1. Introduction
In today’s fast-paced technological world, the ability to visualize, interact with, and investigate Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models seamlessly has become a necessity. This is where CAD viewers come into play.
1.1 Importance of CAD Viewer
Use of CAD viewers is pivotal for a multitude of professionals ranging from architects, engineers, product designers to students as well as hobbyists. They offer an accessible way to open, view, and sometimes even edit CAD files without requiring the original design software. This proves advantageous in situations where one needs to explore a model, assess measurements, and collaborate with others without meddling with the actual design or investing in high-end CAD software.
1.2 Objectives of this Comparison
With a multitude of CAD viewers available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that aligns best with one’s specific requirements. This paper aims at providing in-depth comparisons of various prominent CAD viewers, in an attempt to help readers make a more informed choice. We will evaluate each viewer’s strengths, potential drawbacks, and unique features.
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2. Autodesk Viewer
The Autodesk Viewer is a cloud-based CAD viewer created by the globally recognized Autodesk company. Known for its immense variety of supported file formats and compatibility with Autodesk’s comprehensive suite of design software, it offers a user-friendly interface for viewing, printing, and even sharing 2D and 3D CAD files.
2.1 Pros
- Wide file format compatibility: It supports over 50 different file formats including but not limited to AutoCAD (DWG), DXF, Revit (RVT), SolidWorks (SLDPRT), and STEP (STP).
- Collaboration tools: One of its standout features is its inbuilt collaboration tools that allow users to share files, insights, and feedback conveniently in real-time.
- Cloud-based: As a cloud-based platform, it provides easy access anywhere, anytime without the need to download heavy files or software.
2.2 Cons
- No offline functionality: Being a cloud-based system, Autodesk Viewer requires a steady internet connection to function, hence lacks offline viewing abilities.
- Limited editing features: It caters primarily to viewing needs, with limited ability in terms of editing or modifying CAD designs.
- Somewhat complex for beginners: Some users may find the interface and functionalities a bit complex to navigate initially, especially if they are new to Autodesk products.
3. ShareCAD
ShareCAD is a free online CAD viewer with a primary focus on sharing and viewing CAD documents across multiple platforms and devices. It offers a straightforward, browser-based solution eliminating the need for installing additional software or plugins.
3.1 Pros
- Platform independence: ShareCAD is entirely web-based, which means it can be accessed on any device with an internet browser, regardless of its operating system.
- File sharing capabilities: As the name suggests, it’s designed to facilitate easy sharing of CAD files.
- Supports several file formats: ShareCAD offers compatibility with a broad range of 2D and 3D formats including DWG, DXF, PDF, TIFF and others.
3.2 Cons
- Internet dependent: Since ShareCAD is a web-based solution, it requires a consistent internet connection and does not support offline viewing.
- Lacks advanced viewing tools: While it’s sufficient for casual viewing needs, it may fall short for more complex viewing or inspection tasks as it lacks advanced viewing tools.
- No editing capability: ShareCAD is purely a viewer and does not provide any editing capabilities.
4. CADViewer
CADViewer is a software catering to the need of viewing, reviewing, and printing CAD drawings, offering extensive format support. The platform is well-established and has been refining its user experience for over a decade, making it a reliable choice.
4.1 Pros
- Broad Format Support: CADViewer can handle a wide array of file formats, covering all major 2D and 3D CAD formats, including DWG, DXF, HPGL, and SVG, among others.
- Flexible Deployment Options: It enables users to use it both offline and online across multiple platforms and devices, making it incredibly flexible and adaptable.
- Markup Capabilities: Unlike many viewers, CADViewer offers markup capabilities allowing participants in the design process to leave comments or feedback directly on the drawing.
4.2 Cons
- Limited Free Version: Although CADViewer offers a free version, several advanced features are locked behind the premium tier, which could be cost-prohibitive for some users.
- Learning Curve: Due to its extensive features, it may require some time for newcomers to get used to all of its functions.
- Outdated User Interface: Certain users have noted that the User Interface (UI) can feel a bit outdated compared to more recent entrants into the CAD viewer market.
5. eDrawings Viewer
eDrawings Viewer is a free software tool for simple viewing and printing of 2D and 3D CAD files. Developed by SolidWorks, it provides users the ability to more securely share and synchronize their CAD files.
5.1 Pros
- Extensive file support: It can support various file types, including eDrawings files, SolidWorks, AutoCAD DWG and DXF files.
- Interactive viewing: eDrawings Viewer allows users to view models in 1:1 scale and rotate them dynamically.
- Powerful toolset: In addition to viewing, it includes tools for annotations, marking up designs, measuring geometries, and analyzing component masses and materials.
5.2 Cons
- Limited file compatibility: Although it does offer wide file support, it is primarily focused on SolidWorks and eDrawings files, which could limit its usability for those working with other software applications.
- No editing functionality: Like many other viewers, eDrawings Viewer does not support editing of CAD designs.
- Requires download: Unlike some other CAD viewers, eDrawings Viewer requires a software download rather than being accessible through a web browser.
6. DWG FastView
DWG FastView is a convenient and lightweight CAD viewer that supports viewing, annotating, and sharing DWG and DXF files. With its efficient functionality, it’s a popular choice among users who need quick access to CAD files without the need for complex editing tools.
6.1 Pros
- Fast and efficient: As the name suggests, DWG FastView delivers fast loading and smooth performance, even when dealing with large CAD files.
- Multi-platform support: It’s available for use on multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android.
- Annotate and measure: Besides viewing, it provides basic annotation and measurement tools.
6.2 Cons
- Limited file format support: It primarily supports DWG and DXF files, which may limit the usability for users working with other file formats.
- Barebones Feature Set: While its simplicity may appeal to some, professionals might find its feature set a bit limited for complex or detailed inspections.
- Advertisements: The free version includes advertisements, which can be distracting and hamper the user experience.
7. Glovius CAD Viewer
Glovius CAD Viewer is a multi-platform, modern, and full-featured CAD viewer that offers strong support for 3D as well as 2D files. Its feature-rich framework offers capabilities beyond just viewing, including measuring, sectioning, comparing, and exporting.
7.1 Pros
- Wide file format compatibility: Glovius CAD Viewer supports most of the popular CAD file formats including CATIA, NX, STEP, IGES, Pro/ENGINEER and SolidWorks.
- Robust feature set: Apart from viewing, it includes advanced tools for analyzing, sectioning, taking measurements, and comparing differences between two versions of a design.
- Flexible Pricing: It offers a range of pricing models to cater to different user needs, from yearly subscriptions to perpetual licenses.
7.2 Cons
- Feature Overload: Though rich in features, the multitude of options might overwhelm beginners or casual users.
- No free version: Glovius doesn’t offer a fully functional free version, albeit offering a free trial.
- Occasional performance issues: Some users have reported occasional lag or slowdown, especially with large or complex files.
8. DWGSee Viewer & Editor
The DWGSee Viewer & Editor is an efficient CAD tool designed to view, measure, and even edit DWG/DXF/DWF files. Capable of handling both 2D and 3D formats, the tool provides features for convenient CAD document collaboration.
8.1 Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface: It offers a clean, streamlined interface that makes it simple and straightforward to use, even for beginners.
- Editing functionalities: Besides just viewing, DWGSee Viewer & Editor provides basic editing functions, such as adding and deleting graphical objects, making it more versatile than some other viewers.
- Measurement and comparison tools: It includes features for measuring distance, radius, and angle, as well as comparing CAD drawings to identify differences.
8.2 Cons
- Limited file format support: It primarily supports DWG, DXF, and DWF files, which could be a constraint for users working with other formats.
- Lacks advanced editing tools: While it does offer basic editing functionalities, it may not have the advanced editing tools that dedicated CAD software typically have.
- Cost: Unlike some other CAD viewers, DWGSee Viewer & Editor is not free, which might not appeal to users on a tight budget.
9. Bentley View
Bentley View is a free DGN viewer, DWG viewer, and i-model viewer developed by Bentley Systems. Designed to be more than just a simple viewer, it also provides tools for measuring distances, areas, and also includes a print feature for making accurate scaled prints from DGN, DWG, DXF, and i-models.
9.1 Pros
- Versatility: Bentley View supports over 50 file formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of CAD designs.
- Measurement and print tools: It provides a variety of measuring tools and is capable of creating accurate scaled prints.
- User-friendly Interface: Its intuitive interface enhances the user experience and facilitates ease of use.
9.2 Cons
- No Editing Capabilities: While its tools for viewing and measuring are robust, Bentley View does not offer editing capabilities.
- Complex for Beginners: Despite its user-friendly interface, the abundance of features might make navigation confusing for new users.
- Heavy on Resources: Bentley View can be resource intensive, which could be a problem for users with less powerful hardware.
10. RxView
RxView is a comprehensive multi-format viewer from Rasterex Software. It offers a robust platform for viewing, measuring, annotating, and printing various file formats including CAD, raster, vector, and 3D models. This multi-platform CAD viewer is reputed for its strong performance and versatility.
10.1 Pros
- Broad file format support: RxView is capable of dealing with over 250 different file formats, ensuring a high level of compatibility.
- Annotation capabilities: Next to viewing, it also allows users to add notes, markups, and stamps on the CAD file, facilitating effective collaboration.
- Integrates with Windows Explorer: RxView is integrated with the Windows right-click menu, enabling fast and easy access to its viewing capabilities.
10.2 Cons
- Complex interface: Despite its useful features, the user interface may feel less intuitive to some users, particularly beginners.
- No advanced editing: While RxView provides good capabilities for viewing and annotating, it lacks advanced editing options that some users may need.
- Cost issue: Unlike some other CAD viewers, it doesn’t offer a free edition, which might be a limitation for budget-conscious users.
11. 3DViewStation Desktop Viewer
The 3DViewStation Desktop Viewer is a powerful tool developed by KISTERS that specializes in viewing, analyzing, and marking up 3D CAD files. Its capabilities extend to 2D CAD files, office documents, and images as well.
11.1 Pros
- High-performance 3D viewing: 3DViewStation is renowned for delivering excellent performance, even when working with extremely large and complex 3D models.
- Wide array of features: Beyond basic viewing, it provides a host of advanced features including measuring, sectioning, annotating, and comparing models.
- Integration capabilities: It integrates seamlessly with a variety of PLM, ERP, and other systems.
11.2 Cons
- Steep learning curve: While the interface is clean and organized, the abundance of features can be overwhelming for novice users.
- Premium product: 3DViewStation Desktop Viewer is not free and does not offer a free trial, which might be a limitation for some potential users.
- Heavy software: It is quite a large application and may need sizable system resources for smooth operation.
12. guthrie CAD Viewer
The guthrie CAD Viewer is a fast and efficient viewer and convertor for AutoCAD files. It’s designed to be user-friendly and requires almost no learning curve, making it accessible for both professionals and casual users alike.
12.1 Pros
- Fast and efficient: guthrie CAD Viewer is designed for speed and can swiftly load heavy CAD files for quick viewing.
- User-friendly: Its simple interface and straightforward features make it easy to use even for beginners.
- Printing options: It offers excellent print quality and supports batch printing, which can be a significant time-saver for larger projects.
12.2 Cons
- Limited file format support: guthrie CAD Viewer primarily supports AutoCAD files, which could limit its usefulness for users working with different file formats.
- No advanced tools: It provides basic viewing and conversion functionalities, lacking features for collaboration, measurement, and 3D support.
- No editing functionality: As a viewer, it does not offer any editing capabilities.
13. Summary
13.1 Overall Comparison Table
| Tool | Features | Ease of Use | Price | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autodesk Viewer | Viewing, Collaboration features, Supports 50+ formats | High | Freemium | High |
| ShareCAD | Viewing, File Sharing, Multiple format support | High | Free | Medium |
| CADViewer | Viewing, Markup capabilities, Supports various formats | Medium | Freemium | Medium |
| eDrawings Viewer | Viewing, Measuring, Supports various formats | High | Free | High |
| DWG FastView | Fast Viewing, Annotate and Measure | High | Freemium | Medium |
| Glovius CAD Viewer | Viewing, Analyzing, Measuring, Comparing | Medium | Paid | High |
| DWGSee Viewer & Editor | Viewing, Basic Editing, Measure and Compare | High | Paid | High |
| Bentley View | Viewing, Measuring, Printing | Medium | Free | High |
| RxView | Viewing, Marking, Measuring | Medium | Paid | High |
| 3DViewStation Desktop Viewer | 3D Viewing, Analyzing, Comparing | Medium | Paid | High |
| guthrie CAD Viewer | Viewing, Fast Loading, Printing | High | Paid | Medium |
13.2 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs
In terms of versatility and affordability, Autodesk Viewer stands out for its wide format support and collaborative features. On the other hand, for professionals seeking advanced measuring and analyzation tools, Glovius CAD Viewer could be an another excellent choice, albeit at a higher cost. Lastly, for users seeking sheer ease of use or who are working strictly with AutoCAD files, the guthrie CAD Viewer is well worth considering.
14. Conclusion
14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an CAD Viewer
Choosing the right CAD viewer is a considerable decision that can significantly affect one’s design workflow. While it’s easy to lean towards feature-packed options, it’s essential to maintain a clear focus on user requirements. You’ll want to consider factors such the file formats you’ll be working with, your necessary feature set, the platform on which you’ll be using the viewer, and the learning curve you are prepared for.
In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed numerous options, each with its unique strengths and potential drawbacks. Some are best for specific file formats, others for different types of devices, while some are better for pure viewing versus those offering basic editing functionalities. It’s paramount for users to weigh these factors appropriately to select a CAD viewer that will serve their needs efficiently and effectively. Happy viewing!
Author Introduction:
Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a great tool to recover PSD files.