# Best CAD Viewers

  *By [Daniel Rivera](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/daniel-rivera)*

   CAD viewers offer users the ability to view, annotate, and sometimes edit various CAD file types such as DWG, STL, DXF, and IGES. Within CAD viewer software, designers can access all geometrical and metadata for a particular design file, which then enables them to make annotations, navigate layers and components, and measure distances, surfaces, and angles. CAD viewers are leveraged by any design department that needs access to files that perform 3D or 2D modeling. CAD viewers are often used in conjunction with other design software systems such as [general-purpose CAD software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad).

To qualify for inclusion in the CAD Viewers category, a product must:

- Access and view various CAD file types
- 
- Provide access to view geometrical and metadata within the design file
- 
- Export and batch convert CAD files
- 





## Best CAD Viewers At A Glance

- **Leader:** [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews)
- **Highest Performer:** [CADMATIC eBrowser](https://www.g2.com/products/cadmatic-cadmatic-ebrowser/reviews)
- **Easiest to Use:** [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews)
- **Top Trending:** [CADMATIC eBrowser](https://www.g2.com/products/cadmatic-cadmatic-ebrowser/reviews)
- **Best Free Software:** [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews)


---

**Sponsored**

### CMS IntelliCAD

CMS IntelliCAD® is a sophisticated CAD software solution designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals in engineering, architecture, and consulting. This full-featured software provides users with an extensive array of 2D and 3D drawing tools that are compatible with Autodesk® AutoCAD®, making it an ideal choice for anyone who relies on CAD drawings for their work. With its intelligent design and powerful capabilities, CMS IntelliCAD serves as a reliable alternative for those seeking advanced CAD functionalities without the associated high costs. Targeted primarily at engineers, architects, and consultants, CMS IntelliCAD caters to a wide range of users who require precision and efficiency in their design processes. The software is particularly beneficial for professionals who need to create detailed drawings, models, and documentation. Its compatibility with .DWG file extensions ensures seamless integration with existing projects, allowing users to work with files from various sources without losing data integrity. Additionally, the software supports Building Information Modeling (BIM), enhancing its utility for modern architectural and engineering practices, which increasingly rely on collaborative and data-rich environments. One of the standout features of CMS IntelliCAD is its extensive customization options. Users can take advantage of a comprehensive programming toolkit that includes support for LISP, VBA, .Net, and IRX development. This flexibility allows users to tailor the software to their specific workflows, enhancing productivity and streamlining repetitive tasks. The ability to create custom commands and automate processes can significantly reduce the time spent on drafting and design, making it a valuable asset for busy professionals who need to maximize their efficiency. Moreover, CMS IntelliCAD offers extended interoperability with various file formats, including DGN, .STEP, .IGES, and .PDF. This broad compatibility ensures that users can collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients who may be using different software solutions. The software's robust features, combined with its affordability, make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals looking to enhance their CAD capabilities without compromising on quality or performance. CMS IntelliCAD stands out in the CAD software landscape by providing a powerful, customizable, and cost-effective solution for professionals in various fields. Its intelligent design, extensive compatibility, and support for advanced programming make it a practical choice for those who require a reliable tool for their design and drafting needs. The combination of these features positions CMS IntelliCAD as a strong contender in the competitive CAD market, appealing to both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.



[Visit company website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1957&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=291&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=neighbor_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=291&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=5497&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1957&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fcad-viewers&secure%5Btoken%5D=44831245ce4134f9efd357cef2fa0092ebb86c7ba363ce3e5a0fdd632332bbe4&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fintellicadms.com%2Fsite%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url)

---

## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score)
  ### 1. [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews)
  Onshape by PTC is the leading cloud-native CAD & PDM platform that runs on any device, anywhere-requiring zero IT. Onshape is for product design companies who are fed up with the errors, time waste, and hidden costs of outdated file-based CAD & PDM. Only Onshape: - Eliminates CAD crashes and never loses data - Enables secure, real-time collaboration - Tracks all activity and provides infinite restore - Has built-in PDM with branching and merging


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 682

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc)
- **Company Website:** https://www.ptc.com
- **Year Founded:** 1985
- **HQ Location:** Boston, Massachusetts
- **Twitter:** @PTC (37,600 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1935/ (8,226 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Mechanical Engineer, Owner
  - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Design
  - **Company Size:** 79% Small-Business, 17% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (28 reviews)
- Collaboration (22 reviews)
- Online Accessibility (21 reviews)
- Features (15 reviews)
- Sharing (15 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Missing Features (18 reviews)
- Lack of Features (10 reviews)
- Drawing Issues (7 reviews)
- Internet Dependency (7 reviews)
- Limited CAD Features (7 reviews)

  ### 2. [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)
  Autodesk Fusion connects capabilities, data, and people across the entire product development lifecycle. Fusion provides you with CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB tools along with PLM/PDM and MES (manufacturing execution system) capabilities to facilitate seamless workflows across your entire organization. Key features: - 3D Design and Modeling: Autodesk Fusion offers a robust set of tools for creating 3D models and designs, making it ideal for product development and industrial design. - Manufacturing Integration: With Autodesk Fusion, you can design and manufacture products using the same platform, streamlining the process from concept to production. - Electronics Design: PCB design capabilities are integrated into the Autodesk Fusion platform, allowing for the creation of electronic components as part of the overall product design process. - Simulation and Analysis: Autodesk Fusion includes simulation tools to test and optimize designs before manufacturing, reducing the need for physical prototypes. - Cloud Collaboration: As a cloud-based platform, Autodesk Fusion enables seamless collaboration among design and engineering teams, regardless of location. - Generative Design: This feature allows you to input design goals and constraints, and Autodesk Fusion will generate multiple design options that meet these criteria. By integrating the entire product development process into one platform, Autodesk Fusion allows users to bring products to market faster and more efficiently.


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 503

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk)
- **Company Website:** https://www.autodesk.com
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco
- **Twitter:** @autodesk (274,944 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Owner, Design Engineer
  - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Design
  - **Company Size:** 68% Small-Business, 22% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (33 reviews)
- Features (23 reviews)
- Design Efficiency (17 reviews)
- Easy Learning (17 reviews)
- Features Functionality (16 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Difficult Learning (12 reviews)
- Learning Curve (12 reviews)
- Assembly Difficulties (9 reviews)
- Missing Features (9 reviews)
- Performance Issues (9 reviews)

  ### 3. [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews)
  A feature-rich DraftSight is a versatile 2D CAD solution tailored for professionals such as architects, engineers, construction service providers, professional CAD users, designers, educators, and hobbyists. Serving industries such as architecture, engineering, construction, facilities management, manufacturing, landscape architecture, and industrial design, the software boasts an extensive range of features that enable users to efficiently create, edit, view, and markup 2D and 3D DWG files. With its user-friendly interface, DraftSight ensures a smooth transition from any existing CAD application. Whether you're involved in detailed architectural drawings or complex engineering designs, DraftSight's comprehensive 2D CAD capabilities make it an ideal choice for all your design needs.


  **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 207

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Dassault Systemes](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dassault-systemes)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Velizy-Villacoublay
- **Twitter:** @Dassault3DS (74,112 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3896/ (27,256 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** EPA: DSY.PA

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer
  - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing
  - **Company Size:** 62% Small-Business, 32% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (17 reviews)
- Features Functionality (11 reviews)
- Easy Learning (7 reviews)
- Compatibility (4 reviews)
- Customer Support (4 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Difficult Learning (3 reviews)
- Drawing Issues (2 reviews)
- Expensive (2 reviews)
- Lack of Features (2 reviews)
- Limited Drawing Tools (2 reviews)

  ### 4. [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews)
  SOLIDWORKS delivers connected, easy-to-use tools that help you innovate and accelerate every aspect of your product development process.


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 619

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Solidworks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/solidworks)
- **Year Founded:** 1993
- **HQ Location:** Waltham, MA
- **Twitter:** @SOLIDWORKS (178,656 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/solidworks/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** EPA: DSY

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Design Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer
  - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Design
  - **Company Size:** 51% Small-Business, 39% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (37 reviews)
- Features (29 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (27 reviews)
- User Interface (21 reviews)
- Simulation Tools (16 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Performance Issues (17 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)
- High System Requirements (14 reviews)
- Complexity (11 reviews)
- Expensive (11 reviews)

  ### 5. [Autodesk DWG TrueView](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-dwg-trueview/reviews)
  AutoCAD DWG Format Viewer


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 72

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk)
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco
- **Twitter:** @autodesk (274,944 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ADSK

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Construction, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
  - **Company Size:** 46% Small-Business, 35% Mid-Market


  ### 6. [Autodesk Viewer](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-viewer/reviews)
  Autodesk Viewer is a free, web-based application that enables users to view, measure, mark up, and share 2D and 3D design files directly from their browser, without the need for any software installation. Supporting over 80 file formats, including DWG, STEP, DWF, RVT, and Solidworks, it facilitates seamless collaboration among project stakeholders by providing easy access to design data from any device with an internet connection. Key Features and Functionality: - Multi-Format Support: Handles a wide range of file types, ensuring compatibility across various CAD environments. - Zero-Installation Access: Operates entirely within a web browser, eliminating the need for software downloads or installations. - Integrated Tools: Offers intuitive tools for measuring, marking up, and reviewing designs, enhancing communication and collaboration. - Autodesk Ecosystem Integration: Connects seamlessly with Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360, and Fusion 360, enabling automatic file synchronization and version control. Primary Value and User Solutions: Autodesk Viewer addresses the need for efficient and accessible design collaboration by allowing users to interact with complex 2D and 3D models without specialized software. Its browser-based platform reduces IT overhead and deployment complexity, making it particularly valuable for external stakeholders, clients, and occasional users who require quick access to design files. By supporting a broad range of file formats and integrating with Autodesk's suite of tools, it streamlines review workflows and enhances project communication, ultimately leading to more efficient project execution and decision-making.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 59

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk)
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco
- **Twitter:** @autodesk (274,944 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ADSK

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Construction, Architecture & Planning
  - **Company Size:** 55% Small-Business, 32% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Compatibility (1 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- File Compatibility (1 reviews)
- Online Access (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Lack of Features (1 reviews)

  ### 7. [CADMATIC eBrowser](https://www.g2.com/products/cadmatic-cadmatic-ebrowser/reviews)
  CADMATIC eBrowser is a powerful 3D CAD viewer. A user-friendly 3D viewer that streamlines project review processes. Seamlessly explore, merge, and compare multiple 3D models effortlessly. Detect collisions, measure objects, and annotate directly on the model to enhance collaboration. With its compact file sizes, sharing becomes a breeze. Enjoy an array of key features, including support for various file formats, collision detection, panoramic views, intuitive navigation, and compatibility with VR interfaces. Experience optimized project review and communication by downloading CADMATIC eBrowser now. What our customers say: ⭐“There is no other 3D communication tool more capable than CADMATIC eBrowser.” – Cor Lettenga, DEKC Managing Director ⭐“We use CADMATIC eBrowser with a VR headset in design reviews. It helps to see with your own eyes what the solution will look like in the real world. The review process is smoother and faster this way.” – CMBernardini Engineering Manager Gianluca Coccato ⭐“By using CADMATIC eBrowser we improve communication between the office and the site, not only during the construction phase but also during the commissioning and startup.” – Paolo Fantini, Technical Manager at STC Power ⭐“CADMATIC eBrowser is powerful and the interface is easy to use. It is used throughout the whole concept, basic and detail engineering phase, but also in purchasing, sales, and production.” – Børulf Lefdal, Head of Hull Structure CADMATIC eBrowser – key features: 🛠 Stand-alone browser with support for multiple file formats: EBM, EBMX (native Cadmatic formats), DWG, DXF, IFC, DGN, NWD, E57, PTX, DWF, and DWFx 🛠 Possibility to merge and compare 3D models, including metadata and clash check, from different formats and sources and subset parts of models 🛠 The collision detector inside eBrowser enables users to gain more in-depth insight into the 3D model, combine 3D models from different sources, and check consistency 🛠 Option to upload point clouds with photorealistic panoramic views to compare design models with existing structures 🛠 Efficient and straightforward navigation using 3D or model hierarchy, check all meta-data about any object with one click 🛠 Control visibility, transparency, and color of objects 🛠 Use markups for change management and discussions with other project partners 🛠 Support for VR interface


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 50

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cadmatic](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cadmatic)
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** Turku, FI
- **Twitter:** @CADMATICGroup (187 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadmatic/ (276 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Shipbuilding, Maritime
  - **Company Size:** 56% Small-Business, 32% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- 3D Modeling (2 reviews)
- Lightweight (2 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- Easy Learning (1 reviews)
- Free Access (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Inadequate CAD Features (1 reviews)
- Lack of Features (1 reviews)
- Limited Customization (1 reviews)
- Limited Editing (1 reviews)
- Performance Issues (1 reviews)

  ### 8. [IrfanView](https://www.g2.com/products/irfanview/reviews)
  IrfanView seeks to create unique, new and interesting features, unlike some other graphic viewers, whose whole "creativity" is based on feature cloning, stealing of ideas and whole dialogs from ACDSee and/or IrfanView! (for example: XnView has been stealing/cloning features and whole dialogs from IrfanView, for 10+ years).


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 50

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [IrfanView](https://www.g2.com/sellers/irfanview)
- **Year Founded:** 2005
- **HQ Location:** Poland
- **Twitter:** @irfanview (183 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/anysoft (4 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services
  - **Company Size:** 65% Small-Business, 22% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Image Editing (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Outdated Interface (1 reviews)

  ### 9. [Design Review](https://www.g2.com/products/design-review/reviews)
  Design Review CAD viewer software lets you view, mark up, print, and track changes to 2D and 3D files for freewithout the original design software. Work with a variety of file formats, including: DWF, DWFx, DWG, and DXF (requires installation of free DWG TrueView software); Adobe PDF; as well as image file types such as.bmp, .jpg, .gif, .pcx, .pct, .png, .rlc, .tga, .tif, .mil, .cal, and more.


  **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 15

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 7.2/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk)
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco
- **Twitter:** @autodesk (274,944 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ADSK

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 47% Mid-Market, 47% Small-Business


  ### 10. [Bentley View](https://www.g2.com/products/bentley-view/reviews)
  Bentley View is the industry’s most powerful free viewer. In addition to being the most popular AutoCAD reader, you can view over 50 file formats, including CAD and raster images as well as Bentley’s uniquely powerful iModels. Newly Added Format Support: SRealDWG 2018 Point-cloud streaming Bentley civil terrain models JT format Rhino V5 IFC viewer 3SM scalable meshes created with ContextCapture Advanced Viewing Features: Navigate drawings and models using a new streamlined CONNECT Edition user interface Dynamically explore models with Clip Volume to slice through models Leverage display rules in DGNs to view geometry based on embedded properties Easily navigate using touch screen support in Windows 10 Analyze models by changing their visual display based on object attributes (height, slope, aspect angle) View and navigate Bentley’s groundbreaking hypermodels and their embedded plans, sections, and elevations You can also use Bentley View as a MicroStation viewer, a free DXF viewer, and to open CAD files directly


  **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 17

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.6/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Bentley Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bentley-systems)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** Exton, PA
- **Twitter:** @BentleySystems (17,582 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4929/ (5,615 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ: BSY

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 44% Mid-Market, 39% Small-Business


  ### 11. [Creo View Express](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-view-express/reviews)
  Creo Elements/View Express is the world's highest performance 3D CAD visual collaboration solutions.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 14

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.4/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc)
- **Year Founded:** 1985
- **HQ Location:** Boston, Massachusetts
- **Twitter:** @PTC (37,600 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1935/ (8,226 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ: PTC

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Automotive
  - **Company Size:** 43% Enterprise, 29% Mid-Market


  ### 12. [ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews)
  ActCAD is a native dwg/dxf cad software suitable for professional 2D drafting and 3D modeling projects. ActCAD is trusted by over 30000 users in over 103 countries for more than 10 years. The interface, commands, icons, dialogs, shortcuts etc. are very much similar to other popular cad software tools available in market. Flexible license types available even for single license. There is no learning for existing cad users while saving 80% of the costs. ActCAD offers free email technical support without any limitations. ActCAD can be fully customized and programs can be developed using our free API toolkit. It supports popular programming languages like , lisp dcl, .net, C++ etc. Apart from all regular commands, ActCAD offers many productive tools like pdf to cad converter, Block libraries, Image to Cad converter, handling point sets between Cad and Excel and many more. ActCAD is suitable for any high end professional projects in the domains of Architecture, Civil, Mechanical, Automotive.


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 47

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [ACTCAD](https://www.g2.com/sellers/actcad)
- **Year Founded:** 2010
- **HQ Location:** Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
- **Twitter:** @actcadsoftware (383 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/13207154/ (14 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Architecture & Planning, Civil Engineering
  - **Company Size:** 80% Small-Business, 18% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Affordable (1 reviews)
- Efficiency (1 reviews)
- Helpful (1 reviews)
- Powerful Performance (1 reviews)
- Pricing (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Difficult Learning (1 reviews)
- Expensive (1 reviews)
- Insufficient Training (1 reviews)
- Learning Curve (1 reviews)
- Limited Features (1 reviews)

  ### 13. [SolidView](https://www.g2.com/products/solidview/reviews)
  SolidView/Pro is the centerpiece product and is offered at $495. The greatest benefit of SolidView/Pro is the ability to open native CAD files without having to own expensive CAD software. Simply purchase the specific interface(s) you need for popular CAD programs. In addition, SolidView/Pro can translate, scale, rotate, mirror, copy and combine 3D data, as well as perform complex measurements. It can publish SVD files to be opened with SolidView and SolidView/Lite. It also includes a mold analysis feature. Network licenses are available.


  **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 14

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [SolidView](https://www.g2.com/sellers/solidview)
- **HQ Location:** Valencia, CA
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://linkedin.com/company/solidview (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 71% Small-Business, 36% Mid-Market


  ### 14. [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews)
  Design better, faster IronCAD is an intuitive 3D and 2D design solution that empowers engineers, increases productivity, and facilitates collaboration throughout the enterprise. IRONCAD 3D modeling software empowers designers to focus on design by giving them an intuitive platform that mirrors how we interact with the physical world. Easily reposition components with the patented TriBall™ visualization tool, resize objects by stretching them with handles, and drag and drop predefined shapes into the design scene for a better, faster design process. 3D models made in IRONCAD only require one file, no matter how complex. Assembly part data is integrated into a file’s unified design environment, rather than linking to external files. Feature, part, and assembly data can be stored in catalogs which can be pre-built to include frequently used parts and assemblies, freeing designers to be more productive and allowing them to extend the use of 3D data throughout the enterprise.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 39

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ironcad)
- **Year Founded:** 2001
- **HQ Location:** Atlanta, GA
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/92206/ (28 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Furniture
  - **Company Size:** 74% Small-Business, 14% Enterprise


  ### 15. [Envision](https://www.g2.com/products/canvas-gfx-envision/reviews)
  Canvas Envision: the award-winning connected knowledge platform for manufacturing ecosystems Create and consume interactive digital work instructions for training, assembly, and maintenance. Drive faster, more effective content creation. Accelerate knowledge transfer and training. Crush those KPIs for quality improvement, cost reduction, and faster time-to-market. Digital work instructions, evolved Manufacturers are investing in Digital Transformation initiatives to strengthen their competitive position, improve shareholder value, and reduce production costs. At the same time, they’re experiencing significant challenges with employee retention and productivity. Envision helps companies grow by empowering front-line workers with the right information at the right time in the right format. More effective communication Interactivity and visual content are proven to be more effective for process learning and execution in manufacturing environments. Envision is an enterprise-wide platform that makes it easy to both create and consume everything from embeddable 2D drawings and static 3D model visualizations to digital work instruction documents using interactive models, animations, and narration. Better still: workers can share comments with the engineering team, weaving the digital thread concept into a digital loop reality.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 12

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Canvas GFX](https://www.g2.com/sellers/canvas-gfx)
- **Year Founded:** 1987
- **HQ Location:** Boston, Massachusetts
- **Twitter:** @Canvas_GFX (165 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/canvas-gfx (27 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 67% Small-Business, 33% Mid-Market


  ### 16. [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews)
  FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size.


  **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 56

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/sellers/freecad)
- **Year Founded:** 2021
- **HQ Location:** Brussels
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/freecad-project-association/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Design, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
  - **Company Size:** 70% Small-Business, 15% Mid-Market


  ### 17. [AGi32](https://www.g2.com/products/agi32/reviews)
  Lighting Analysts' AGi32, from Revalize assists the architectural lighting industry with predicted lighting performance using powerful calculation software. It provides numeric and rendered solutions for almost any lighting application, interior or exterior, including roadway, sports, and daylighting. Throughout its 36 years in business, Lighting Analysts has been recognized as the author of “Industry Standard” calculation tools for architectural lighting applications. Its products are used worldwide by lighting professionals of all types; from manufacturers to specifiers (engineers, lighting designers), sales representatives, and many government agencies (military, state, and provincial DOT’s). Lighting Analysts is proud to be part of Revalize, an industry-leading CPQ, product and design platform that helps organizations accelerate their time-to-cash. Unlike other revenue management platforms, Revalize is built for the unique needs of specialty industries and offers comprehensive design-to-cash solutions that help 15,000+ customers globally to design, customize, quote, and sell more than $8B in products each month.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 17

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 5.0/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 4.2/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Revalize](https://www.g2.com/sellers/revalize)
- **Year Founded:** 2021
- **HQ Location:** Jacksonville, US
- **Twitter:** @revalize (104 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/revalize/ (504 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Architecture & Planning
  - **Company Size:** 59% Small-Business, 24% Enterprise


  ### 18. [DWG Viewer 2.0](https://www.g2.com/products/dwg-viewer-2-0/reviews)
  DWG Viewer 2.0 is an easy to use app for viewing AutoCAD DWG and DXF files from a PC on the Mac.


  **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 22

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 6.9/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Microspot](https://www.g2.com/sellers/microspot)
- **Year Founded:** 1964
- **HQ Location:** ASHFORD, GB
- **Twitter:** @microspot_ltd (119 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/microspot-limited/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Construction
  - **Company Size:** 55% Mid-Market, 41% Small-Business


  ### 19. [LibreCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/librecad/reviews)
  LibreCAD is a free Open Source CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.


  **Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 25

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 5.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/sellers/freecad)
- **Year Founded:** 2021
- **HQ Location:** Brussels
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/freecad-project-association/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Architecture & Planning
  - **Company Size:** 60% Small-Business, 40% Mid-Market


  ### 20. [Easy CAD Viewer](https://www.g2.com/products/easy-cad-viewer/reviews)
  View, plot, convert and manage drawings without AutoCAD. Easy CAD Viewer allows you to view and print various AutoCAD drawings on your PC easily and quickly. It also enables you to manage 2D and 3D CAD drawings, such as to rotate, edit. Easy CAD Viewer works with AutoCAD DWG, DXF, DWF files of all versions as early as AutoCAD Release 9 and as recent as AutoCAD 2013. The software is more than a viewer; it converts DWG, DXF, DWF drawings to image formats such as BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, and TGA.


  **Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 9

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.0/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Softtonic](https://www.g2.com/sellers/softtonic)
- **Year Founded:** 1997
- **HQ Location:** Barcelona, ES
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/softonic (292 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 45% Mid-Market, 27% Enterprise


  ### 21. [3D-Tool File Viewer](https://www.g2.com/products/3d-tool-file-viewer/reviews)
  For more than 20 years, the German company 3D-Tool GmbH & Co. KG has been continuously developing its CAD viewer and converter of the same name to meet the needs and requirements of customers from a wide range of industries. The 3D-Tool CAD Viewer is a universal and user-friendly tool for the evaluation and coordination of 3D designs throughout the company. In addition to the 3D-Tool Viewer, the Premium version includes the 3D-NativeCAD Converter, a professional interface for converting and exchanging 3D data with customers and suppliers.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 8

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [3D-Tool](https://www.g2.com/sellers/3d-tool)
- **Year Founded:** 2016
- **HQ Location:** Poznań, PL
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/18310806 (2 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 40% Small-Business, 30% Enterprise


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)
- CAD Compatibility (1 reviews)
- CAD Designing (1 reviews)
- Design Visualization (1 reviews)
- File Conversion (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- CAD Limitations (1 reviews)
- Complex Modeling (1 reviews)
- Limited 3D Capabilities (1 reviews)
- Limited Editing (1 reviews)
- Limited Features (1 reviews)

  ### 22. [BobCAD-CAM](https://www.g2.com/products/bobcad-cam/reviews)
  BobCAD CAM is for product designers, mechanical engineers, machinists, and makers. Powerful and affordable CNC programming solutions for mill, mill-turn, lathe, router, laser, plasma, waterjet, and wire EDM machines. 2.5, 3, 4 & 5 axis machining, advanced simulation, reporting, and post-processing. Easy to use, learn, and own. Free weekly ongoing live training designed to crush the learning curve and speed up your success! BobCAD-CAM customers are some of the most productive and profitable manufacturers in the world! One can find BobCAD-CAM being used to program CNC parts in many different industries. Aerospace, automotive, consumer, custom fabrication, defense/military, education, mold/pattern, music, production shop, sporting goods, tool & die, woodworking.


  **Average Rating:** 3.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 13

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 3.9/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 5.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [BobCAD-CAM](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bobcad-cam)
- **Year Founded:** 1985
- **HQ Location:** Tampa, US
- **Twitter:** @bobcad_cam (2,471 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/978111/ (119 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 92% Small-Business, 8% Mid-Market


  ### 23. [DWG FastView Plus](https://www.g2.com/products/dwg-fastview-plus/reviews)
  A lightest, easy-to-use viewer with most compact interface plus tools for fast and simply view, measure, plot and share DWG/DXF files.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 9

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Ease of Admin:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
- **File size:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Gstarsoft](https://www.g2.com/sellers/gstarsoft-7f64628b-68f9-44a2-8822-34c6217c7ed3)
- **Year Founded:** 1992
- **HQ Location:** Beijing City, China
- **Twitter:** @Gstarsoft_CAD (1,613 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2444016/ (76 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Small-Business


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Cloud Computing (1 reviews)
- Cloud Integration (1 reviews)
- Collaboration (1 reviews)
- Compatibility (1 reviews)
- Cross-Platform Portability (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Design Difficulties (1 reviews)
- Limited Editing (1 reviews)
- Limited Tools (1 reviews)

  ### 24. [CAD Reader](https://www.g2.com/products/cad-reader/reviews)
  CAD Reader is a fast cad drawing viewer, View, Markup, Measure, and Edit DWG & DXF drawings KEY FUNCTIONS: 01.Drawing Management ①Export PDF  Export high-resolution PDFs with annotations ②Drawing Splitting Export  One-click to split drawing, solve the issues of oversized drawings ③External Reference Management  Automatically load external reference files and bind them to one CAD file ④Drawing Version Conversion  Convert between different versions of CAD files ⑤Table and Text Extraction  One-click extraction of text and tables in CAD to Excel 02.Measurement and Tabulation ①Tabulate  Automatically tabulate all measured lengths and areas, and export to Excel ②Shape Identification  One-click automatically counting of shapes and legends ③Polygon Area(with arc-edges)  Measure the irregular areas composed of arcs and straight lines ④Continuous Measurement  Quickly measure the length of polylines (with arcs) ⑤Measure Circle (Radius, Angle)  One-click measurement of arcs, radius, angles, and circles 03.Drawing Annotations ①Comment Category  Categorize annotations for clearer display and management ②Multiline Text  Easily annotate on multiline text ③Cloud Line  Using cloud lines to make your content more noticeable and prominent ④Leader Line  Draw arrows with text comments to clarify the annotation location ⑤Photo and Audio  Insert site photos and voice recording on your drawings(via mobile device) 04.Built-In Editor Tools ①Attribute Modification  Modify layers or CAD entities in properties ②Various Drawing Features  Drawing tools such as Line, Polyline, Circle, Arc ③Practical Features  Copy, Mirror, Move, Explode, Delete CAD entities ④Edit Text  Add or modify texts ⑤Scaling  Easily set the scale for the drawing 05.Shape Identification Quickly identify the total numbers of similar legends or symbols in the drawing: 06.Drawing Comparison Quickly find the differences between old and new revision drawings Differences between both drawings are highlighted using different colors 07.Mobile Accessibility Even without a computer, worry- free measurement and annotation can be carried out outdoors.On- site pictures are mapped to drawing locations one - by- one, facilitating inspections.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 7

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **File size:** 9.7/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Glodon](https://www.g2.com/sellers/glodon)
- **Year Founded:** 1998
- **HQ Location:** Beijing, CN
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3629441 (105 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** SHE: 002410

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 57% Small-Business, 43% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Features Functionality (3 reviews)
- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- Measurement Accuracy (2 reviews)
- CAD Compatibility (1 reviews)
- Easy Learning (1 reviews)


  ### 25. [Sketchfab](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchfab/reviews)
  3D and AR visualization solutions for business. Sketchfab is the leading platform to publish, share, and integrate interactive 3D and AR experiences anywhere online: websites, eCommerce platforms, blogs, articles, and advertising campaigns. Visit us: sketchfab.com/enterprise


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 24

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **File size:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.1/10)
- **Dimensioning tools:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Sketchfab](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sketchfab)
- **Year Founded:** 2012
- **HQ Location:** New York, US
- **Twitter:** @Sketchfab (65,626 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sketchfab/ (69 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 68% Small-Business, 16% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Collaboration (1 reviews)
- Design Visualization (1 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- Features Functionality (1 reviews)
- Software Power (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Expensive (1 reviews)
- File Compatibility (1 reviews)
- Lack of Features (1 reviews)



## Parent Category

[CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad)



## Related Categories

- [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)
- [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)



---

## Buyer Guide

### What You Should Know About CAD Viewers Software

### What is CAD Viewers Software?

CAD software is a huge cost for any design team. Since so many teams work on a particular design, it can often be difficult for all teams to have the same CAD software to share and access design files. Instead of purchasing a compatible CAD software product, or being left out of the design phase of a project, design teams can use CAD viewers software to view, annotate, and edit designs. This saves money, time, and keeps all necessary parties involved during the design phase of a project.

Key Benefits of CAD Viewers Software

- Improve collaboration by supporting a wide variety of file types for users to access 
- Save money by having one neutral CAD software for all users to access other CAD designs
- Allow users to save time by batch exporting CAD files

### Why Use CAD Viewers Software?

There are over 50 different file formats in computer-aided design. Product designers, architects, manufacturers, and engineers all work with computer-aided design software and most of them work with various products that can support any of the 50 or more computer-aided design file types. With all of these different file types, it can hinder cross team collaboration if two different teams don’t use the same product that supports the same design file. CAD viewers software mitigate this issue by providing a neutral ground that allows users to view all different CAD design files. This way users can annotate, edit, and collaborate without working on the same design software.

### Who Uses CAD Viewers Software?

**Architects —** Although most CAD software is geared toward product designers and civil engineers, architects still use many of the same file types. This includes DWG and DXF files. Architects may be working with other various teams that use different proprietary file formats. Because of this, it’s important to have access to CAD viewers software that enables these teams to view those files.

**Product designers —** Product designers that use various CAD software can use CAD viewers that translate design files. This way if a product designer working in a certain file format needs another designer to look at it, they can both look at it without needing the same software.

**Civil engineers —** Civil engineers work with CAD software on a daily basis, often working with various file types. As such it’s important that they have access to software that allows each engineer to view, annotate, and make edits to each design.

### Kinds of CAD Viewers Software

An important aspect to note about CAD files is that some are neutral file types while others are proprietary files. Neutral or open-source formats were invented as intermediate formats for converting between two proprietary formats. These are very popular for their ability to handle all different types of CAD files. On the other hand, users can run into problems when they encounter proprietary file formats. For example, popular CAD products such as SolidWorks, and Solid Edge can only use CAD files in their own format. So if users want to work with those files, they have to work with those products.

Below are the most common CAD files, and ones that should be supported by most CAD viewers.There are over 50 types of CAD files that are used in computer-aided design. While some CAD viewers have great accessibility and allow users to view most types, others only allow users to view and annotate the most common files.

**DWG —** A DWG file viewer allows users to view the native format of products such as Draftsight, AutoCAD, BricsCAD and more. It is perhaps the most common CAD file type for 2D drawings since it is used by some of the largest vendors in the CAD market. DWG files are supported non-natively by many other CAD products because of its widespread use in computer-aided design.

**DWF —** DWF stands for design web format. This file type is a highly compressed version of a CAD file that's useful for viewing, printing, and transmitting designs. DWF files are saved in a compressed format to reduce the size of the file. These files are native to AutoCAD and other Autodesk products. Because these files are so common it’s important to choose a CAD viewer that supports DWF files. Similar to DWG files, DWG files are usually used for 2D drawings.

**IGES —** IGES file types are used for 3D CAD files. Although it is no longer developed, the IGES file is still widely used to transfer data between CAD, CAM, and CAE software programs. It is a neutral file type and can be used by most CAD products.

**STEP —** STEP is one of the most widely used CAD file formats for 3D files. It is also a neutral file type which allows it to support many different file types.

### CAD Viewers Software Features

**View 2D files —** The main function of most CAD viewers is that it allows users to view different 2D file formats.This feature allows users to access all geometrical and metadata for a particular design file.

**View 3D files —** CAD viewers also allow users to view 3D files of designs. This feature allows users to access all geometrical and metadata for a particular design file, but in a 3D format.

**Annotate —** This feature enables users to make annotations, navigate layers and components, and measure distances, surfaces, and angles.

**Editing —** Some CAD viewers not only allow users to measure and annotate, but also edit the design itself.

**Collaboration —** Collaboration features allow multiple users to annotate and edit CAD files at the same time. Some collaboration tools allow users to share designs through a URL so those viewing CAD files do not need to install their own CAD viewer to view the CAD file.

**Batch conversion —** Batch conversion features allow users to save selected files and convert them to a different file all at once. This can be very helpful for users who need to convert many files all at once.

**Track changes —** Most CAD viewers allow users to manage, track, and import changes back to the original design software. Users can also undo recent changes or see which users made which changes. This further enhances design intent and allows users to not lose previous work that contributed to overall design.

### Trends Related to CAD Viewers Software

**Mobile CAD viewers —** As software becomes increasingly mobile, it makes sense for users to have accessibility to all the CAD files they need anytime from anywhere. Because of this, more major CAD vendors are introducing CAD viewers software that are available on a mobile device. While it may not have all of the functionality of a desktop product, it still can give users the basic functionality they need.

### Potential Issues with CAD Viewers Software

**Unsupported file types —** As noted above, not all CAD viewers have access to all different file types. It’s important to choose a CAD viewer that will be compatible with the file types that users work with the most.

### Software and Services Related to CAD Viewers Software

[**General-purpose CAD software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) **—** Product designers use general-purpose CAD software as the basis for most of their designs. The CAD software that a designer chooses will determine the file type that they ultimately design in. If you are working across various teams and don’t want to use a CAD viewer tool, then it’s important to choose a CAD software that either allows various file formats, or one used across all teams.