Book excerpt: This book is intended to help new users learn the basic concepts of SolidWorks and good solid modeling techniques in an easy to follow guide that includes video instruction. It is a great starting point for those new to SolidWorks or as a teaching aid in classroom training to become familiar with the software’s interface, basic commands and strategies as users complete a series of models while learning different ways to accomplish a particular task. At the end of this book, you will have a fairly good understanding of the SolidWorks interface and the most commonly used commands for part modeling, assembly and detailing after completing a series of components and their 2D drawings complete with Bill of Materials. The book focuses on the processes to complete the modeling of a part, instead of focusing on individual software commands or operations, which are generally simple enough to learn. The author strived hard to include the commands required in the Certified SolidWorks Associate test as listed on the SolidWorks website, as well as several more. SolidWorks is an easy to use CAD software that includes many time saving tools that will enable new and experienced users to complete design tasks faster than before. Most commands covered in this book have advanced options, which may not be covered in this book. This is meant to be a starting point to help new users to learn the basic and most frequently used commands.