Computer-Aided Design software packages handle models in the following ways:
| 2D drawings |
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| Wireframe models |
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| Surface models (organic shapes) |
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| Solid models (mechanical parts and assemblies) |
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SOLIDWORKS creates solid models, but it can also import, create, and manipulate surfaces, view models in wireframe mode, and generate 2D drawings from the 3D solid models. ScanTo3D tools, available in SOLIDWORKS Premium, import mesh and point cloud data from which you can create surfaces and solid models.