To view SOLIDWORKS files for free, you don't need a full software license. Depending on whether you want a desktop app or a quick online preview, here is the updated guide for 2026. 1. eDrawings Viewer (Best Desktop Option) The official eDrawings Viewer remains the industry standard for free SOLIDWORKS viewing. Capabilities: Open native SOLIDWORKS parts ( ), assemblies ( ), and drawings (
Includes zoom, pan, rotate, 3D sectioning, and basic measurement tools. Collaboration: Allows you to view markups and annotations added by others. 2. Autodesk Viewer (Best Online Option) If you don't want to install software, the Autodesk Viewer is a powerful browser-based alternative. No Install: Works entirely in your web browser on any device. High Compatibility:
Supports over 80 file types, including native SOLIDWORKS files.
Generates a link to share your 3D model with others for review. 3. File Explorer Thumbnails (Quick Preview)
You can view SOLIDWORKS files directly in Windows File Explorer without opening any app: SolidWorks Open SOLIDWORKS (if installed) or use the SOLIDWORKS Thumbnail Helper (often included with eDrawings). In SOLIDWORKS, go to Tools > Options > System Options > General Show thumbnail graphics in Windows Explorer SolidWorks Important Compatibility Notes Newer Versions:
While SOLIDWORKS 2024 and newer can sometimes "save back" to older versions, free viewers like eDrawings generally need to be updated to the latest year's version to open files created in the newest SOLIDWORKS releases. Service Packs:
SolidWorks Viewer Free Update: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you a designer, engineer, or simply someone who needs to view and interact with 3D models created in SolidWorks? If so, you're likely familiar with the SolidWorks Viewer, a free tool that allows users to view, measure, and markup 3D models without requiring a SolidWorks license. In this blog post, we'll discuss the latest updates to the SolidWorks Viewer, its features, and how to access it for free.
What is SolidWorks Viewer?
SolidWorks Viewer is a free software application developed by Dassault Systèmes, the company behind SolidWorks. It's designed to allow users to view, interact with, and share 3D models created in SolidWorks, without requiring a SolidWorks license. The viewer supports various file formats, including .sldprt, .sldasm, .slddrw, and .stl.
What's New in the Latest SolidWorks Viewer Update?
The latest update to the SolidWorks Viewer brings several new features and improvements, including:
Key Features of SolidWorks Viewer
Here are some of the key features that make SolidWorks Viewer an essential tool for anyone working with 3D models: solidworks viewer free upd
How to Access SolidWorks Viewer for Free
Accessing SolidWorks Viewer is easy and straightforward. Here's how:
System Requirements
Before downloading and installing SolidWorks Viewer, ensure your computer meets the system requirements:
Conclusion
The SolidWorks Viewer is an essential tool for anyone working with 3D models, offering a range of features and tools to view, measure, and markup models. With its latest update, the viewer offers improved performance, new markup tools, and enhanced collaboration features. By following this guide, you can access the SolidWorks Viewer for free and start interacting with 3D models like a pro!
The primary free software for viewing SOLIDWORKS files is eDrawings Viewer
, developed by Dassault Systèmes. It is a lightweight, widely-used tool that allows you to view, print, and review 2D drawings and 3D models without a full SOLIDWORKS license. Top Recommended Free Viewers eDrawings Viewer (Official) : The most compatible option for
: View 3D models, rotate, zoom, and see simulation results. It also supports neutral formats like STEP, IGES, and DWG. Availability : Free download for official eDrawings site Autodesk Viewer (Online) : A web-based alternative that requires no installation.
: Supports over 80 file types, including SOLIDWORKS files, directly in your browser.
: Quick viewing and online collaboration without downloading software. Glovius SolidWorks Viewer : A modern viewer focused on analysis. : Offers a 15-day free trial
for advanced tools like measuring, sectioning, and file comparison.
: Users who need temporary access to deeper interrogation tools like wall thickness or draft analysis. Comparison of Key Features Download eDrawings To view SOLIDWORKS files for free, you don't
* MySolidworks. * View. View. Share. Share. Products. Products. Support. Support. MySolidworks. eDrawings Viewer
eDrawings Viewer is the primary free, lightweight application from Dassault Systèmes for viewing, measuring, and marking up native SOLIDWORKS 2D and 3D files across Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. The latest version supports advanced interrogation, including exploded views and animations, and can be downloaded directly from the official website. Download the software and view full product details at edrawingsviewer.com. Solidworks- eDrawings Tutorial
This is the industry-standard free viewer provided by Dassault Systèmes for SolidWorks and other CAD files. Key Features: Versatility: Opens SolidWorks files, DXF, DWG, and STL.
Collaboration: Includes markup tools (sketching, notes) and measurement capabilities.
Assembly Management: Ability to "explode" assemblies to see internal components.
AR Support: Includes Augmented Reality (AR) features to view models in real-world environments via mobile apps.
Best For: Designers, students, and manufacturers who need to review designs without a full CAD license.
Where to Get It: Download it directly from the Official eDrawings Site. 2. Autodesk Viewer (Web-Based)
If you don't want to install software, Autodesk offers a high-quality online viewer that handles SolidWorks files. Key Features:
Browser-Based: No installation required; works on any device.
File Support: Supports over 80 file types, including SolidWorks and STEP. Markup: Allows for online collaboration and annotations.
Best For: Quick, one-off file inspections and clients who cannot install new software. Where to Use It: Visit the Autodesk Viewer Tool. 3. SOLIDWORKS for Makers
While not strictly a "viewer," there is a low-cost version for hobbyists if you Enhanced Performance : The viewer now offers improved
Status: This is a paid subscription (typically around $99/year) but is significantly cheaper than professional licenses for personal projects. ⚠️ Important Note on "Free Upd" Links
Sites using the "free upd" (free update) naming convention in their URLs are often unauthorized and may contain malware or redirects to unrelated services (like money transfers or spam podcasts). Always download viewer software from official domains like solidworks.com, edrawingsviewer.com, or autodesk.com. View CAD Files for Free | eDrawings Viewer
Since "UPD" is not a standard SOLIDWORKS file extension (standard files are .SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW), it is likely you are referring to "updates" or simply the latest information on free viewers.
Here is a guide covering the current landscape of free SOLIDWORKS viewers and recent updates.
Q: Can I convert a SLDPRT to STL using the free viewer? A: No. Export/Save As is disabled in the free eDrawings. You need the free eDrawings Professional trial (30 days) or the full SolidWorks. However, you can use the free 3D Viewer (Windows) to open SLDPRT and "Save As" STL.
Q: Is there a Linux version of the SolidWorks Viewer? A: Officially, no. However, the eDrawings Web Viewer (beta) works on Linux via any modern browser. Upload the file to the cloud portal and view it via WebGL.
Q: Does the free viewer support large assemblies? A: Yes, but with performance limits. eDrawings uses "SpeedPak" technology. If the original SolidWorks user saved the assembly with a SpeedPak configuration, the free viewer will fly through 10,000+ parts. Without it, your RAM becomes the bottleneck.
Q: My antivirus flagged eDrawings. Is it safe? A: If you downloaded from Dassault Systèmes, it is a false positive. The software uses deep hooks into the GPU for rendering, which occasionally triggers heuristic alarms. White-list the application.
SOLIDWORKS 2026 saved files use a new kernel compression. Older viewers (2025 and prior) cannot open them. This free update is mandatory if you have received files from an OEM who upgraded to SOLIDWORKS 2026.
Many online tools claim to “update SolidWorks viewer for free” – these are often malware or trialware. Legitimate free viewers do not have a separate “updater” program. Instead, you download the latest version from the official website.
solidworks.com/eDrawings (redirects to Dassault’s official download)After the latest update (version 36.0, typically aligning with the SW 2026 release), the free viewer includes:
| Feature | Status (Free) | Notes | |---------|---------------|-------| | Open native SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW | ✅ Full | Up to the current 2026 file format | | 3D Pan/Zoom/Rotate | ✅ Full | GPU-accelerated | | Measure distances & angles | ✅ Full | But no mass properties, no edge/face area | | Cross-section views | ✅ Full | Multiple planes, offset planes | | Animate assembly explode views | ✅ Full | If saved in the original file | | View configurations | ✅ Full | Display states, configs | | Markup (redlines, notes) | ✅ Basic | Text, arrow, cloud; cannot edit SW features | | Export to STL, 3D PDF, images | ✅ Full | High-res export up to 4K | | Open eDrawings (.eprt, .easm) | ✅ Full | Proprietary compressed format | | Mobile viewing (iOS/Android) | ✅ Full | Updated UI for 2026 | | Measure in drawings | ⚠️ Limited | Only between views, not within detail circles | | Save back to SW format | ❌ No | Viewer only | | Edit features/sketch | ❌ No | Not a CAD editor | | Cloud collaboration | ⚠️ Basic | Requires 3DEXPERIENCE login for shared comments |
Follow these steps to install the latest eDrawings 2026:
.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, and .SLDDRW. This lets you double-click any SolidWorks file to open it instantly.