The primary tool for viewing SolidWorks files for free is eDrawings Viewer, a lightweight solution developed by Dassault Systèmes for users who need to view, print, and review 2D and 3D CAD data without a full SolidWorks license. 1. Core Free Viewer: eDrawings Viewer
You can view SOLIDWORKS files directly in Windows File Explorer without opening any app: SolidWorks Open SOLIDWORKS (if installed) or use the SOLIDWORKS Thumbnail Helper (often included with eDrawings). In SOLIDWORKS, go to Tools > Options > System Options > General Show thumbnail graphics in Windows Explorer SolidWorks Important Compatibility Notes Newer Versions:
Engineers, manufacturers, and clients often need to view SolidWorks files without owning a paid license. While several free viewers exist, their update cadence varies significantly. Dassault Systèmes (SolidWorks’ developer) provides an official free viewer (eDrawings), but its "free" tier receives slower updates than the paid Professional version. Third-party open-source alternatives update less frequently. This report identifies the most reliably updated free viewer as eDrawings (free version) , which updates approximately once per major SolidWorks release (yearly), while noting key limitations. solidworks viewer free upd
Key Features: Rotate, zoom, section, and measure 3D models and 2D drawings.
Autodesk Viewer (Online): A web-based alternative that doesn't require an installation. The primary tool for viewing SolidWorks files for
Limitations: The free version disables "Save As" (to prevent file conversion) and advanced markup tools. For pure viewing and measuring, it is perfect.
Are you a designer, engineer, or simply someone who needs to view and interact with 3D models created in SolidWorks? If so, you're likely familiar with the SolidWorks Viewer, a free tool that allows users to view, measure, and markup 3D models without requiring a SolidWorks license. In this blog post, we'll discuss the latest updates to the SolidWorks Viewer, its features, and how to access it for free. What it does: Export to lightweight 3D XML
Recommended workflow for most users (concise)