If you work with SolidWorks, you may have encountered the need to view your files online. Whether you want to share your designs with others or access them remotely, viewing SolidWorks files online can be a convenient solution. In this article, we will explore different methods and tools that allow you to view your SolidWorks files directly from your web browser.
Using eDrawings Viewer
eDrawings Viewer is a free software provided by SolidWorks that allows you to view and share your SolidWorks files online. To get started, follow these steps:
- Download and install eDrawings Viewer from the official SolidWorks website.
- Launch the software and open the SolidWorks file you want to view.
- Once the file is loaded, you can navigate through its components using the intuitive interface.
- To enhance collaboration, eDrawings Viewer also provides markup tools that allow you to add comments and annotations to your design.
Note: While eDrawings Viewer is a powerful tool for viewing SolidWorks files online, it does not support editing or modifying the original design. Its primary purpose is to provide an interactive viewing experience.
Uploading to Online Storage Platforms
If you prefer a cloud-based approach for viewing your SolidWorks files online, there are several online storage platforms available that support this functionality. Some popular platforms include:
- Google Drive: Upload your SolidWorks files to Google Drive and access them using Google’s built-in file viewer.
- Dropbox: Similar to Google Drive, Dropbox allows you to upload your files and view them directly in your web browser.
- Onshape: Onshape is a cloud-based CAD software that enables you to view and edit SolidWorks files online. It offers a collaborative environment for teams as well.
By uploading your SolidWorks files to these platforms, you can securely access them from any device with an internet connection. This provides flexibility and ease of use, especially when working remotely or sharing designs with clients or colleagues.
Converting to 3D PDF
If you need to share your SolidWorks files with someone who does not have access to SolidWorks or any other specialized software, converting them to 3D PDF is a viable option. 3D PDFs are interactive documents that can be viewed using any PDF viewer.
To convert your SolidWorks file to a 3D PDF, you can follow these steps:
- Open your SolidWorks file in SolidWorks itself.
- Navigate to the “Save As” option and choose the PDF format.
- In the save options, enable the “Save as 3D PDF” checkbox.
- Click “Save” and choose a location for your converted file.
Once converted, you can share the 3D PDF with anyone who has a standard PDF viewer. They will be able to interact with the model, rotate it, zoom in/out, and examine it from different angles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, viewing SolidWorks files online is possible through various methods. You can use eDrawings Viewer for an interactive viewing experience or upload your files to cloud-based storage platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Additionally, converting your files to 3D PDF allows easy sharing with non-SolidWorks users. Choose the method that best suits your needs and start accessing your SolidWorks files online today!