eDrawings for sharing in Solidworks - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Understanding eDrawings File Sharing

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of eDrawings files in sharing CAD data?

A To edit and create new CAD models collaboratively online

B To compress CAD files for faster email transmission without viewing capabilities

C To allow users to view and interact with CAD models without needing the original CAD software

D To convert CAD files into 2D images for printing only

💡 Hint

Think about what eDrawings viewers allow users to do without full CAD software.

eDrawings files are designed to let users view, measure, and interact with CAD models without needing the original CAD software, making sharing easier.

🎯 Scenario

intermediate

Choosing the Right eDrawings Sharing Method

You want to share a complex assembly with a client who does not have CAD software. Which eDrawings sharing option ensures the client can view and rotate the model without installing any software?

A Send the native CAD file and ask the client to install SolidWorks

B Send a static PDF with screenshots of the assembly

C Send a ZIP file containing all part files separately

D Send an eDrawings HTML file that opens in a web browser with interactive features

💡 Hint

Consider which format allows interactive viewing without software installation.

eDrawings HTML files can be opened in web browsers and allow interactive viewing without installing additional software, ideal for clients without CAD tools.

❓ dax_lod_result

advanced

Calculating Shared eDrawings Usage

Given a dataset of eDrawings shares with columns: UserID, ShareDate, and FileSizeMB, which DAX measure correctly calculates the total file size shared per user, ignoring duplicate shares on the same day?

Assume the table is named 'Shares'.

A TotalSharedSize = SUMX(SUMMARIZE(Shares, Shares[UserID], Shares[ShareDate]), CALCULATE(SUM(Shares[FileSizeMB])))

B TotalSharedSize = SUMX(SUMMARIZE(Shares, Shares[UserID], Shares[ShareDate]), Shares[FileSizeMB])

C TotalSharedSize = CALCULATE(SUM(Shares[FileSizeMB]), DISTINCT(Shares[UserID], Shares[ShareDate]))

D TotalSharedSize = SUMX(DISTINCT(Shares[UserID] & Shares[ShareDate]), CALCULATE(SUM(Shares[FileSizeMB])))

💡 Hint

Use SUMMARIZE to group by user and date, then sum file sizes per group.

SUMMARIZE groups by UserID and ShareDate, then SUMX sums FileSizeMB per group, avoiding duplicates per day.

❓ visualization

advanced

Best Visualization for eDrawings Sharing Trends

You have monthly data on the number of eDrawings files shared and the average file size. Which visualization best shows both trends clearly over time?

A A line chart with two lines: one for number of files shared, one for average file size

B A stacked bar chart showing total files shared and average file size stacked

C A pie chart showing the proportion of files shared each month

D A scatter plot with file size on X-axis and number of files shared on Y-axis

💡 Hint

Consider which chart type best shows two trends over time.

A line chart with two lines allows clear comparison of two metrics over time without confusion.

🔧 Formula Fix

expert

Debugging eDrawings Sharing Data Model

In your BI model, you have a 'Users' table and a 'Shares' table linked by UserID. You notice that when filtering by user region in 'Users', the total shared file size does not update correctly. What is the most likely cause?

A The 'Shares' table does not have a UserID column

B The filter direction is set from 'Shares' to 'Users' instead of 'Users' to 'Shares'

C The relationship between 'Users' and 'Shares' is inactive

D The measure uses ALL('Users') removing filters

💡 Hint

Check how filters flow between tables in your data model.

If filter direction is from 'Shares' to 'Users', filtering 'Users' by region won't affect 'Shares' data, causing totals not to update.

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