unified Designcenter suite, which thus includes both Solid Edge and Siemens’ high-end program NX. In addition, a number of new releases of products within the Designcenter suite emphasize that we are now talking about a seamless, broad tool suite where all components are based on the same core technology, Siemens Parasolid. The release is packed with solutions that embody this aspiration towards a cohesive and seamless platform.”
It can be added that CIMdata also looked at Designcenter in March this year and, in a so-called “Commentary,” concluded that Siemens, “through its Designcenter, delivers complete, transparent compatibility across its MCAD solutions – the data models are identical between Designcenter NX, Designcenter X NX, Designcenter Solid Edge, and Designcenter X Solid Edge – no data migrations, updates or translations are needed.”
So, here we can observe to the same values that Dan Staples believes give Designcenter a technological boost.
Otherwise, Staples highlights several pieces that support DSE’s progress, but especially notes:
• The now AI-driven automation, which sharpens design workflows with intelligent assembly, drawing generation, and a built-in conversation assistant
• The productivity improvements in assembly, sheet metal, and drawing that streamline reuse, manufacturability, and accuracy in documentation
• The modern UX and cloud integration, which provides a personalized experience with flexible licensing and seamless configuration across devices.
Staples added that, ”regardless of whether you work in a local desktop environment, in the cloud, or in hybrid, mixed arrangements, with Designcenter Solid Edge 2026 you can design smarter, faster, and better.”
THE MOST IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS in Designcenter Solid Edge
So, what does the new Designcenter Solid Edge platform contain from an overall view? Here are the most important highlights of the version according to Siemens press materials and presentations:
A number of tools included in the Designcenter solution are highly productivity-enhancing, the company claims, among other things, and points to the powerful AI tools, immersive visualization, and flexible cloud solutions, which can help designers and engineers work both smarter and faster.
Magnetic Snap Assembly
Highlights of the new version include AI-powered commands such as Magnetic Snap Assembly, Automatic Drawing Creation, and the Copilot app in Designcenter X Solid Edge, plus immersive design review with the new Walkthrough command.
Magnetic Snap Assembly, in particular, is interesting. It is an AI-powered feature designed to accelerate and simplify the assembly process. Instead of manually creating constraints and mates between parts, the software intelligently recognizes how components should fit together and automatically snaps them into place.
The benefits of this automated mating are that when you drag a component close to its intended location, the AI automatically applies the correct mating conditions. It can align holes, surfaces, and concentric features simultaneously, saving significant time and reducing manual steps.
Another aspect is that the system eliminates the need for users to manually apply individual assembly constraints. The AI takes over the repetitive and time-consuming process, freeing up the designer’s time for more complex tasks.
The new Automatic Drawing tool is also a winner in that the feature automates drawing creation, helping to spend more time designing and less time documenting. And when you need help, the AI-powered Design Copilot in Designcenter X Solid Edge offers “real-time answers, tips, and guidance to keep you going – no interruptions, no guessing game.”
Speaking of AI, drafting and detailing can be faster and more reliable than ever. You can automatically generate 2D drawings with AI-powered tools that streamline installation and reduce rework. “Add reference planes in the middle of the plan with a single click, track revisions directly in your drawings, and use custom symbols to standardize communication between teams,” Siemens writes in the press release.
Other improvements also bring more precision to hole tables, support decals in shaded views, and allow users to include section views in 3D PDFs – ensuring that everyone, from the shop floor to the supply chain, can see exactly what they need.
Enhanced Sheet Metal, Drafting, and Part Modelin Capabilitioes
Other features that streamline manufacturing workflows and improve accuracy come with the expanded value-based licensing option and seamless data interoperability. This gives Design Center Solid Edge 2026 exciting opportunities to scale capacity, collaborate globally and design at a good pace of innovation.
“From modeling precision parts to preparing sheet metal for manufacturing, new solutions help design with speed and confidence. Create interconnected joints in seconds using tongue-and-groove automation. Quickly generate thin-walled features with integrated wall thickness controls over key modeling commands. Expanded etching support and smarter flange machining simplify detailing and improve manufacturability. And with the new Fill Pattern tool, you can easily apply repeated features to surfaces – whether simulating textures or reducing weight.”
Interesting in sheet metal is that NX and Designcenter Solid Edge in fact have the same tool:
“We share the sheet-metal module one hundred percent,” Dan Staples said in an interview with with PLM&ERP’s columnist, Roopinder Tara. He continued: “It was originally written by the Solid Edge team, then enhanced by NX’s manufacturing team. Now both sides benefit.”
The 2026 release brings several refinements:
- Tab-and-slot creation that automatically generates both male and female features in a single command.
- Multi-edge flange trimming that automatically miters overlapping flanges.
- Etching around bends, allowing text or part numbers to wrap across bend radii and update dynamically.
“We’re not done yet,” Staples said. “Even with something as mature as sheet metal, there’s always further improvements to be made.”
Solid Edge can also flatten complex, deep-drawn or sculpted surfaces using physics (specifically, finite element analysis) borrowed directly from NX.
Built-in Cloud Data Management via Teamcenter X
It is further emphasized that Designcenter Solid Edge is a secure SaaS environment: “Install anywhere, enjoy automatic updates and manage CAD without additional IT costs. Built-in cloud data management powered by Teamcenter X keeps designs organized, accessible and secure – with revision control, check-in/check-out and release workflows included. Teams can visualize, mark up and discuss designs in real time.”
Immersive design is something Siemens has been developing intensively for several years, which is also reflected in the new Solid Edge Design Center:
”The new Walkthrough command lets you navigate assemblies as if you were actually there – using your keyboard, mouse or even an Xbox controller. Whether you’re reviewing complex layouts or showcasing your work, Walkthrough turns every design review into an immersive, interactive experience – with no additional tools required.”
About Value-Based Licensing
Value-based licensing, as discussed above, removes the barriers to trying new tools and scales up the possibilities in terms of the breadth of digital tools. This means you can explore powerful add-ons, around things like simulation, generative design, piping, electrical wiring and more – without long-term commitments. New options this year expand the possibilities with support for everything from advanced inspection to CFD analysis.
But whether you’re solving a one-time design challenge or expanding your team’s skills over time, token-based access gives you the freedom to work smarter, budget better and grow at your own pace.
Tools like Designcenter X NX extend the power of Designcenter Solid Edge, providing access to CAD, CAM, and CAE tools in a browser-based environment with no installation required. Design, iterate, and validate ideas quickly with lightweight modeling, built-in simulation, and manufacturing capabilities.
At the same time, you can share live design data across departments, engage non-CAD users with secure access and markup tools, and speed up reviews with built-in AR support. And with shared Parasolid compatibility, Designcenter X NX and Designcenter Solid Edge work seamlessly together for smooth, end-to-end workflows.
There’s more, of course, but the point is that whether you’re collaborating across disciplines or moving decades of legacy data, Designcenter Solid Edge tools keep users connected, provide accuracy, and continuous control.
The bottom line is that with Designcenter X Solid Edge, Siemens wants to bring users up to a cloud that offers a solid future-proof menu of digital capabilities, not least the connections to Designcenter X NX, promise a lot when it comes to meeting more advanced product challenges.
Still, AI is in the beginning of disruption, but it’s surely coming. Dan Staples again:
“Fifteen years ago, people said CAD was dead,” he told ENG Technica’s editor, Roopinder Tara. “They said everything would move to PDM, that we’d done all we could. They couldn’t have been farther from the truth.”
He pauses, then adds with conviction: “Between AI, the cloud, and collaboration, this is the most exciting time for CAD since it was first invented.”
It’s hard not to agree.
