Edrawings Viewer - 3d
eDrawings Viewer is a free software tool used to view, print, and review 2D and 3D CAD files without needing the original design software. It is widely used by professionals and students to share designs in a compact, email-friendly format. Key Features of eDrawings Viewer Multi-Format Support
: Open and interrogate a variety of file types, including SOLIDWORKS native files, DXF/DWG, STL, and more. Measurement & Markup
: Users can measure geometry directly on the 3D model and add comments or "markups" for design feedback. Dynamic Animation
: Viewers can animate 3D models to see how parts move and fit together in an assembly. Augmented & Virtual Reality
: The professional version supports VR (using headsets like HTC Vive) and AR, allowing users to see their designs in a real-world environment. How to Create and Use eDrawings Content Publishing from CAD : In SOLIDWORKS, you can create these files by selecting File > Save As and choosing the **eDrawings (*.edrw, Using the Publisher Plugin : Other CAD programs like AutoCAD or SketchUp can use the eDrawings Publisher plugin to export designs. Viewing & Sharing
: Once saved, these lightweight files can be sent via email. Recipients can open them using the free viewer or even through a WebHTML format if saved using the Professional version. Comparison: Viewer vs. Professional eDrawings Viewer (Free) eDrawings Professional View/Print 3D/2D Measure & Markup Virtual Reality (VR) Save as WebHTML Password Protect
eDrawings Viewer: The Essential Tool for 3D Collaboration The eDrawings Viewer is a free, high-performance software application designed for the effortless viewing and sharing of 2D and 3D product design data. Developed by Dassault Systèmes, it serves as a bridge between CAD experts and stakeholders—such as clients, manufacturing teams, and suppliers—who may not have expensive CAD software installed. Core Features and Capabilities
The viewer is more than just a file reader; it provides interactive tools that help users interpret complex engineering data:
3D Point-and-Click Animations: Users can visualize how parts fit together through automated sequences, making it easier to understand design intent.
Hyperlinking: Similar to a web browser, users can click on view annotations to jump directly to the corresponding view, simplifying navigation through large drawing sets.
Dynamic Component Manipulation: The Drawing Layout tool allows you to open individual views and rearrange them regardless of their original configuration.
Measurement and Markup: Professional versions typically allow for precise measurement of geometry and the addition of comments or markups for design reviews. Supported File Types
One of the viewer's strongest suits is its versatility. It can open a wide array of formats, including:
Native eDrawings Formats: Parts (.eprt), Assemblies (.easm), and Drawings (.edrw).
SOLIDWORKS Files: Direct support for native SOLIDWORKS parts and assemblies. Standard CAD Formats: DXF and DWG files from AutoCAD.
Prototyping Formats: Capability to view or save as STL, TIFF, JPEG, or BMP for rapid prototyping and presentations. Installation and Accessibility
Unlike cloud-based solutions like the 3DEXPERIENCE Viewer, which runs in a browser, eDrawings is an on-premise application. It must be installed locally on a PC or mobile device, which often provides a more robust performance for large, complex files. 3d edrawings viewer
Free Download: The standard eDrawings Viewer is available for free for both Windows and Mac.
Mobile Support: There are also mobile versions available for iOS and Android, allowing for design reviews on the go. Why Use It?
In a modern manufacturing environment, eDrawings is the "email-enabled" communication tool of choice. It compresses bulky CAD files into lightweight, easy-to-send email attachments while maintaining the visual integrity of the original 3D model. This reduces communication errors and speeds up the product development cycle by ensuring everyone is looking at the same accurate representation of the design. View CAD Files for Free | eDrawings Viewer
eDrawings Viewer is the industry standard for sharing and viewing 2D and 3D CAD data. Developed by Dassault Systèmes, it allows anyone—even those without CAD software—to view, print, and review designs in a highly compressed, email-friendly format. 1. Getting Started Download & Install : Visit the official eDrawings website
to download the free version. It is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Supported File Types : You can open native SOLIDWORKS files (
), DXF/DWG, STL, Rhino, and universal formats like STEP or IGES. eDrawings Professional
: While the basic viewer is free, the "Professional" version adds advanced features like file measuring, markups, and the ability to save files as "executable" ( ) so others can open them without installing any software. 2. Essential Viewing Tools
Once a file is open, use these primary controls to inspect the model: Navigation
: Use the mouse wheel to zoom. Click and hold the middle mouse button to + middle mouse button to Standard Views
: Use the "Views" flyout to quickly snap to Front, Top, Right, or Isometric orientations. Perspective & Shadows
: Toggle these in the "View" menu to make the model look more realistic or easier to read for technical review. 3. Advanced Inspection Features Cross Sections : Click the
tool to cut through the model. You can drag the plane to see internal components and hidden details. Exploded Views
: If the file was saved with an assembly explosion, you can use the slider to pull parts apart and see how they fit together. Component Tree
: The left-hand panel shows the assembly hierarchy. You can right-click components to Make Transparent Mass Properties
: Select a part and click the "Properties" icon to view its weight, volume, and surface area (if defined in the original CAD file). 4. Collaboration & Markup Annotations
tab to add clouds, text notes, or dimensions. Note that saving markups usually requires the Professional version. eDrawings Viewer is a free software tool used
: Add "Approved," "Draft," or "Confidential" stamps to the drawing sheet for formal reviews. Augmented Reality (AR)
: On mobile versions, use the AR mode to "place" the 3D model on your office desk or factory floor using your phone’s camera to judge scale and fit. 5. Pro Tips for Better Performance Large Assemblies : If the model is lagging, go to Tools > Options
and lower the "Performance" settings to reduce graphical detail. Selection Filters
: Use the selection filters at the bottom of the screen to ensure you are clicking on a Face, Edge, or Vertex specifically. Password Protection
: When exporting an eDrawing from your CAD software, you can add a password to ensure only the intended recipient can view the sensitive design data. SOLIDWORKS , or are you interested in a comparison between the Free and Professional
Here are a few post templates for the eDrawings Viewer, ranging from professional LinkedIn updates to casual "maker" posts. Option 1: Professional/B2B (LinkedIn)
Headline: Simplify Your Design Communication 🚀Body:Stop struggling with large CAD files and expensive licenses just to share a design update. With the eDrawings Viewer, anyone on your team can view, print, and review native SOLIDWORKS, DWG, and DXF files—for free. Key features our team loves:
Hyperlinking: Navigate complex drawings as easily as a web page.
3D Pointer: Easily identify features across multiple drawing views.
Animation: Dynamically move through 3D models to see exactly how parts fit together.
Empower your stakeholders to interrogate models without needing a full CAD seat.#CAD #Engineering #SolidWorks #eDrawings #DesignCollaboration Option 2: Tips & Tricks (Technical/User Group)
Headline: Did you know you can publish 3D models directly from SOLIDWORKS? 🛠️Body:Sharing your work shouldn't be a chore. You can quickly generate eDrawings files directly from your toolbar to send high-fidelity, lightweight models to clients. Quick Tips:
MBD Support: Use the "Publish to eDrawings" command to include STEP files and specific configurations.
Measurement & Markup: While the Viewer is free, upgrading to eDrawings Professional allows for detailed markups that sync back to native files.
Cross-Platform: View your files on the go using the mobile app versions.
How are you using eDrawings in your workflow? Let’s discuss below! 👇#SolidWorksTips #3DModeling #MechanicalEngineering #eDrawings Option 3: Short & Punchy (Twitter/X or Instagram) The Ultimate Guide to 3D eDrawings Viewer: Bridging
Body:Need to view a 3D model but don't have CAD software installed? 🖥️
Download the free eDrawings Viewer to open SOLIDWORKS, DXF, and DWG files instantly.✅ View & Print✅ 3D Animations✅ Easy Hyperlinking✅ Completely Free
Perfect for engineers, students, and makers. Get it here: edrawingsviewer.com. #3DPrinting #Makers #CAD #EngineeringLife #FreeTools Frequently Asked Questions | eDrawings Viewer
This paper explores eDrawings Viewer, a widely adopted application for sharing and visualizing 2D and 3D product design data. Originally developed by Dassault Systèmes, eDrawings functions as an "email-enabled" communication tool designed to bridge the gap between CAD experts and non-technical collaborators. I. Technical Capabilities and Features
The software is primarily used to view, print, and review native CAD files without requiring the original, often expensive, CAD software.
Supported File Types: It natively supports SOLIDWORKS (parts, assemblies, drawings), AutoCAD (DWG, DXF), and can handle STEP file attachments for broad interoperability. Visualization Tools:
3D Pointer: A tool that allows users to identify specific features across multiple 2D views simultaneously, ensuring spatial clarity.
Point-and-Click Animation: Simplifies the interpretation of complex 3D assemblies by animating the transitions between different views.
Dynamic Layouts: Users can rearrange views within a drawing regardless of the original layout, allowing for customized subsets of data to be printed or exported.
Virtual Interaction: In educational settings, it is utilized to assist students in developing Spatial Visualization Ability (SVA) through mental rotations and on-screen manipulation of 3D virtual models. II. Workflow and Publishing
The "Publisher" function allows designers to convert complex CAD data into highly compressed eDrawings files (.edrw, .eprt, .easm), which are small enough to be sent via email.
Export Process: Within SOLIDWORKS Help, users can click "Publish to eDrawings" to choose specific configurations or sheets to share.
Self-Contained Files: The viewer can be embedded directly into the eDrawings file itself, meaning the recipient does not need to have any software installed to open the design. III. Versions and Accessibility
eDrawings is distributed in two main tiers to cater to different professional needs: eDrawings Viewer (Free) eDrawings Professional (Paid) Primary Use Basic viewing and printing. Advanced team collaboration. Core Tools 3D Pointer, Animation, Hyperlinking. Markup, Measure, Exploded Views. Availability Free Download. Requires a license from SOLIDWORKS. IV. Conclusion
eDrawings Viewer serves as a critical utility for reducing the "CAD friction" in product development. By providing a free, lightweight, and interactive environment for 3D model interrogation, it enables faster design cycles and reduces errors caused by the misinterpretation of static 2D drawings. View CAD Files for Free | eDrawings Viewer
6. Measure Tool
Non-CAD users often need to verify sizes. The Measure tool allows anyone to click two points on the model to get an instant linear distance, radial measurement, or angle.
The Ultimate Guide to 3D eDrawings Viewer: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Collaboration
Platform Availability: View Anywhere, Anytime
One of the greatest strengths of the 3D eDrawings Viewer is its cross-platform nature.
- Windows Desktop (Classic): The most feature-rich version. Includes all markup, measurement, and publish tools.
- macOS: Fully native support for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and Intel processors. Perfect for design firms that run Windows on PCs but Macs in the C-suite.
- iOS (iPhone/iPad): Available on the App Store. Optimized for touch gestures—pinch to zoom, two-finger rotate. Supports AR Quick Look.
- Android: Available on Google Play. Allows field technicians to review service manuals or assembly instructions directly on a tablet on the shop floor.
- Web Browser (eDrawings Web Viewer): No installation required. You can upload a file to a secure web session and share a link with stakeholders.
