Why eDrawings for sharing in Solidworks? - Purpose & Use Cases

The Big Idea

What if you could share your 3D designs so clearly that everyone feels like they're holding the model in their hands?

The Scenario

Imagine you have a complex 3D design in SolidWorks and need to share it with your team or clients who don't have SolidWorks installed. You try sending screenshots or exporting PDFs, but these don't show the full detail or allow interaction.

The Problem

Manually sharing designs through static images or PDFs is slow and frustrating. Recipients can't rotate, zoom, or explore the model, leading to misunderstandings and repeated back-and-forth emails. It's easy to miss important details or make errors.

The Solution

eDrawings lets you create lightweight, interactive files that anyone can open and explore without needing SolidWorks. You can share 3D models that recipients can rotate, zoom, and measure, making collaboration clear and fast.

Before vs After

✗ Before

Send screenshots via email
Attach PDF drawings

✓ After

Export eDrawing file (.eprt, .easm, .edrw)
Share interactive 3D viewer file

What It Enables

It enables smooth, clear communication by letting everyone see and interact with 3D designs easily, speeding up decisions and reducing errors.

Real Life Example

A product designer shares an eDrawing file with a supplier who can inspect the part's details and dimensions interactively, avoiding costly manufacturing mistakes.

Key Takeaways

Manual sharing limits understanding and wastes time.

eDrawings create interactive, easy-to-share 3D files.

This improves collaboration and speeds up project progress.

Practice

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

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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