eDrawings

Rating: 2.6	Downloads: 100,000+
Category: Productivity	Offer by: SolidWorks

eDrawings is a web-based application for creating, editing, reviewing, and sharing 2D drawings and 3D models directly through a browser. It serves users needing to communicate design intent or inspect technical documents without specialized desktop software, catering to engineers, designers, and product managers.

Its key value lies in offering pragmatic design communication and robust security for sharing sensitive technical visuals. eDrawings facilitates clear data exchange with colleagues, clients, and manufacturers quickly and easily.

App Features

• Interactive 3D Visualization: Users can navigate complex models in real-time using intuitive rotation, zooming, panning, and exploding views to explore every facet of a design. This capability is especially useful for engineers reviewing assemblies before production, allowing them to spot potential interference issues virtually.
• Intuitive PDF Export & Viewing: Seamlessly export drawings to the highly compatible PDF format, retaining detailed annotations, dimensions, and comments crucial for stakeholders who use standard software. When sharing critical design updates with manufacturing teams spread across different systems, reliable PDF support ensures the information arrives intact.
• Collaborative Markup and Commenting: Enable teams to communicate directly on documents by adding text notes, highlighting areas, drawing shapes, inserting arrows, and appending signatures or initials. For instance, a design team reviewing eDrawings annotations can quickly flag specific issues, accelerating feedback loops compared to traditional review cycles.
• Secure Sharing and Storage: Upload files directly to eDrawings Link, a secure online vault, and share individual documents via web links with controlled permissions (password protection, expiration dates). This feature ensures sensitive engineering drawings aren’t easily copied or misused when sent to external vendors or regulatory bodies.
• Direct STEP/NXDraw Import: Import geometry directly from major CAD platforms like SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or NX, ensuring accuracy and saving time in reconstruction. Migrating legacy designs created in older desktop software becomes straightforward without manual recreation, benefiting companies transitioning cloud tools gradually.
• Model Animation and Measurement: Create and replay simple animations to visualize potential assembly sequences or part movements, aiding communication of dynamic concepts. Furthermore, precise linear and angular dimensions measured within eDrawings can be rechecked dynamically, preventing costly errors caused by faulty reference dimensions.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Web-based Accessibility
• Enterprise-grade Security
• Industry Standard Compatibility
• Built-in Collaboration Tools

Cons:

• Cloud Lock-in or Dependency
• Functionality Cap Limits Subscription
• Platform Limitations on Older Browsers
• No Local Installation Required (Some Viewers Prefer This)

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Dassault Systèmes Share	Direct viewing and markup built-in views for SolidWorks data. Good integration for Siemens NX users. Focuses on collaborative design review within its ecosystem.
ZWCAD +3D Observer	Emphasizes 3D model viewing and simplification for interoperability. Offers some basic markup. Often a budget-friendly alternative initially.
Autodesk View & Compare	Web-based review focused on Autodesk product families (like AutoCAD, Inventor). Facilitates comparison between design iterations directly in a browser-based model viewer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I view my own DXF or DWG files directly in eDrawings without installing desktop software?
A: Yes, eDrawings web browser allows users to upload and view standard DWG, DXF format files instantly via the free web viewer, eliminating the need for the dedicated Windows desktop application for simple viewing tasks.

Q: How does Smart Part Publishing work, and when should I use it?
A: Smart Part Publishing converts SOLIDWORKS files into web-viewable eDrawings format, preserving geometry and appearance. Use it to share complex models instantly via the web, ensuring others can review parts and assemblies without owning powerful CAD software.

Q: Can I add comments suggesting changes on a design directly in the eDrawings Web Viewer?
A: Absolutely, the eDrawings Web Viewer includes tools like text labels, highlighters, arrows, and callouts, enabling users to pinpoint issues and propose adjustments visually without requiring specialized software, making remote feedback highly effective.

Q: Is there a cost associated with storing files in the eDrawings Link service?
A: eDrawings Link generally offers free upload and storage for eDrawings files, with limitations you can easily navigate for most personal and small team projects, providing ample space without recurring charges for basic usage needs.

Q: Can I create photorealistic renderings or realistic material visualizations within eDrawings?
A: Basic materials and light source adjustments are somewhat supported for visualization, suitable for general appearance assessment; however, commercial dedicated rendering plug-ins or third-party tools are typically used for professional-grade photorealism beyond eDrawings native capabilities.

Screenshots