The most straightforward way to open a SOLIDWORKS file without the software itself is by using the free eDrawings Viewer. This lightweight tool allows you to view, print, and review SOLIDWORKS parts, assemblies, and drawings with ease, providing a collaborative solution for those who don't have a full SOLIDWORKS license.
1. Utilizing eDrawings Viewer
eDrawings Viewer is a highly recommended and widely used solution for interacting with SOLIDWORKS files without needing the original CAD software. It's a versatile, free-to-download, and user-friendly collaboration tool that offers more than just basic viewing capabilities.
What is eDrawings Viewer?
eDrawings Viewer is a standalone application developed by SOLIDWORKS that enables users to view and print native SOLIDWORKS files (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW), as well as various other CAD formats and eDrawings files (.EPRT, .EASM, .EDRW). It's designed to be a simple yet powerful tool for sharing and reviewing design data.
Key Features of eDrawings Viewer:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, ensuring flexibility in how and where you can access your designs.
- Intuitive Interface: Easy to navigate, even for those unfamiliar with CAD software.
- Viewing Capabilities: Rotate, zoom, pan, and view models in different display styles (wireframe, shaded, hidden lines).
- Measure Tool: Accurately measure distances, angles, and radii within the model.
- Cross-Sectioning: Create dynamic cross-sections to examine internal components.
- Animation: Play through pre-saved animations of assemblies or exploded views.
- Markups and Comments: Collaborate by adding markups and comments directly to the design (available in some versions).
- Lightweight: Requires minimal system resources compared to a full CAD application.
How to Get eDrawings Viewer:
- Download: Visit the official SOLIDWORKS website or a trusted software download portal.
- Install: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the viewer on your chosen device.
- Open Files: Once installed, you can simply open SOLIDWORKS files directly from the viewer or by double-clicking the file if eDrawings is set as the default application.
2. Online Viewers and Cloud-Based Platforms
For quick viewing without any software installation, online viewers offer a convenient solution. These web-based tools often support a wide range of CAD formats, including SOLIDWORKS.
Popular Online Viewers:
- Autodesk Viewer: Supports over 50 different 2D and 3D file formats, including SOLIDWORKS (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW). You can simply drag and drop your file into the browser.
- Glovius Viewer: Offers a free online viewer in addition to desktop applications, supporting SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, STEP, IGES, and more.
- 3DViewerOnline: A simple web-based viewer that supports various 3D formats.
Advantages of Online Viewers:
- No Installation Required: Access from any device with an internet connection and a web browser.
- Quick Access: Ideal for quick reviews or sharing with stakeholders who need to view a design instantly.
- Format Versatility: Many support numerous CAD formats beyond SOLIDWORKS.
Considerations:
- Internet Dependency: Requires an active internet connection.
- File Size Limitations: Some online viewers may have restrictions on the size of files you can upload.
- Security Concerns: Be cautious when uploading sensitive intellectual property to third-party cloud services.
3. Other CAD Software with Import Capabilities
While not "without SOLIDWORKS" in the strictest sense of being a different CAD software, many other professional CAD applications can import SOLIDWORKS files. This is useful if you have access to another CAD system and need to work with the data.
Examples of CAD Software That Can Import SOLIDWORKS Files:
- Autodesk Inventor: Can directly open SOLIDWORKS part and assembly files.
- PTC Creo: Capable of importing SOLIDWORKS files.
- Siemens NX: Supports importing SOLIDWORKS data.
- FreeCAD: A free and open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler that can import various formats, including some SOLIDWORKS versions (often via STEP/IGES if direct import fails for newer versions).
- Onshape: A cloud-native CAD system that can import SOLIDWORKS files directly.
How it Works:
These programs typically have an "Import" or "Open As" function that allows you to select a SOLIDWORKS file. The imported data may come in as a solid body without a feature tree, depending on the software and file version.
4. Converting to Neutral File Formats
If you need to share or open a SOLIDWORKS file with someone who doesn't have SOLIDWORKS or a compatible viewer, converting the file to a neutral CAD format is an excellent solution. This process usually requires SOLIDWORKS or another CAD program capable of opening the original file and exporting it.
Common Neutral File Formats:
- STEP (.step, .stp): (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) – One of the most widely used formats for exchanging 3D CAD data between different systems. It preserves geometry and some assembly information.
- IGES (.iges, .igs): (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) – An older but still commonly used format for exchanging 3D surface and wireframe data.
- STL (.stl): (Stereolithography) – Primarily used for 3D printing and rapid prototyping. It represents 3D surfaces as a collection of triangular facets.
- OBJ (.obj): (Wavefront OBJ) – A common format for exchanging 3D graphics data, widely supported by 3D modeling and animation software.
- 3D PDF: A PDF document that embeds a 3D model, allowing viewing and interaction directly within a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is excellent for sharing with non-technical users.
Benefits of Neutral Formats:
- Universal Compatibility: Can be opened by almost any CAD software or 3D viewer.
- Long-Term Archiving: Provides a more stable format for long-term storage of design data.
Comparison of Methods
| Feature/Method | eDrawings Viewer | Online Viewers | Other CAD Software | Neutral File Formats (Exported from SOLIDWORKS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free (some premium features might exist) | Paid (often expensive) | Varies (requires source CAD) |
| Installation | Required | None | Required | None (for viewer), Required (for exporter) |
| Platform | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Web Browser (OS agnostic) | OS-specific (Windows, Mac, Linux) | Any compatible viewer |
| Features | View, Measure, Section, Markup | Basic View, Rotate, Zoom | Full CAD functionality | Geometry preserved, no feature tree |
| Collaboration | Good (Markups, Comments) | Limited (Sharing links) | Full design collaboration | Shareable, but not interactive |
| Offline Access | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Security | High (Local files) | Varies (Cloud upload) | High (Local files) | High (Local files) |
| Ideal Use Case | Review, Share, Measure | Quick view, Instant sharing | Interoperability, Editing | Universal sharing, Archiving |
Practical Insights and Best Practices
- Communicate Needs: If you're receiving files, always clarify with the sender if they can provide them in a more universal format (like STEP or eDrawings) if you don't have SOLIDWORKS.
- Version Compatibility: While eDrawings is generally good at opening newer files, very old or very new versions might occasionally pose minor issues. Ensure your viewer is up to date.
- Understand Limitations: Viewing solutions (eDrawings, online viewers) allow inspection but not editing of the design. For modifications, you would need SOLIDWORKS or another CAD program that can import and edit the data.
- Security for Online Viewers: For highly sensitive designs, consider the security implications of uploading your files to cloud-based online viewers. Desktop viewers or locally exported neutral files are often more secure.
By leveraging these methods, you can effectively open and interact with SOLIDWORKS files without needing to invest in the full SOLIDWORKS software package.
