eDrawings (SOLIDWORKS)
A free lightweight viewer/publisher for SOLIDWORKS files — measure, mark up, animate, share without a SOLIDWORKS seat.
Definition
eDrawings is a free Windows / macOS / iOS / Android viewer for EPRT, EASM, EDRW (the eDrawings native formats) and many other CAD formats. Save As from SOLIDWORKS produces eDrawings files with viewable, measurable geometry but without the original parametric features. eDrawings Pro adds markup, dynamic cross-section, and measurement tools.
Why it matters
eDrawings is how a SOLIDWORKS shop shares design intent with clients, fabricators, and suppliers who don't have CAD licenses. It also produces lightweight files (much smaller than STEP) for review-only contexts.
Common pitfalls
- Sending an .eprt expecting downstream editing — eDrawings is review-only by design.
- Sharing eDrawings files with embedded original geometry that should have been hidden (IP concern).
- Confusing eDrawings with 3D Markup or 3DEXPERIENCE review apps.
This concept is a core structural element of the SOLIDWORKS drafting and engineering environment developed by Dassault Systèmes. Dassault Systèmes' mainstream parametric MCAD — feature-based modelling, assembly mates, and 2D drawings tightly coupled to the 3D model.
Relevant SOLIDWORKS FAQs
❓ Is SOLIDWORKS available on macOS?
Not natively. SOLIDWORKS is Windows-only. Mac users run it via Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp (Intel Macs). On Apple Silicon, virtualisation is limited. The official cross-platform alternative from Dassault is the browser-based xDesign on 3DEXPERIENCE.
❓ What's the difference between SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, and Premium?
Standard is the core modelling + drawings package. Professional adds CAD Library, PhotoView 360 rendering, eDrawings Professional, Toolbox, advanced sheet metal. Premium adds Simulation, Routing (electrical/piping), ScanTo3D, Motion. Most production shops use Premium; education usually uses Premium-equivalent.
❓ What is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS vs. traditional SOLIDWORKS?
Traditional SOLIDWORKS is a desktop product, files saved to disk/network/PDM. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is the same desktop product but cloud-connected: files saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, license tied to a Platform identity, and access to companion cloud apps (3D Sculptor / xDesign, simulation, PLM).
⚡ Concept Self-Test
🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
SOLIDWORKS Professional Design & Engineering Specialization
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) Exam Study Guide & Mock Practice
🌳 Semantic Crossroads & Navigation Pathways
Trunk-Branch-Leaf ModelCore glossary, interactive graph, and domain-wide concept index.
Parent design environments and platforms implementing this method natively.