The free eDrawings viewer allows measuring, but sometimes with a watermark. To use this professionally:

* MySolidworks. * View. View. Share. Share. Products. Products. Support. Support. MySolidworks. eDrawings Viewer

Whether you're a project manager needing to check a dimension or a machinist viewing a part on the shop floor, you need a of charge. In this updated 2026 guide, we break down the best official and third-party tools to view CAD files without spending a dime. 1. eDrawings Viewer (The Official Gold Standard)

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:

You can find the latest version on the official eDrawings Download Page . 2. Best Online (No-Install) Options

: Designers, students, and manufacturers who need to review designs without a full CAD license.

Top Free SOLIDWORKS Viewers: How to Open and Review CAD Files Without a License

Visualize designs in augmented reality using mobile devices.

Onshape is a fully cloud CAD system. Its free Public plan allows you to upload and view SolidWorks files. Because it is cloud-based, the is automatic—you never have to download patches. When Onshape updates its servers, you instantly get the new SolidWorks import filter.