Opening a SolidWorks file without having SolidWorks installed on your computer may seem like a daunting task. However, there are several options available that can help you view and interact with these files even if you don’t have access to the SolidWorks software. In this tutorial, we will explore a few methods to open SolidWorks files without SolidWorks.
Method 1: Using eDrawings Viewer
One of the most popular solutions for opening and viewing SolidWorks files is using the eDrawings Viewer. This free software allows you to open and review various types of CAD files, including SolidWorks files. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Download and install eDrawings Viewer from the official website.
Step 2: Launch eDrawings Viewer and click on ‘File’ in the top menu bar.
Step 3: Select ‘Open’ from the dropdown menu and navigate to the location where your SolidWorks file is saved.
Step 4: Choose the desired file and click on ‘Open’. The file will now be opened in eDrawings Viewer, allowing you to view, rotate, measure, and even markup the drawing.
Method 2: Using DraftSight
Another option for opening SolidWorks files without SolidWorks is by using DraftSight. DraftSight is a free 2D CAD software that supports various file formats, including DWG, DXF, and DWT.
While it doesn’t directly support opening native SolidWorks files (.sldprt or .sldasm), you can export your SolidWorks files into a compatible format such as DXF or DWG before opening them in DraftSight. Here’s how:
Step 1: Export your SolidWorks part or assembly as a DXF or DWG file. To do this, open your SolidWorks file in SolidWorks software and go to ‘File’ > ‘Save As’.
Step 2: In the ‘Save As’ dialog box, choose the DXF or DWG format from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Save the file to your desired location on your computer.
Step 4: Download and install DraftSight from the official website.
Step 5: Launch DraftSight and click on ‘File’ in the top menu bar.
Step 6: Select ‘Open’ from the dropdown menu and navigate to the location where you saved the exported DXF or DWG file.
Step 7: Choose the file and click on ‘Open’. The file will now be opened in DraftSight, allowing you to view and work with it.
Method 3: Using Online CAD Viewers
If you prefer not to download any additional software, there are also online CAD viewers available that can help you open SolidWorks files without SolidWorks. These web-based viewers allow you to upload your SolidWorks files and view them directly in your browser.
Some popular online CAD viewers include Autodesk Viewer, Glovius, and ShareCAD. Here’s how you can use an online CAD viewer:
Step 1: Open your preferred online CAD viewer in your web browser.
Step 2: Look for an option to upload or drag-and-drop your SolidWorks file onto the viewer’s interface.
Step 3: Once uploaded, the viewer will process the file and display it for you to interact with. You can zoom in/out, rotate, measure dimensions, and perform other basic operations depending on the features provided by that specific viewer.
Remember that online CAD viewers may have limitations in terms of file size, compatibility, and functionality compared to dedicated software solutions like eDrawings Viewer or DraftSight.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we explored three different methods to open SolidWorks files without having SolidWorks installed on your computer. Using eDrawings Viewer, DraftSight, or online CAD viewers, you can easily view and interact with SolidWorks files even if you don’t have access to the SolidWorks software. Whether you choose to download dedicated software or use web-based solutions, these methods provide flexibility and convenience for accessing and reviewing SolidWorks files.