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Did someone send you a weird file format again that is unopenable and unreadable on your existing software?
If the file ends in STEP, IGES, STL, is a Parasolid, DWG, or DXF, then you, my friend, might have a CAD file on your hands and you’re going to need a CAD viewer if you want to take a look at any design details. CAD viewers also serve as a DWG viewer or STEP file viewer.
What’s a CAD file viewer and how do I get one without paying out the wazoo?
Why Someone Would Need a CAD Viewer
A CAD viewer is an essential software tool for various stakeholders in the product design process, including engineers, designers, project managers, clients, suppliers, and manufacturers. These are the key reasons why someone might need a DWG viewer, STEP file viewer, or a CAD viewer:
Collaboration and Communication: CAD viewers provide a common platform where multiple team members can access and review design files simultaneously.
Design Review and Analysis: With a CAD viewer, internal and external product development teams can perform detailed design reviews, analyze 3D models, inspect product components, and validate design decisions. This capability enhances the accuracy and quality of the final product, minimizing errors and revisions.
Cost and Time Efficiency: CAD viewers streamline the review process, reducing the time taken for design approvals and alterations. By catching design issues early on, companies can avoid costly mistakes during manufacturing and assembly.
Accessibility and Portability: CAD viewers eliminate the need for expensive CAD software licenses for every team member. They offer easy accessibility, allowing stakeholders to view and interact with CAD files without requiring specialized training.
Types of Files that Need a CAD Viewer
CAD viewers support various file formats commonly used in the industry. These can include:
3D CAD Files: Formats like STEP, IGES, and STL contain detailed information about design geometry and structure. A STEP file viewer is crucial for opening these complex 3D models.
2D CAD Drawings: CAD viewers enable users to visualize 2D drawings and blueprints in formats like DWG, DXF, and PDF. A DWG file viewer is essential for visualizing these technical drawings. It’s important to note that many CAD viewers have a detailed list of compatible file types that users should check.
Assembly Files: CAD viewers allow users to explore assembled products, viewing how individual components fit together and interact.
Simulation and Analysis Results: Some advanced CAD viewers can display simulation results, stress analysis, and other engineering analyses, providing additional insights into the performance of the design.
Onshape as the Best Online CAD Viewer
Onshape, a cloud-native CAD and PDM platform emerges as the easiest and most accessible CAD viewer due to several reasons:
Quick Onboarding: All users need is to create an Onshape account and you’re ready to import. No hefty downloads, no waiting. Once in Onshape, the account holder can share design data with others using just an email address or link sharing.
Cloud-Native Architecture: Onshape's cloud-first approach ensures that users can access their CAD data from any device with an internet connection. This convenience is invaluable for distributed teams and professionals on the go.
Real-Time Collaboration: Onshape allows multiple users to work collaboratively on the same design simultaneously. With granular permissions, it enables effective teamwork without the hassle of file versioning issues.
Version Control and History: Onshape maintains a complete history of design changes, making it easy to revert to previous iterations or track modifications made by different team members.
3D Visualization: Onshape offers 3D visualization capabilities that enable users to view, pan, zoom, and rotate models effortlessly. This visualization enhances the design review process.
Cross-Platform Support and Easy Import: Onshape is compatible with various operating systems and web browsers, providing flexibility in choosing the devices and tools that suit individual preferences. Onshape can import a range of files from any other CAD system, including Autodesk and SOLIDWORKS, in a matter of seconds. It can also import popular formats supported by DWG viewers and STEP file viewers.
Cost Effective: Since Onshape is browser-based, anyone with an internet-connected device can access the CAD data they need as long as they’re shared into the Onshape Document. Light users are able to take a look at design data for minimal or no cost.
Highly Rated: According to the software review website G2, Onshape ranks as one of the highest-rated CAD viewers available on the market today.
Onshape: More than Just a CAD Viewer
While Onshape excels as a DWG viewer and STEP file viewer, it offers much more:
Parametric 3D Modeling: Onshape enables parametric modeling, allowing designers to create intelligent and editable design features. This feature enhances design efficiency and simplifies design changes.
Integrated Simulation: Onshape integrates with simulation tools to perform structural analysis directly within the platform. This helps engineers optimize designs for performance and reliability.
Built-In Data Management: Onshape's built-in product data management (PDM) features simplify file organization and version control, ensuring a seamless design workflow. Built-in PDM allows users to leverage Publications, which allow users to collate design information, like Part Studios, Assemblies, Drawings, renderings, and spreadsheets, from a Document in any PDM revision or version status. It can then be shared with anyone who has an Onshape account.
Collaboration and Sharing: Onshape facilitates easy sharing of design data with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders. Its commenting and mark-up tools streamline the feedback process.
By choosing Onshape as your online CAD viewer, you're not just getting a tool to open DWG files or view STEP files. You're gaining access to a complete, integrated CAD platform that empowers innovation and creativity in every project.
Say goodbye to unreadable files and hello to seamless design collaboration with Onshape, your all-in-one solution for CAD viewing and beyond.
Plus, no more unreadable files!
Try Onshape Today
Head to our sign-up page to choose the right CAD plan for you and your team.