What Is SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer?
If you work in the engineering or design field, you may have come across SolidWorks, a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software. One of the essential components of the SolidWorks ecosystem is the eDrawings Viewer. In this article, we will explore what the eDrawings Viewer is and how it can benefit you.
Understanding eDrawings Viewer
The eDrawings Viewer is a free application that allows users to view, share, and collaborate on 2D and 3D CAD files created with SolidWorks. It supports a wide range of file formats, including native SolidWorks files (.sldprt, .sldasm), as well as industry-standard formats such as DWG and DXF.
With eDrawings Viewer, you can open CAD files without needing access to the original CAD software. This makes it a versatile tool for project collaboration, as it allows users who don’t have access to SolidWorks to still view and interact with CAD designs.
The Features of eDrawings Viewer
eDrawings Viewer comes with a plethora of features that enhance the viewing experience and facilitate collaboration:
- Multi-platform Compatibility: eDrawings Viewer is available for Windows and Mac operating systems. Additionally, there are mobile versions for iOS and Android devices.
- Realistic Visualization: Users can take advantage of various visualization modes like wireframe, shaded with edges, shaded without edges, etc., to get a better understanding of complex designs.
- Markup Tools: Collaborators can add markups directly onto the CAD files using tools like text boxes, arrows, dimensions, and more.
This simplifies the communication process and allows for easy feedback.
- Measurements: eDrawings Viewer enables users to measure distances, angles, and other dimensions within the CAD files. This is particularly useful for verifying design specifications.
- Dynamic Cross-Sectioning: Users can cut or slice through the CAD models to visualize internal components and assemblies, providing insights into design intricacies.
- Animations: The eDrawings Viewer supports animations created in SolidWorks, allowing users to experience the motion of moving parts or assembly sequences.
Benefits of Using eDrawings Viewer
The eDrawings Viewer offers several advantages for engineers, designers, and other professionals involved in CAD projects:
- Better Collaboration: With eDrawings Viewer, teams can easily share CAD files with stakeholders who don’t have access to SolidWorks. This promotes effective collaboration and streamlines communication between designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and clients.
- Easier Design Review: The markup tools and measurement features in eDrawings Viewer simplify the design review process. Stakeholders can provide feedback directly on the CAD models with annotations or take accurate measurements for analysis.
- Faster Decision-Making: By allowing stakeholders to visualize designs in a realistic manner using various visualization modes, eDrawings Viewer helps expedite decision-making processes by providing a clearer understanding of complex designs.
- Simplified Documentation: The ability to dynamically cross-section CAD models aids in creating detailed documentation for assembly instructions or technical manuals without requiring access to SolidWorks software.
In Conclusion
The eDrawings Viewer is an invaluable tool for those working with SolidWorks CAD files. Its ability to view, share, and collaborate on designs without the need for the original CAD software makes it a versatile solution for effective project communication and collaboration. With its range of features and compatibility across multiple platforms, eDrawings Viewer empowers professionals to streamline their design processes and enhance productivity.