Sharing 3D Models with non-CAD users

[VTmechie]

I want to share a 3D model/assy with non-CAD users in my company. Similar to e-drawings so the person can zoom, rotate, etc. and it would be nice if they could also measure, section, etc.

My company has a strict lock-down for installing software, including not allowing e-drawings.

I have tried sharing 3DPDFs but this also has tight security and requires the person (frequently not computer savvy) to save the file, open with the correct non-default program, and other clicks to get the file to show. So far no one has been able to do this, even with written instructions.

I am looking for a very easy dumb-proof way to share my 3D models. I am thinking something like google drive with built-in edrawings. I simple share the file and they can open it and zoom, rotate, measure, etc, that doesn't upset firewalls or other security.

Does something like this exist?

Thanks for your help.
Frustrated SW user.

[nuevahola]

When I need to send a 3d file to someone who doesn´t know / can´t install Edrawings or .EXEs, what I do is upload the file to my Onshape account (you can do it with a free account too) and share the link with that person:

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/3e1de ... 49eb24a27e

[VTmechie]

Great, Thank you nuevahola. I checked out your model and that's just what I am looking for. I don't see how to create a free accout for onshape. Is that the same as the trial?

[nuevahola]

https://www.onshape.com/en/products/free

[JSculley]

E-drawings Pro can save a SOLIDWORKS model as a self contained executable file:

[dave.laban]

If your policies restrict you so much with regards to installing software then I don't think any of your management would be terribly happy with you taking your models and just uploading them to OnShape / Google Drive, no?

[gupta9665]

2 options you can explore:

- Create a HTML file using eDrawings. The users would be able to open the files using browsers on any device.

- Create 3D PDF files which they can open using Adobe or Foxit Reader.

[the_h4mmer]

- Create a HTML file using eDrawings. The users would be able to open the files using browsers on any device.

I've never had this work, any tricks to making it function? From what I recall (it's been a while), the HTML file has to open in Internet Explorer and then asks to run/install an add-in, but whenever I choose "okay" to the prompt, it just reloaded the page and was blank. I feel like I tried opening it in other browsers as well, with no prompts or error messages, just a blank screen.

[dave.laban]

I've never had this work, any tricks to making it function? From what I recall (it's been a while), the HTML file has to open in Internet Explorer and then asks to run/install an add-in, but whenever I choose "okay" to the prompt, it just reloaded the page and was blank. I feel like I tried opening it in other browsers as well, with no prompts or error messages, just a blank screen.

Just tried on a simple part and it was literally as simple as Save As HTML. Opened up just fine in Chrome and is spinning around and zooming quite happily. Edrawings Pro 2019.

[the_h4mmer]

Just tried on a simple part and it was literally as simple as Save As HTML. Opened up just fine in Chrome and is spinning around and zooming quite happily. Edrawings Pro 2019.

I'll have to give this a try later today then!

[VTmechie]

I just realized that free onshape makes the model public so that won't work. As for using the edrawings to email the exe, that is blocked by corporate also. They have a lot of security here because we were victims of ransom ware not too long ago.

I will try the HTML later today. Thank you all for your help!

[JSculley]

I just realized that the free onshape sharing feature make the model public so that won't work. As for using the edrawings to email the exe, that is blocked also. I will try the HTML later today. Thank you all for your help!

Depending on how smart your email blocker is, you can try saving as 'eDrawings 64-bit Zip Files', which just zips up the .exe.

I believe that the HTML approach lacks the 'Measure Tool'.

[GrahamK]

If you can get IT to download 3dxml viewer from DS (free download) then just save part or assembly as 3DXML you can view, rotate, hide show but no measuring.
Just google 3dxml viewer and you will find link to download

[jcapriotti]

I just realized that free onshape makes the model public so that won't work. As for using the edrawings to email the exe, that is blocked by corporate also. They have a lot of security here because we were victims of ransom ware not too long ago.

I will try the HTML later today. Thank you all for your help!

Can you not get eDrawings on the approved software list? How do your users request software today?

[VTmechie]

THank you all! HTML worked. Easy for end user to open. No security issues.

[gupta9665]

I'll have to give this a try later today then!

Make sure to save as Web HTML. You can enable Measure and STL export as needed.

[gupta9665]

I believe that the HTML approach lacks the 'Measure Tool'.

You can enable Measure and STL export as needed.

[the_h4mmer]

Make sure to save as Web HTML. You can enable Measure and STL export as needed.

eDrawings HTML.PNG

I was able to get this to work last week! Very cool to see this working, perhaps I last tried with Solidworks/eDrawings 2018, now with 2021 it seems to function as expected.

[Jasong2111]

Thank you! everyone, this is very good to know. Anyone know the difference save as HTML or HTM? it seems smaller in file size for HTM.

[DanPihlaja]

2 options you can explore:

- Create a HTML file using eDrawings. The users would be able to open the files using browsers on any device.

- Create 3D PDF files which they can open using Adobe or Foxit Reader.

Doesn't work with Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer (I tried all 3). It gives you a message that things need to be configured correctly, it does absolutely nothing to tell you what needs to be configured.

Maybe this is discussed in later posts to this thread....if so...I haven't gotten there yet. If it is, I will edit this.

[DanPihlaja]

Make sure to save as Web HTML. You can enable Measure and STL export as needed.

eDrawings HTML.PNG

Web HTML isn't an option for me in edrawings 2018

[Jasong2111]

E-drawing Pro. 2021

[matt]

Siemens online xcelerator share allows non-cad users to measure, markup, explode, rotate, hide/show, section, get boms, download files... Works with many formats, since it exports JT as the viewable.

[gupta9665]

Web HTML isn't an option for me in edrawings 2018

image.png

This is a new option added in 2019!!

[gupta9665]

Doesn't work with Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer (I tried all 3). It gives you a message that things need to be configured correctly, it does absolutely nothing to tell you what needs to be configured.

image.png

Maybe this is discussed in later posts to this thread....if so...I haven't gotten there yet. If it is, I will edit this.

I had seen similar issues using HTML but web HTML works great. Try the attacdhed file.

[Tera]

Try the attacdhed file.

Perfect with Edge on win 11.

[Tera]

You can enable Measure and STL export as needed.
eDrawings HTML.PNG

I have neither Enable Measure nor STL Export.
SW2022 - SP0
Any idea why?

--


Edit : Sorry. Found it. I had to activate it in Solidworks Export options.

[Ry-guy]

I highly recommend that you look at Vertex Visualization. If the US Dept of Defense can use it your management probably won't have an issue either!


They have some cool technology, and it is very, very secure and your CAD data never leaves your servers!

https://vertexvis.com/resources/collate ... gns-secure

[Arthur NY]

One platform that, while doesn't really offer any measure or mark up capability but at least the option to view the file is Sketch Fab. Granted keeping file size down to 200MB can be challenging with CAD files as there's generally very little that can be done to reduce it but an (.iges) will work. Alternatively an (.stl) or (.obj)can be uploaded. Getting a professional account is like $100 or so which allows for files to be private.

[KQuigley]

This is a new option added in 2019!!

I totally missed that! Thanks Deepak!

[KQuigley]

Had to try this.
Some pointers I've found using SW 2021 and SW 2022 (latest SPs on both).
You seem to have to open the SW file from E Drawings, THEN save out the HTML file.
If you Export an E drawing file FROM Solidworks, then open that E drawing file in E drawings, the HTML export always delivers a "Failed to write file" error from an assembly e drawing file. Seems to work OK when saved from an e drawing part file though. Bug? It's consistent here, tested on 2 machines, both versions, saving locally, to Dropbox and to OneDrive.
Apart from that mini workaround (and let's face it - when have Solidworks ever given us anything that didn't require some kind of workaround) it does the job.

Would be better if you could do this as a Save As from Solidworks directly though. I guess that would upset the 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration apple cart too much though - making 3D collaboration easier from desktop and using our own (far far lower cost) cloud services. C'est la vie.