eDrawings Viewer

Overview

eDrawings Viewer is a free product-design communication tool for viewing and sharing 2D drawings and 3D models. It is best suited to professionals, students, makers and casual users who need to inspect designs without moving into a full CAD workflow. Its strongest case is practical model review across desktop and mobile; advanced collaboration is the boundary to watch.

Key features

File support covers eDrawings, SOLIDWORKS, DXF and DWG files across all eDrawings versions. That makes the Viewer a useful choice for recipients of common design files, while highly compressed eDrawings files are easier to send by email. Publisher applications can create eDrawings files from SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, Pro/ENGINEER, CATIA V5, Unigraphics NX, Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge, RapidFire Lite and SketchUp.

Dynamic cross sectioning and component move and explode views help reviewers examine internal structure and how assemblies fit together. The Markup Tool adds a review layer: users can redline 2D or 3D data, add comments, and save or edit reviews. Measurement tools are available, but a file creator can permanently disable measurement on an eDrawings file. That is a useful protection for sensitive dimensions, but recipients should not count on being able to measure every design.

Models can be saved as STL, TIFF, JPEG or BMP. On Android and iOS, augmented reality uses the device camera to display a CAD design in the real world, giving mobile users a way to consider a model in context. Browser-based review is provided through Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS: invited collaborators can view, mark up and provide feedback in real time without installing software. The free Viewer is not the whole collaboration story, however; advanced collaboration capabilities require an eDrawings Professional license.

The eDrawings API is an OLE ActiveX interface callable from VBA, VB.NET, C++ and C#. Advanced API capabilities also require an eDrawings Professional license, so the free product is a better fit for viewing and review than for extending the software programmatically.

Pricing

The eDrawings Viewer plan costs nothing. It includes the Viewer, and a free plan is available without a stated seat or usage cap. The core value is access to drawing and model inspection without a subscription charge; the important trade-off is that advanced collaboration capabilities require eDrawings Professional. Mobile app pricing varies by region, so Android and iOS users should check the applicable regional price before choosing a platform.

Platforms

eDrawings Viewer supports Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. The desktop-and-mobile spread suits teams and individuals who need to review designs on different device types. The augmented-reality feature is specifically available in the iOS and Android apps.

Who it's for

Choose eDrawings Viewer when your priority is inspecting SOLIDWORKS or eDrawings files, checking DXF or DWG drawings, or annotating a design review without paying for the Viewer itself. Its sectioning, assembly views and optional measurement make it more useful than a basic file preview when you need to understand a model. It is less suitable when your workflow depends on advanced collaboration or API capabilities included in the Professional license, or when you need assurance that every shared file permits measurement.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free Viewer opens eDrawings, SOLIDWORKS, DXF and DWG files, making it broadly useful for sharing design work across those formats.
• Pros: Cross sections, move and explode views, and saved markups support substantive model review rather than passive viewing.
• Pros: Mobile AR and browser-based feedback extend review beyond a desktop, with browser collaboration available to invited users through Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS.
• Cons: Advanced collaboration and advanced API capabilities require an eDrawings Professional license, limiting the free Viewer for more involved workflows.
• Cons: Measurement can be permanently disabled on individual eDrawings files, so it is not guaranteed for every review.
• Cons: Mobile app pricing varies by region, making the mobile cost different from the free Viewer plan.

Alternatives

Browse CAD Viewer Software for a broader comparison across the category.

• CAD Reader is worth considering if you want a freemium alternative with a free trial across Android, iOS, macOS and Windows; its feature comparison spans Free, Professional and Enterprise plans.
• ODA File Converter is another free option, particularly for readers seeking a tool from a non-profit CAD and BIM interoperability consortium; it supports Android, Linux, macOS and Windows.
• Autodesk Viewer fits browser-oriented sharing: it is free, works on web, macOS and Windows, and shared links can be opened by anyone, but uploaded designs expire after 30 days by default and an Autodesk Account is required.
• CAD Pockets may suit mobile-first users looking for fundamental CAD features, third-party cloud storage, 100MB of cloud space and QQ Group support in its free plan.
• 3D-Tool is a Windows-only alternative if a no-time-limit free viewer for DDD, STL and 3MF files meets your needs; its Free Viewer cannot export CAD files.
• CAD Viewer is a free browser-based choice for viewing, reviewing and editing CAD with an open-source toolkit.
• CADViewer is an alternative for readers considering a paid server product, with a 10-day full-server trial.
• Glovius offers another freemium option for Android, iOS, web and Windows users, including short-duration usage packs.

Verdict

eDrawings Viewer is a strong choice for anyone who needs a free, cross-platform way to inspect CAD files and contribute marked-up reviews. Its mix of assembly inspection, format support and mobile AR gives it a clear role as a design-review tool. Look elsewhere if advanced collaboration or API capabilities are central to the job, or if your review depends on measuring every shared file.