eDrawings is a powerful tool that enables seamless communication and collaboration. This is done by sharing 3D CAD Data directly with non-SOLIDWORKS users to help reduce the ambiguity that could come from exclusively using screenshots or 2D Drawings and can help reduce errors when making design decisions. The eDrawings software is jam-packed with functionality including the ability to view custom properties, move components or explode assemblies, and view content in AR/VR environments. There are two different levels of eDrwaings so read on to find out more about the differences between eDrawings Standard and eDrawings Professional.
What is eDrawings?
eDrawings was created to help individuals and organizations communicate their design data clearly, easily, and effectively. eDrawings Standard is a free software that can be downloaded on any computer without needing a SOLIDWORKS license which allows for greater collaboration between design teams and anyone else who needs to consume the CAD Data. With eDrawings, the 2D and 3D file data is compressed to be able to be shared with multiple individuals whether via email, share-drive, or any other file transfer need. The compression helps reduce file size and the need for external links to parts or subassemblies by creating a single file that contains all the relevant data. Once created, eDrawings removes the worry regarding software compatibility between CAD Packages and removes the need to use a SOLIDWORKS license to view a file. Best of all? The eDrawings file format can be generated right from SOLIDWORKS avoiding the need for a translator package or can be automated with SOLIDWORKS PDM.
Top Feature: Viewing GD&T Information
Opening files in eDrawings allows for the interrogation of annotation views created inside of SOLIDWORKS. What this means is that if DimXpert or SOLIDWORKS MBD is being used, any tolerancing or notes called out in the 3D Model are immediately available to the eDrawings user. Additionally, selecting a tolerance will dynamically highlight the associated feature in the model reducing the potential for misreading the information. The ability to measure key dimensions may be enabled by the author of the files, enhancing file security.
Top Feature: Simulation Review
Simulation results and motion studies can be included in the eDrawings file, so distribution of analysis results is simplified. Instead of 2D images, simulation results are represented on a 3D model so they can be utilized just like the SOLIDWORKS model from which they are created. This greatly enhances the communication of validation results since the reviewer can interrogate the information from any angle or perspective.
Top Feature: Expansive Supported File Formats
Although the eDrawings file format is typically used to open files from SOLIDWORKS, there is an extensive list of supported file formats that can be directly opened. These range from neutral formats such as STL or STEP to proprietary formats from other CAD Authoring packages. Using eDrawings isn’t necessarily for SOLIDWORKS Teams as there is large support for those other formats. Additionally, eDrawings can be used to export files as well. This is typically done to export out STL or image files but comprehensive exports can be used to create HTML packages or eDrawings files embedded with the executable. All of these options allow for greater flexibility when working across teams and open the doors for collaboration.
Other eDrawings Features
As mentioned previously, eDrawings comes in two different levels: eDrawings Viewer and eDrawings Professional. The Viewer level is free to download and does not require a license to run. eDrawings Professional does require a license but is included with every seat of SOLIDWORKS Professional and SOLIDWORKS Premium. These days, the biggest difference between the two packages is related to the Augmented and Virtual Reality applications meaning that the free eDrawings Viewer is a very capable, robust tool for collaboration between CAD and non-CAD teams. To view the full features of eDrawings, please refer to the table below:
| Compare eDrawings | eDrawings | eDrawings | ||
| Professional | Viewer | |||
| Desktop | Mobile | Desktop | Mobile | |
| View Design | X | X | X | X |
| Analysis Results | X | X | ||
| Save In Many File Formats | X | X | X | |
| Markup Tool | X | X | X | |
| Measure Tool | X | X | X | |
| Dynamic Cross Sectioning | X | X | ||
| Move Components and Explode Views | X | X | ||
| View Configurations | X | X | X | X |
| Play SOLIDWORKS Animations | X | X | X | X |
| View Mass Properties | X | X | ||
| Augmented Reality | X | X | X | |
| Rich eDrawings API | X | |||
