For years, many SOLIDWORKS users have relied on eDrawings to share and explore CAD files outside of the core CAD software. In SOLIDWORKS Desktop, CAD files could be saved directly as eDrawing files. This allowed users to share their CAD designs in a safe neutral format, with stakeholders not having to depend on CAD software to open and review the designs. Then they could use the free eDrawings software to view the files. However, SOLIDWORKS Connected on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform does not include eDrawings as an option.
Though users might think they’ve lost a key feature, there’s actually a powerful alternative built into SOLIDWORKS Connected. Let’s explore the file viewing options available in SOLIDWORKS Connected and how it changes the game for sharing CAD files.
See the video below for a visual guide of how to share CAD files with stakeholders.
eDrawings in SOLIDWORKS Connected: What Changed?
SOLIDWORKS Connected does not include the installation of eDrawings or the ability to save files directly as eDrawing files. Instead, it introduces the 3DPlay app, a new tool for viewing CAD files that runs directly in the browser and requires no installation. This shift might seem like a loss at first, but the 3D Play app offers several advantages, particularly for users connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
How to Share CAD Files Without eDrawings
In SOLIDWORKS Connected, the process of sharing CAD files is now handled through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform:
- 3D Play App: This app is accessible to anyone with 3DEXPERIENCE platform access and runs in the browser, eliminating the need for software installation.
- Sharing Files: Users can share a copy of the CAD file directly from SOLIDWORKS. The default format for shared files is a .3dxml file, which provides functionality similar to eDrawings files but does not include the feature tree information.
- Access Control: The 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows users to send a link to view the file directly to recipients via email, with access restricted to specific email addresses. Recipients only need a free 3DEXPERIENCE ID to access the shared files.
Advantages of the 3D Play App and .3dxml Files
The .3dxml file format provides several benefits:
- Easy Exploration: Recipients can explore and measure the CAD structure without needing feature tree information.
- Real-Time Feedback: Recipients can provide feedback directly through the platform, and SOLIDWORKS notifies users of any feedback in real-time.
- Flexibility: If preferred, .3dxml files can still be downloaded and opened in eDrawings for further exploration.
While it may seem like SOLIDWORKS Connected has lost the eDrawings functionality, the introduction of the 3D Play app and the ability to share .3dxml files through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides an effective and efficient alternative. This new method not only simplifies the sharing process but also adds new capabilities for collaboration and feedback.
Want More Tips to Use Your 3DEXPERIENCE Platform?
- Check out our YouTube channel for practical tips that optimize your work and discover our training catalog for inspiration.
