eDrawings for sharing in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

eDrawings lets you share 3D models and drawings easily with others who do not have SolidWorks. It helps people view, measure, and understand designs without needing the full software.

When you want to send a 3D model to a client for review without giving full design files

When a team member needs to see a part or assembly but does not have SolidWorks installed

When you want to share a drawing with a supplier to check dimensions quickly

When you need to present a design in a meeting without opening SolidWorks

When you want to protect your original files but still allow others to explore the design

Steps

Step 1: Open your model or drawing

- SolidWorks main window

Your design is loaded and visible on screen

Step 2: Click File menu

- Top left corner

File menu options appear

Step 3: Select Save As

- File menu

Save As dialog box opens

Step 4: Choose eDrawings (*.eprt, *.easm, *.edrw) as file type

- Save As dialog box - Save as type dropdown

File type changes to eDrawings format

Step 5: Click Save

- Save As dialog box

eDrawings file is created and saved to your chosen location

Step 6: Send the saved eDrawings file via email or file sharing

- Your email or file sharing app

Recipient can open the file with free eDrawings Viewer

Before vs After

Before

You have a SolidWorks part file (.sldprt) that only SolidWorks users can open

After

You have an eDrawings file (.eprt) that anyone with free eDrawings Viewer can open and explore

Settings Reference

Save as type

📍 Save As dialog box

Choose the correct eDrawings format to save your file for sharing

Default: SolidWorks Part (*.sldprt) or Drawing (*.slddrw)

Include referenced files

📍 Save As dialog box - Options button

Decide if you want to package all parts in an assembly for sharing

Default: Exclude referenced components

Enable markups

📍 eDrawings Viewer settings

Allow recipients to add comments and measurements on the shared file

Default: Off

Common Mistakes

Saving the file in SolidWorks native format instead of eDrawings format

Recipients without SolidWorks cannot open native files

Always select eDrawings format (*.eprt, *.easm, *.edrw) in Save As dialog before saving

Not including referenced components when sharing assemblies

Recipients see missing parts or broken assemblies

Use the Options button in Save As dialog to include all referenced files

Summary

eDrawings lets you share 3D models and drawings with anyone, even without SolidWorks

Save your design as an eDrawings file to create a lightweight, easy-to-open version

Remember to include referenced files for assemblies to avoid missing parts in shared files

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of using eDrawings in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To share CAD models and drawings without needing full SolidWorks software

B. To create 3D models from scratch

C. To edit CAD files with advanced tools

D. To convert drawings into PDF format

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand eDrawings purpose and compare options

   eDrawings is designed to share CAD files easily without requiring the full SolidWorks software. The other options describe functions not related to its sharing purpose.

2. Final Answer:

   To share CAD models and drawings without needing full SolidWorks software -> Option A

3. Quick Check:

   eDrawings sharing = To share CAD models and drawings without needing full SolidWorks software [OK]

Hint: Remember: eDrawings is for sharing, not editing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing eDrawings with full CAD editing software
• Thinking eDrawings creates models
• Assuming it converts files to PDF

2. Which file extension is NOT used when saving eDrawings files from SolidWorks?

easy

A. .eprt

B. .easm

C. .edrw

D. .edxf

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify valid eDrawings extensions and check .edxf

   Valid eDrawings file extensions are .eprt (part), .easm (assembly), and .edrw (drawing). .edxf is not a recognized eDrawings file extension.

2. Final Answer:

   .edxf -> Option D

3. Quick Check:

   Invalid eDrawings extension = .edxf [OK]

Hint: Only .eprt, .easm, .edrw are valid eDrawings files [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming .edxf is a valid eDrawings extension
• Confusing with other CAD file types
• Mixing up assembly and part file extensions

3. If you save a SolidWorks assembly as an eDrawings file and send it to a colleague, what can they do with the file using the free eDrawings Viewer?

medium

A. Edit the assembly and change parts

B. View, rotate, and add comments to the assembly

C. Convert the assembly back to a SolidWorks file

D. Export the assembly as a 2D image only

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand eDrawings Viewer capabilities and evaluate options

   The free eDrawings Viewer allows users to view, rotate, and add comments but not edit or convert files. View, rotate, and add comments to the assembly matches viewer capabilities; the other options describe unsupported actions.

2. Final Answer:

   View, rotate, and add comments to the assembly -> Option B

3. Quick Check:

   Viewer functions = View + Rotate + Comment [OK]

Hint: Viewer = view and comment, no editing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking viewer allows editing
• Believing it converts files
• Assuming export is limited to images only

4. You tried to share a SolidWorks drawing by saving it as an eDrawings file, but your colleague cannot open it. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The file size is too large for eDrawings Viewer

B. The colleague does not have SolidWorks installed

C. You saved the file with the wrong extension, like .sldprt instead of .edrw

D. You forgot to export the file as a PDF

Solution

1. Step 1: Check file extension and rule out other causes

   eDrawings files must have extensions like .edrw for drawings; .sldprt is a SolidWorks part file, not eDrawings. The colleague does not need full SolidWorks installed, file size rarely blocks opening, and PDF export is unrelated.

2. Final Answer:

   You saved the file with the wrong extension, like .sldprt instead of .edrw -> Option C

3. Quick Check:

   Wrong extension blocks opening [OK]

Hint: Check file extension before sharing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming full SolidWorks is needed to open eDrawings
• Blaming file size without checking format
• Confusing PDF export with eDrawings sharing

5. You want to share a complex assembly with a client who only needs to review and comment on the design. Which steps should you follow to prepare the file using eDrawings for sharing?

hard

A. Save the assembly as .easm using 'Save As' in SolidWorks, then send the file; client uses free eDrawings Viewer to review and comment

B. Export the assembly as a .sldasm file and ask the client to install SolidWorks

C. Save the assembly as a PDF and email it; client can edit comments directly on the PDF

D. Send the original SolidWorks assembly file; client opens it with any CAD software

Solution

1. Step 1: Save assembly as eDrawings file and share for review

   Use 'Save As' in SolidWorks to save the assembly as .easm, which is the correct eDrawings format for assemblies. Send the .easm file; the client can open it with the free eDrawings Viewer to review and add comments without needing full SolidWorks.

2. Final Answer:

   Save the assembly as .easm using 'Save As' in SolidWorks, then send the file; client uses free eDrawings Viewer to review and comment -> Option A

3. Quick Check:

   Save as .easm + free viewer = sharing with review [OK]

Hint: Save as .easm and use free viewer for client comments [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Sending full SolidWorks files expecting client to edit
• Using PDF which does not support 3D review
• Assuming any CAD software can open SolidWorks files