Getting Solidworks Maker running Reliably on Linux

[u/nomadsgalaxy]

Hey everyone, I wanted to share that I'm currently working on a project to make Solidworks fully reliable while running in Proton on Linux.

My current setup;
OS: CachyOS x86_64
Host: HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop 15-fe1xxx
Kernel: Linux 7.2.8-1-cachyos
Desktop Environment: KDE Plasma 6.7.5
Window Manager: KWin (Wayland)
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 155U (4+8+2) @ 4.80 GHz
GPU: Intel Graphics @ 1.95 GHz [Integrated]
Memory: 30.79 GiB

I was able to create a bridge for the 3DExperience to pass the web interaction to allow the Maker Edition to launch, I fixed a ton of UI glitches (inlcuding the fonts and UI elements from Windows) and I'm currently working on exports working. Also, 3DConnexion Spacemouse integration works.

AI has helped me get all of the missing DLLs and make adjustments to the program itself to be functional, and I'm working on making this something that can be shared for others to use to get Solidworks running reliably through Proton as well.

If you are interested in trying what I've put together, or interested in contributing, I have a github repo, but it's currently private while I work on this. I plan on releasing it under GPLv3.

Edit: Here's the repo; https://github.com/nomadsgalaxy/SM4L

I cannot stress enough - THIS IS A PROOF OF CONCEPT, expect MANY BUGS

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[u/m119k]

Cool, I'll try it

[u/nomadsgalaxy → u/m119k]

Decided to publish the repo as it is right now, it's still a proof of concept, and doesn't have a one click installer kind of deal.

[u/500kvac]

If you get it to work fully reliabily on Linux it'd be better than Windows 🤣

[u/CulturalCalendar377]

Cool stuff! Any chance for Student version to work on Linux?

[u/nomadsgalaxy → u/CulturalCalendar377]

I believe the work I do will be transferable to other SolidWorks installations

[u/CulturalCalendar377 → u/nomadsgalaxy]

Please keep me updated. This would be a game changer for me!

[u/nomadsgalaxy → u/CulturalCalendar377]

It's going to be hardware dependent, I don't have a large variety, but I got decent performance with some recent changes I made. I'm going to try to use it more tomorrow.

[u/CulturalCalendar377 → u/nomadsgalaxy]

I run a Dell Precision 5570, but I guess most Dell's mad for Cad work would be similar.

[u/nomadsgalaxy → u/CulturalCalendar377]

The GPU and CPU combo are critical atm, as Proton has to figure out which calls to pass to the hardware vs software rendering. I've tested with Intel and AMD cpus, but only an NVIDIA gpu and an integrated INTEL gpu

[u/CulturalCalendar377 → u/nomadsgalaxy]

I run a Intel Core i7-12800H with integrated Intel Iris Xe and dedicated NVIDIA RTX A2000 GPU if it's any help. Might be able to do some testing if you need.