Focus on Advanced Data Control and Manufacturing Workflows
Every year at EFICAD, we collaborate closely with woodworking professionals to refine and expand SWOOD according to the real-world needs and challenges users encounter daily.
SWOOD 2025, now available, is a result of this ongoing innovation and engagement. The new version helps users design, manufacture, and automate their woodworking projects with greater fluidity, control, and precision, building on the strengths of previous releases while introducing meaningful improvements.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s new in SWOOD 2025.
1. Design (CAD) with SWOOD Design
Expanded Library Installer for Component Flexibility
In 2025, significant improvements have also been made to the Library Installer, reinforcing SWOOD’s objective to simplify library usage and ensure wide accessibility to essential design components.
Preconfigured Connectors Now Included
This year’s significant evolution is the integration of connectors—including models from Lamello—directly into the Library Installer. Users no longer need to recreate these components manually. Instead, they can download and reuse them instantly from their library to their projects. This update is part of SWOOD’s continued effort to expand and regularly update downloadable libraries, offering relevant, ready-to-use content tailored to every user’s specific needs without added complexity.
Enhanced SWOODBox Customization
Another valuable update is the enhanced customization of the Library Installer’s SWOODBox library. Now fully user-configurable, the SWOODBox system allows users to standardize company design practices and define default configurations for frequently used components. This reduces manual work and increases the reusability of well-structured design elements. Whether using well-known brands like Blum or Grass or defining custom hardware setups, the new SWOODBox tools empower users to design more efficiently.
Faster Project Setup with Conditional Filters
This year, SWOOD Design introduces a set of advanced filters and enhancements that make managing complex woodworking assemblies more intuitive and efficient from the start.
One of the standout features is the implementation of conditional filters. These allow users to quickly isolate panels based on dimensions, thickness, width, or predefined conditions. Not only does this accelerate design tasks, but it also supports automatic conversion of SOLIDWORKS assemblies into complete SWOOD projects by applying the appropriate materials based on those criteria. The result is a smoother transition from generic CAD models to woodworking-specific configurations.
Efficient Panel Preparation with New Filter Logic
The Panel Manager has also been updated with new filter logic to assist with project preparation. Users can now group panels by material, isolate panels visually for easier selection, and route them to specific CNC machines based on assigned criteria. These tools are especially useful for preparing large or multi-component projects, helping streamline manufacturing.
Enhanced Global Compatibility with Inch-Based Filtering
Support for imperial units has also been extended in filters, ensuring that users working in inch-based environments can apply the same functionality with comfort and accuracy.
Improved Joinery with New Joint Types
SWOOD 2025 also brings notable improvements to panel joints. Among them is the introduction of a notch flaring option for halved joints, simplifying assembly and strengthening construction. The library of joint types has also expanded, with new mortise and tenon shapes that feature automatic repetition modes, saving considerable time during modeling and setup.
2. Manufacture (CAM) with SWOOD CAM & SWOOD Nesting
SWOOD CAM
Expanded 3D Finishing with 5 Tilting Strategies
Manufacturing precision is at the heart of SWOOD CAM 2025. One of the key enhancements this year is powerful new options for 3D finishing. Users can now force tool orientation using five new tilting strategies: fixed direction, towards a fixed point, away from a fixed point, variable only in the slice plane, and tilted in movement. These options allow for more precise control over surface machining, making working with organic forms and complex geometries easier. Whether working on curved panels or advanced millwork components, these refinements offer greater control and better surface finishing results.
Model credit GRANDECO.
Improved Machining Quality with Entry/Exit Speed Control
SWOOD CAM 2025 also introduces the ability to define entry and exit speeds for machining operations. This includes precise control over acceleration zones, helping protect both the material and tooling. By reducing splintering at entry points and minimizing damage during tool retraction, users can achieve higher-quality finishes and extend tool lifespan, an important gain in both productivity and cost-efficiency.
SWOOD Nesting
Automatic Panel Flipping for Two-Sided Machining
In nesting, SWOOD 2025 introduces a long-awaited feature: panel flipping. This upgrade allows two-sided machining to be performed without risk of orientation errors. The software can automatically detect which panels require flipping, group parts accordingly, and generate toolpaths for both faces of a nesting sheet with minimal user intervention.
User Control and Visual Validation of Nesting Strategy
Control remains in the hands of the user, who can define the nesting flip direction axis (X or Y) and specify the corner at which the flipped program origin will be by adding a calibration operation. The new pre-visualization makes it easy to identify flipped panels and the machining on the two faces; moreover, manual adjustments can be made where needed.
Fast Data Integration via CSV Import
Additionally, nesting projects can now be generated from CSV files, making import from ERP or external planning tools really easy. This update reduces setup time and enhances production traceability.
3. Automation with the Report System
The SWOOD Report centralizes all data of a woodworking project, from panel materials and hardware to cutting plans and nesting strategies. In SWOOD 2025, the report system has been thoroughly enhanced for clarity and accessibility.
Streamlined Data Sharing and Collaborative Reporting
The updated system makes sharing and accessing reports easier than ever. With the launch of the new SWOOD Report Viewer, users can open and review reports from a browser or standalone application, even on computers where SWOOD is not installed. The system supports SWRZ compressed file sharing, which is ideal for external collaboration with contractors or clients.
Moreover, each report view is fully customizable, enabling teams to adapt the interface to their role, whether for designers, CNC operators, or purchasing teams. Users can now define profiles with predefined views depending on their needs for data display. This level of collaboration across departments and sites marks a significant step forward in woodworking workflow integration.
Easier Reading and Preparation on the Shop Floor
The report’s organization has been improved. Data is now groupable by any type of data, even a custom one. This customization is available for any user and allows them to create a custom list by grouping panels by thickness, material, or any information coming from the report. Using custom data will make users’ lives easier by getting their list sorted by cabinet or assembly, with a clear, structured furniture-by-furniture inventory, for more intuitive reading and faster preparation in the workshop.
4. Redesigned Interfaces
Streamlined Navigation in SWOOD Design
SWOOD 2025 continues to improve usability with several interface enhancements to make daily tasks faster and more intuitive.
In SWOOD Design, key functions have been grouped in a centralized, customizable menu. Direct shortcuts to the Library Installer and Report Viewer reduce time spent navigating menus. In the task pane, new keyboard shortcuts, similar to those in SOLIDWORKS, help streamline design operations and reduce repetitive clicking.
Nesting Interface Tailored for Flip Management
In SWOOD CAM and SWOOD Nesting, the interface has been adapted to better support the new automatic flipping feature. Users benefit from pre-selection features and real-time visual feedback on flipping status, ensuring that the right parts are processed correctly before programming begins. The improved Command Manager further simplifies toolpath programming by providing a cleaner, more responsive workspace.
Conclusion
With SWOOD 2025, EFICAD delivers a comprehensive, user-focused update that enhances every stage of the woodworking workflow. From powerful new filtering tools in design, to smarter machining strategies, to seamless project documentation and sharing, this release reflects EFICAD’s continued commitment to practical, high-performance innovation. Whether you’re designing bespoke furniture or managing high-volume production, SWOOD 2025 offers the speed, control, and collaboration tools needed to meet today’s professional challenges.
🎥 Want to find out more?
Don’t miss our video “What’s New in SWOOD 2025” to discover all the new features in detail.
