Is There a SolidWorks Viewer?
If you work with SolidWorks files on a regular basis, you may have wondered if there is a SolidWorks viewer available. A SolidWorks viewer allows you to view, review, and share SolidWorks CAD files without the need for a full license of the software. This can be particularly useful if you need to collaborate with colleagues or clients who don’t have access to SolidWorks.
Why Use a SolidWorks Viewer?
A SolidWorks viewer offers several benefits:
- Cost-effective: While a full license of SolidWorks can be expensive, using a viewer is often more affordable or even free.
- Simplified collaboration: With a viewer, you can easily share your designs with others who may not have the software installed on their devices.
- Increased accessibility: By using a viewer, you can make your designs accessible to stakeholders who only require visual access and don’t need to modify or edit the files.
The eDrawings Viewer
The official SolidWorks viewer is called eDrawings. Developed by Dassault Systèmes, eDrawings is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. It allows you to open and view 3D models and 2D drawings created in various file formats such as SLDPRT, SLDASM, DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, and more.
eDrawings offers many features that enhance the viewing experience:
- Pan and zoom: You can easily navigate through your design by panning and zooming in and out of specific areas.
- Measurements: eDrawings enables you to take measurements directly on the model to verify dimensions.
- Markup and comment: You can add markups, annotations, and comments to the design to communicate feedback or suggestions.
- Exploded views: With eDrawings, you can view exploded views of assemblies, allowing you to understand how different components fit together.
Other SolidWorks Viewer Options
In addition to eDrawings, there are a few other SolidWorks viewer options available:
SolidWorks Viewer for 3D XML Files
The SolidWorks Viewer for 3D XML files is a lightweight viewer that allows you to open and view 3D XML files created in SolidWorks. It provides basic viewing capabilities but doesn’t offer advanced features like measurements or markup tools.
eDrawings Professional
eDrawings Professional is an enhanced version of the standard eDrawings viewer. It offers additional features such as dynamic cross-sectioning, exploded animations, and access to SolidWorks Simulation results. However, it requires a separate license.
In Conclusion
If you need a tool to view and share your SolidWorks designs without requiring a full software license, a SolidWorks viewer like eDrawings can be an excellent solution. It not only saves costs but also simplifies collaboration and increases accessibility. Whether you choose the basic eDrawings viewer or opt for the advanced features of eDrawings Professional or the 3D XML viewer, these tools provide an efficient way to interact with your SolidWorks files.