Learn SolidWorks the way Designers actually use it

From a designer’s point of view - practical, clear and project-based

Hey, I’m Chris - a qualified Industrial Designer, CSWE, and long-time SolidWorks educator. I built Fully Defined to share the tools, workflows, and thinking that real designers use every day.

What is Fully Defined?

Fully Defined is a design education platform focused on SolidWorks and real-world product development.
It’s not just about using SolidWorks — it’s about using it like a designer.
From free YouTube tutorials to in-depth courses, everything here is designed to teach you how SolidWorks is used in real-world design projects.

Built by a designer. Trusted by learners.
Fully Defined turns CAD confusion into creative control.

SolidWorks for Designers: Foundations to Certified Associate

SolidWorks for Designers: Foundations to Certified Associate

Master SolidWorks basics, 3D modelling, assemblies, and drawing interpretation to confidently pass the CSWA exam.

What you'll learn

  • Master 3D modelling fundamentals, including sketches, features, and assemblies

  • Apply material properties and calculate mass to meet design requirements

  • Use standard mates to assemble parts with precision and functionality

  • View and interpret detailed engineering drawings with annotations

  • Tobias H - 5 Stars

    Did your course and followed your advice and put in the hours. Passed the CSWA with flying colors, achieving a score of 235/240 points with half an hour to spare. Thank you for a delightful learning experience. Only point of criticism: Where is your CSWP course?

  • Joshua R - 5 Stars

    ✔️ Valuable information
    ✔️ Clear explanations
    ✔️ Engaging delivery
    ✔️ Helpful practice activities
    ✔️ Accurate course description
    ✔️ Knowledgeable instructor

  • A.U. - 5 Stars

    I thought it was a great course. It felt structured and provided a logical approach to using SolidWorks. I really liked the end of section activities. I also liked how throughout the course you create parts which are later used to build an assembly. I also appreciated the extra learning resources.

  • Jim M - 5 Stars

    ✔️ Valuable information
    ✔️ Clear explanations
    ✔️ Engaging delivery
    ✔️ Helpful practice activities
    ✔️ Accurate course description
    ✔️ Knowledgeable instructor

  • Johnathon C - 4.5 Stars

    One thing I liked was how everything was broken down into its own segments, that way it’s easier to find a specific topic you wanted to rewatch. Also I really enjoyed the portion where you went over the vocabulary. Over all a good experience and worth the time and money.

  • Simon B - 5 Stars

    ✔️ Valuable information
    ✔️ Clear explanations
    ✔️ Engaging delivery
    ✔️ Helpful practice activities
    ✔️ Accurate course description
    ✔️ Knowledgeable instructor

SolidWorks Tutorials on YouTube

Browse tutorials, mini-series, and real design workflows — all free on the Fully Defined YouTube channel.
New videos are released regularly to help you sharpen your skills and stay inspired.

In Episode 1 of this SolidWorks Designer Process mini-series, we’ll create a master sketch to lay the groundwork for modeling a Brown Bear toy. You’ll explore sketching techniques like inserting sketch pictures, working from the origin, and creating dimensioned sketch geometry.

So you are a Product Designer just getting started with SolidWorks and you’ve been told, “try out the in-built tutorials first”. I know you’re short on time and want to learn as efficiently as possible. So here it is, the top 10 in-built SolidWorks tutorials to complete for a Product Designer

Follow along as we build a functional Pulley, starting with the very basics of SolidWorks part modelling. This playlist contains a series of videos as part of the Pulley Project.

Free SolidWorks Design Resources

Grab templates, practice files, and extras from Fully Defined tutorials.
All free — built to support your learning and speed up your workflow.

  • After you watch my video on the CSWA Sample Exam Walkthru, download the required files here, directly from the SolidWorks website. These are official SolidWorks files - linked for reference

  • DOWNLOAD AFTER SIGNUP

    Access to SolidWorks files (2023 version) and 3D STEP files. Includes Parts and Assemblies used in the modelling of the Lego Off-Road Buggy

  • DOWNLOAD AFTER SIGNUP

    Access to SolidWorks files (2023 version) and 3D STEP files. Includes Parts and Assemblies used in the modelling of the Lego Volvo Wheel Loader

  • Have you tried Speed Modelling yet? Watch this video to see why I suggest you give it a go.

    Then go to Too Tall Toby’s Practice Models, signup and try for yourself.

    If you’re stuck on any of the practice models, check to see if I’ve done a tutorial or saved the part file for you in this shared folder

Meet the Designer behind Fully Defined

I’m Chris Buerckner, a Product design engineer and educator with a decade of experience teaching SolidWorks at RMIT and working with clients around the world. SolidWorks has been my primary CAD system for design since my University days, and in 2013, I obtained my CSWE status.

I created Fully Defined to teach SolidWorks the way designers actually use it — with purpose, efficiency, and clarity. Whether you're preparing for certification or want to break free from feeling stuck, you're in the right place.