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How do I share a SolidWorks file with someone who doesn't have SolidWorks?

Larry Wu, CEO, Kyumi · Last updated October 12, 2026

Send a STEP file plus a PDF of the drawing for anyone who needs geometry, and point viewers to the free eDrawings Viewer or a browser share link if they only need to look and comment. The native SLDPRT, SLDASM and SLDDRW files are only useful to someone who also has SolidWorks.

Start with what the other person needs to do

The right file depends on the job, not on the tool. On a team of 5 to 40 people, the person asking is usually one of four:

  • An electrical or firmware engineer checking board clearance or connector access.
  • A manufacturing or quality lead checking tolerances and callouts.
  • A machine shop or fabricator quoting or building the part.
  • A manager or customer who wants to see what it looks like.

Only the shop needs geometry it can load into CAM. Everyone else needs to see, measure and comment.

Option 1: STEP plus PDF (for shops and other CAD users)

STEP is the neutral 3D format almost every CAD and CAM package reads. In SolidWorks it is File, Save As, then STEP AP203, AP214 or AP242. AP242 is the newest version of the standard and carries more product data; AP214 adds colors and layers over AP203 (Visiativ). If you are not sure which STEP version the shop's CAM reads, ask before you send.

Always send a PDF of the drawing with it. The STEP gives the shape; the PDF gives tolerances, finish, material, notes and the revision letter. A shop quoting a bracket from a STEP alone has to guess at all of that.

Name both files with the part number and revision, for example 100-0234_RevC.step and 100-0234_RevC.pdf, so nobody has to open a file to know which one it is. The native SolidWorks files keep a fixed name; only the exports carry the revision.

Option 2: eDrawings Viewer (for teammates on Windows or Mac)

eDrawings Viewer is free from Dassault Systèmes and opens native SolidWorks parts, assemblies and drawings, plus DWG and DXF (SOLIDWORKS blog). It runs on Windows and is listed free on the Mac App Store (Apple). Reviewers can open and rotate the model without a SolidWorks license.

You can also save an .EASM or .EPRT from SolidWorks, which is smaller than the native files and bundles what the viewer needs. A forum thread notes that exported eDrawings files do not carry assembly mates, so the reviewer sees geometry, not how parts move (SOLIDWORKS forum).

The catch: the reviewer installs software, and comments come back by email or as screenshots, separate from the file.

Option 3: SolidWorks Share and Markup (browser link)

SolidWorks Share and Markup creates a browser link from inside SolidWorks. The recipient needs no SolidWorks license: they view, mark up and comment in a browser after creating a free 3DEXPERIENCE ID with the email address the link was sent to. On the sender's side, it needs Dassault's cloud services (Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS, included with new desktop licenses bought since July 2023), and a platform admin has to turn on sharable links and comments first (SOLIDWORKS blog; 3DEXPERIENCE wiki).

Option 4: Cloud CAD view links

If part of the team works in Onshape, a document link gives view-only access without signing in (Onshape help). This only helps if the model already lives in Onshape.

Option 5: Browser review tools

Several review tools convert native or neutral CAD into a browser view and let reviewers pin comments to the model. Before sending anything under NDA, check where the tool stores files, who can open the link, and whether you can revoke access.

Which option fits which job

Who What they need Send Install needed Comments land
Machine shop Geometry for CAM, tolerances STEP (AP214 or AP242) + PDF drawing Their CAD/CAM Email or quote notes
EE or firmware engineer Clearances, connector access eDrawings file or browser link eDrawings, or none Email, or on the link
Manufacturing or QA Tolerances, callouts PDF drawing + 3D view PDF reader Redlined PDF
Manager or customer What it looks like Browser link or rendered images None On the link or in a meeting
Another SolidWorks user Full model Pack and Go zip of native files SolidWorks Varies

A working routine for a small team

  1. Decide who owns sending files out. On most 5 to 40 person teams this is one of the one or two CAD owners.
  2. Export STEP and PDF from the released revision only, never from a working copy.
  3. Put the part number and revision in every exported file name and in the email subject.
  4. Keep one folder or link per part with the current revision, and move superseded files to an _obsolete folder instead of deleting them.
  5. Ask reviewers to comment in one place. Comments spread across email, chat and slides are the ones that get lost.

How much time a team spends on this is worth measuring before choosing a tool.

FAQ

Can I open a SolidWorks file without a license?

Yes, for viewing. The free eDrawings Viewer opens SLDPRT, SLDASM and SLDDRW files on Windows and Mac. Editing still needs a SolidWorks license.

What file should I send a machine shop?

A STEP file for geometry and a PDF of the drawing for tolerances, material, finish and revision. Ask the shop which STEP version their CAM reads if you are unsure.

Is STEP AP214 or AP242 better?

AP242 is the newest version of the standard and carries the most product data, and AP214 adds colors and layers over AP203. Most CAD packages open all three, so match what the receiver's software reads.

Can a supplier comment on my CAD without buying software?

Yes. They can open a browser share link from SolidWorks Share and Markup or a review tool that needs no CAD license, or install the free eDrawings Viewer to look at the model and reply by email.

Related questions

Sources

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