3d Edrawings Viewer

Note: The free viewer cannot edit the original CAD model’s features or history.


While the 3D eDrawings Viewer is free, Dassault offers a "Pro" version (available via subscription) for power users. The free version covers 95% of "viewing" needs. The Pro version adds:

For most users reading this guide, the free Viewer is more than enough.

You can directly drag and drop native SOLIDWORKS files (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW) into the viewer. It also translates AutoCAD (.DWG), DXF, and standard 3D interchange formats like STEP, IGES, and STL.

In the world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), sharing complex 3D models with stakeholders who do not have expensive CAD software is a persistent challenge. The 3D eDrawings Viewer acts as the bridge. Developed by Dassault Systèmes (the creators of SOLIDWORKS), eDrawings is the industry-standard tool for viewing, interpreting, and collaborating on 3D CAD data without requiring the original software license.

Whether you are an engineer, a sales rep, or a machinist, eDrawings simplifies the communication of design intent.


Step 1: Download and Install Navigate to the official Dassault Systèmes website (or your device's app store). The basic viewer is free. Click "Download" and run the installer. It takes less than 300 MB of space.

Step 2: Open Your File Launch the application. Either use File > Open or drag your CAD file directly into the window. Supported files include:

Step 3: Navigate Use your mouse:

Step 4: Analyze Use the "Measure" toolbar to select two faces. Use the "Section" tool to create a plane that cuts through the model. Use "View Orientation" to snap to Front, Top, Right, or Isometric views. 3d edrawings viewer

Step 5: Collaborate Click the "Markup" tab. Use the "Stamp" tool (Approved, Rejected, Revision) or draw freehand notes. Save the file as an .edrw file (viewable only in eDrawings) or export as an image.

A QC inspector receives a drawing package. They open the 3D model on a laptop next to the CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine). They use the "Measure" tool to validate a complex radius on the physical part against the digital twin.

Absolutely. If you work with any 3D model or engineering drawing, the 3D eDrawings Viewer is a must-have utility. It eliminates the classic “I can’t open your file” email chain. It democratizes access to 3D data – from CEO to assembler to supplier.

Best of all? It remains free for core functionality. No subscriptions, no watermarks, no persuasion to upgrade every five minutes.

Download it today. You’ll wonder how you ever reviewed designs without it.


Have you used eDrawings for a surprising use case? Share your experience in the comments below.

The 3D eDrawings Viewer is a professional-grade tool designed for the visualization, sharing, and communication of 2D and 3D CAD data. Developed by Dassault Systèmes (the makers of SOLIDWORKS), it serves as a lightweight bridge between designers and non-CAD users, such as manufacturers, clients, and marketing teams. What is eDrawings Viewer?

At its core, eDrawings is a free software that allows users to view and interrogate high-fidelity 3D models without needing the original CAD software that created them. By compressing design files into ultra-compact formats (often reducing bandwidth requirements by over 95%), eDrawings makes it possible to email complex assemblies that would otherwise be too large for standard transmission. Key Features of the 3D Viewer eDrawings Viewer: Review 2D & 3D Designs with eDrawings

Mastering the 3D eDrawings Viewer: The Ultimate Guide to Seamless CAD Collaboration Note : The free viewer cannot edit the

In the modern engineering and design landscape, the ability to share complex 3D data without requiring expensive CAD software is a game-changer. Whether you are a designer, a manufacturer, or a client, the 3D eDrawings Viewer has become the industry standard for viewing, sharing, and collaborating on design data.

This article explores why this tool is indispensable, its key features, and how it can streamline your workflow. What is the 3D eDrawings Viewer?

The 3D eDrawings Viewer is a free, lightweight software tool developed by DS SOLIDWORKS. It allows users to view, print, and review 2D and 3D CAD files in a highly compressed format. Its primary purpose is to bridge the gap between CAD professionals who use high-end software and stakeholders who need to visualize the design without the steep learning curve or high licensing costs. Supported File Formats

While it is native to SOLIDWORKS, the viewer is remarkably versatile. It supports: SOLIDWORKS files (.sldprt, .sldasm, .slddrw) Standard formats (.DXF, .DWG) Neutral formats (.STL, .STEP, .IGES) eDrawings files (.edrw, .eprt, .easm) Key Features That Empower Collaboration

The 3D eDrawings Viewer isn’t just a "passive" viewing tool; it’s an interactive platform. Here are the features that make it stand out: 1. Ultra-Compressed File Sizes

CAD files are notoriously large and difficult to email. eDrawings compresses these files significantly (often up to 95%), making them easy to share via email or cloud storage without losing visual fidelity. 2. Intuitive 3D Navigation

Users can rotate, zoom, and pan through 3D models with ease. The "Point-and-Click" animation feature allows you to transition between different views automatically, providing a cinematic walkthrough of the assembly. 3. Dynamic Cross-Sectioning

Want to see what’s happening inside a complex assembly? The viewer allows you to create dynamic cross-sections by moving cutting planes through the model in real-time. 4. Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)

One of the most modern additions to the eDrawings suite is AR/VR support. On mobile devices, you can use AR to "place" a 3D model on your office desk or a factory floor, allowing for a realistic sense of scale and fit. 5. Measurement and Markup Tools While the 3D eDrawings Viewer is free, Dassault

Communication is key in design. The viewer allows users to take precise measurements and add "redline" markups directly onto the 3D model. These comments can be saved and sent back to the designer for revisions. Why Your Business Needs the 3D eDrawings Viewer Eliminating Communication Silos

Often, the manufacturing floor or the sales team doesn't have access to SOLIDWORKS. By using the free viewer, every department can see exactly what is being built, reducing errors caused by misinterpreting 2D drawings. Protecting Intellectual Property (IP)

Sharing native CAD files can be risky as they contain the entire "recipe" of your design. eDrawings allows you to share the visual representation while disabling the "allow export" feature, ensuring your proprietary data stays secure. Mobile Accessibility

With dedicated apps for iOS and Android, the 3D eDrawings Viewer allows engineers to take their designs into the field. Whether you're at a construction site or a client meeting, your 3D data is in your pocket. How to Get Started

Download: Visit the official SOLIDWORKS website to download the free version of the 3D eDrawings Viewer.

Open: Simply drag and drop your CAD file into the interface.

Collaborate: Use the "Save as eDrawings" function within your CAD software to create a shareable file that anyone can open. Conclusion

The 3D eDrawings Viewer is more than just a file viewer; it is a communication powerhouse. By simplifying the way we share 3D data, it accelerates the design cycle, reduces manufacturing errors, and brings ideas to life for everyone involved in the process.

Whether you are a solo freelancer or part of a global enterprise, integrating eDrawings into your workflow is one of the easiest ways to improve your collaborative output.

eDrawings Viewer is a free, high-performance tool from Dassault Systèmes that allows users to view, share, and animate 2D and 3D CAD files without needing the original design software. It supports native SOLIDWORKS files and common formats like DWG, DXF, and STEP, functioning as an industry standard for collaborative design review. For more details, visit eDrawings Viewer View CAD Files for Free | eDrawings Viewer