eDrawings for sharing in Solidworks - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is an eDrawing file in SolidWorks?

An eDrawing file is a lightweight, shareable file format (.eprt, .easm, .edrw) that allows users to view, measure, and mark up 3D models and 2D drawings without needing full SolidWorks software.

beginner

How does eDrawings help in collaboration?

eDrawings enables easy sharing of design data with team members or clients who do not have SolidWorks. They can view, rotate, zoom, and add comments or measurements, improving communication and feedback.

intermediate

Which features are available in eDrawings Viewer?

The eDrawings Viewer allows users to view 3D models and 2D drawings, measure distances, add markups, explode assemblies, and animate motion studies, all without needing SolidWorks installed.

intermediate

What is the benefit of using eDrawings for sharing over PDFs?

Unlike PDFs, eDrawings files allow interactive 3D viewing, such as rotating and zooming models, and provide measurement and markup tools, making it easier to understand complex designs.

advanced

Can eDrawings files be password protected or secured?

Yes, eDrawings Professional allows users to add password protection and control access to files, helping secure sensitive design information when sharing externally.

What file extensions are used for eDrawings files?

A .eprt, .easm, .edrw

B .sldprt, .sldasm, .slddrw

C .pdf, .docx, .xlsx

D .dwg, .dxf, .iges

eDrawings files use .eprt for parts, .easm for assemblies, and .edrw for drawings.

Which of these is NOT a feature of the eDrawings Viewer?

A 3D model rotation

B Editing CAD geometry

C Adding markups

D Measuring distances

eDrawings Viewer allows viewing and markup but does not allow editing CAD geometry.

Why is eDrawings preferred over PDFs for sharing 3D designs?

A Because eDrawings files are smaller

B Because eDrawings files are editable CAD files

C Because PDFs cannot be opened on most computers

D Because eDrawings allows interactive 3D viewing

eDrawings files allow users to interactively view 3D models, unlike static PDFs.

Who can open eDrawings files?

A Anyone with the free eDrawings Viewer

B Only users with SolidWorks installed

C Only users with eDrawings Professional

D Only users with CAD software

The free eDrawings Viewer allows anyone to open and view eDrawings files.

What security feature does eDrawings Professional offer?

A File encryption

B Automatic backup

C Password protection

D Version control

eDrawings Professional allows password protection to secure shared files.

Explain how eDrawings files improve collaboration when sharing CAD designs.

Think about how non-technical people can understand designs better.

Describe the main differences between eDrawings files and traditional PDF drawings.

Consider what you can do with a 3D model that you cannot do with a flat PDF.

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