Blog: BORIS for SolidWorks - Secure Your CAD Designs

Blockchain Plugin Installation for SolidWorks | SolidWorks | Register and Certify IP of CAD design

2026-03-16 07:56 Guides
TL;DR: Blockchain Plugin Installation for SolidWorks Secures CAD Design Ownership

Protecting your SolidWorks CAD files is easier with blockchain plugins like BORIS. These tools guard against intellectual property theft by embedding tamper-proof proof-of-ownership into your designs. Installation involves simple steps, including compatibility checks, plugin download, and blockchain credential setup, ensuring secure design collaboration and IP management.

đź’ˇ Ready to lock down your designs? Follow this step-by-step guide to implementing blockchain CAD protection for lasting security today.

Blockchain Plugin Installation for SolidWorks: A Game-Changer for CAD Security

Have you ever wondered how to secure your SolidWorks CAD files while integrating blockchain technology? As intellectual property theft increases across industries, protecting your designs has never been more critical. Blockchain-powered tools, like the BORIS plugin for SolidWorks, are revolutionizing the way engineers and manufacturers manage design security.
Europe alone sees an annual €60 billion loss due to intellectual property violations, with engineering and manufacturing firms among the hardest hit. Yet blockchain technology offers an immutable and verifiable proof-of-ownership system for your CAD files.
In this guide, Violetta Bonenkamp, co-founder of CADChain, and Dirk-Jan Bonenkamp, its Chief Legal Officer, break down the step-by-step process of installing blockchain plugins into your SolidWorks software. Whether you're leading a cutting-edge startup or part of an established SME, the time to act is now.

Why Blockchain Plugin Installation Matters for CAD Designers

Traditional CAD workflows often expose designers to risks when sharing files, including unauthorized duplication, reverse engineering, and ownership disputes. Blockchain plugin tools like BORIS for SolidWorks resolve these issues, providing:
  • Tamper-proof ownership certification embedded in your CAD designs
  • Advanced tracking mechanisms for collaboration and IP management
  • Smart-contract automation for data-sharing agreements
  • GDPR-compliant security for European SMEs

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Blockchain Plugin in SolidWorks

Step 1: Ensure Compatibility
Verify that your system meets the minimum requirements for plugin installation. SolidWorks 2025 or later is recommended due to built-in integration capabilities with third-party plugins. Download updated drivers if necessary.
Step 2: Acquire the BORIS Plugin
You can register for access via the official BORIS SolidWorks platform. This plugin enables you to register CAD file ownership directly onto a blockchain ledger in real-time.
Step 3: Start the Installation Wizard
Locate and run the setup (.exe) file downloaded from the SolidWorks partner products store. Launch the installation wizard and follow the prompts, ensuring that the plugin is set to connect with your preferred blockchain backend.
Step 4: Register Your Credentials
The BORIS plugin requires user authentication to access blockchain features. Create an account through the BORIS dashboard, ensuring credentials meet company policies for security.
Step 5: Configure Default Settings
Adjust plugin preferences to auto-register file changes or certify initial designs. You’ll also want to select your data-sharing protocols, such as restricted file downloads for external collaborators.
Step 6: Test the Setup
Run a trial by saving and registering a test CAD file. Confirm that the blockchain certificate generates correctly and is stored in your selected file vault or blockchain-based escrow.
Step 7: Train Your Team
Introduce engineers and stakeholders to this protected workflow. Use tutorials within BORIS CAD workflow guides for successful adoption.
“Blockchain-backed plugins like BORIS shift the IP security conversation from reactive to proactive,” says Dirk-Jan Bonenkamp. “By integrating legal compliance automation into design tools, companies gain both efficiency and peace of mind.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Installation

  • Failing to validate the blockchain platform compatibility with your CAD use case
  • Skipping end-user training, leading to improper file registration and gaps in ownership records
  • Not setting up clear data-sharing permissions, potentially risking file misuse
  • Overlooking regular plugin updates that ensure compliance with evolving EU data laws

Real-World Impact: How European SMEs Benefit

In the Netherlands, a precision engineering startup secured over €250,000 in IP-related legal fees thanks to a blockchain-certified CAD workflow. By deploying BORIS inside SolidWorks, the company provided legally verifiable proof of design authorship during a dispute, avoiding extensive litigation.
Another food-processing machine manufacturer in Germany leveraged the system to protect their CAD files shared with international suppliers, reducing unapproved design copies by 90%. Blockchain-enabled certificates proved instrumental in finalizing tender processes.
Secure Your Designs Today

Ready to protect your SolidWorks CAD files with blockchain-backed security? Explore how BORIS can help!

👉 Learn how to implement blockchain CAD protection

Final Thoughts: What's Next for Blockchain in CAD?

As technology evolves, blockchain continues to redefine intellectual property management in industrial design. By embedding IP protection within your SolidWorks workflows, you can preserve competitive advantages while maintaining full control over your CAD files.
If you're eager to go deeper into practical applications, check out our detailed ultimate guide to blockchain for CAD and IP protection and explore success stories from European firms revolutionizing their sectors.

People Also Ask:

How can you install plugins in SOLIDWORKS?

To add plugins to SOLIDWORKS, navigate to the Add-ins menu by clicking on Tools > Add-Ins. From there, choose the desired add-in from the list or use the New Add-in option to upload a plugin file. Ensure the file is compatible with the software version you are using and then confirm installation by clicking OK in the Properties dialog box.

Where can I find SOLIDWORKS add-ins?

SOLIDWORKS add-ins can be found within the software by selecting Tools > Add-Ins, which opens the Add-Ins dialog. Here, users can enable licensed SOLIDWORKS add-ins listed at the top or explore third-party tools in the 'Other Add-ins' section. Many add-ins are also available through SOLIDWORKS' official website and developer networks.

Where is the SOLIDWORKS installer typically located?

By default, the SOLIDWORKS installer is saved in your system's Documents folder under SOLIDWORKS Downloads. Each version installed on your system usually has a separate folder within this directory, containing the relevant installer files for configuration or reinstallation.

How do you start SOLIDWORKS without add-ins enabled?

You can launch SOLIDWORKS without add-ins by opening the Tools > Add-Ins dialog and deselecting the add-ins you do not need for your session. You can also configure add-ins to be disabled at startup by unchecking them in the 'Start Up' column in the same interface.

What is the process for disabling unnecessary SOLIDWORKS add-ins?

To disable add-ins, go to Tools > Add-Ins from the SOLIDWORKS toolbar. Uncheck the add-ins you wish to disable for the current session or for future start-ups by clearing their boxes in the 'Active Add-ins' and 'Start Up' columns.

How to choose the right plugin for SOLIDWORKS?

Choosing a plugin depends on your workflow needs. Research tools offered by SOLIDWORKS and third-party developers, ensuring compatibility with your version. Verify user reviews, support availability, and whether the plugin meets specific project requirements, such as collaborative features or enhanced PDM integration.

What is the role of blockchain in SOLIDWORKS plugins?

Blockchain can be integrated into SOLIDWORKS plugins to ensure data security and enhance file traceability. Plugins like CADPlug use blockchain technology for managing file versions, tracking changes, and providing a tamper-proof record of design history, offering greater transparency and accountability in collaborative projects.

Are there free blockchain plugins available for SOLIDWORKS?

Though many blockchain-enabled plugins are commercial products, some developers offer free versions or trial periods. Solid Boris, for example, includes blockchain integration for CAD file security. Check official sources and user forums for promotional offers or community-shared tools.

How can you optimize SOLIDWORKS installation for PDM systems?

To optimize installation for SOLIDWORKS PDM systems, use the Installation Manager. Follow step-by-step instructions to configure the server and client settings. Ensure that prerequisites, such as SQL server licensing and network configurations, are properly set up before finalizing the installation.

What are some common issues during plugin installation in SOLIDWORKS?

Common issues include plugin version mismatches with SOLIDWORKS updates, missing .dll files, and incorrect add-in configurations. To resolve these, verify the plugin's compatibility with your software version, ensure all dependent files are present, and restart the application after installation.

FAQ on Blockchain Plugin Installation for SolidWorks

What benefits does blockchain bring compared to traditional CAD file security methods?

Blockchain offers immutable record-keeping, making it superior to traditional safeguards like DRM. It tracks ownership, prevents unauthorized editing or duplication, and enables transparency in file sharing. Learn more about comparisons in the DRM vs. Blockchain comparison.

Are SolidWorks users exposed to cybersecurity risks if plugins are not installed properly?

Yes, improper installation may leave loopholes, leading to file leaks or unauthorized access. Following step-by-step installation methods ensures full security optimization and GDPL compliance, as highlighted in the BORIS plugin documentation.

What industries benefit most from CAD blockchain plugins like BORIS?

Industries with high sensitivity to IP theft, like aerospace, automotive, and precision manufacturing, benefit most. Blockchain certifies file authorship and helps mitigate risks of reverse engineering or industrial espionage. Learn about security architecture for CAD files.

How does the BORIS plugin enhance collaboration for design teams?

BORIS uses blockchain-based tracking for team collaboration, ensuring users access only authorized versions of CAD files while preserving ownership history. This encourages efficient and secure workflows, reducing potential disputes between collaborators.

Does the BORIS plugin work seamlessly with other SolidWorks extensions?

Yes, BORIS integrates with SolidWorks 2025 and its extensions like PDM. Its design ensures compatibility without altering existing workflows, offering users enhanced security and efficiency tools in the same interface.

What happens if a user fails to configure blockchain permissions correctly?

Incorrect permissions can lead to unauthorized access or data misuse. The BORIS plugin includes smart contract features to automate compliance, reducing error risks and ensuring GDPR-compliant configurations.

Is it possible to protect sensitive CAD files shared across global project teams?

Yes, blockchain certificates ensure tamper-proof tracking of file sharing. Plugins like BORIS offer escrow-based storage and permissions ensuring that designs are only accessible to approved stakeholders.

Can blockchain plugins be used for legal disputes over CAD files?

Blockchain provides immutable proof of authorship and ownership, making it instrumental in legal disputes. Blockchain certificates validated by tools like BORIS enhance credibility in litigation scenarios.

Do blockchain plugins affect system performance on older SolidWorks versions?

While support for older versions is possible, it’s recommended to use SolidWorks 2025 or newer to leverage optimized integrations and maintain system performance without any lag during file registration.

Is training necessary for teams adopting blockchain CAD workflows?

Training is beneficial for proper file registration and permissions setup. Incomplete adoption can result in gaps in ownership records. BORIS includes guides and tutorials for streamlined team adoption practices.