  # Best CAD Viewers for Medium-Sized Businesses

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

   Products classified in the overall CAD Viewers category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, medium-sized business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Medium-Sized Business CAD Viewers to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2&#39;s buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Medium-Sized Business CAD Viewers category.

In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the CAD Viewers category, to qualify for inclusion in the Medium-Sized Business CAD Viewers category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a medium-sized business.




  
## How Many CAD Viewers Products Does G2 Track?
**Total Products under this Category:** 77

### Category Stats (May 2026)
- **Average Rating**: 4.24/5
- **New Reviews This Quarter**: 9
- **Buyer Segments**: Small-Business 54% │ Mid-Market 23% │ Enterprise 23%
- **Top Trending Product**: FreeCAD (+0.016)
*Last updated: May 19, 2026*

  
## How Does G2 Rank CAD Viewers Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 2,700+ Authentic Reviews
- 77+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.

  
  
  ## What Are the Top-Rated CAD Viewers Products in 2026?
### 1. [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&#39;re involved in detailed architectural drawings or complex engineering designs, DraftSight&#39;s comprehensive 2D CAD capabilities make it an ideal choice for all your design needs.


  **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 207
**How Do G2 Users Rate DraftSight?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind DraftSight?**

- **Seller:** [Dassault Systemes](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dassault-systemes)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Velizy-Villacoublay
- **Twitter:** @Dassault3DS (74,136 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3896/ (27,256 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** EPA: DSY.PA

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


#### What Are DraftSight's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (13 reviews)
- Features Functionality (9 reviews)
- Easy Learning (6 reviews)
- Design Efficiency (4 reviews)
- Drawing Tools (4 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Drawing Issues (2 reviews)
- Expensive (2 reviews)
- Poor Customer Support (2 reviews)
- Software Instability (2 reviews)
- Training Deficiency (2 reviews)

### 2. [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews)
  Onshape by PTC is the leading cloud-native CAD &amp; 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 &amp; 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
**How Do G2 Users Rate Onshape?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind Onshape?**

- **Seller:** [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc)
- **Company Website:** https://www.ptc.com
- **Year Founded:** 1985
- **HQ Location:** Boston, Massachusetts
- **Twitter:** @PTC (37,577 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1935/ (8,226 employees on LinkedIn®)

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


#### What Are Onshape's Pros and 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)

### 3. [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:** 628
**How Do G2 Users Rate SOLIDWORKS?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind SOLIDWORKS?**

- **Seller:** [Solidworks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/solidworks)
- **Year Founded:** 1993
- **HQ Location:** Waltham, MA
- **Twitter:** @SOLIDWORKS (178,798 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/solidworks/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** EPA: DSY

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


#### What Are SOLIDWORKS's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (34 reviews)
- Features (28 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (25 reviews)
- User Interface (20 reviews)
- CAD Integration (15 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Performance Issues (16 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)
- High System Requirements (14 reviews)
- Expensive (11 reviews)
- Slow Simulation (11 reviews)

### 4. [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&#39;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:** 60
**How Do G2 Users Rate Autodesk Viewer?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind Autodesk Viewer?**

- **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk)
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco
- **Twitter:** @autodesk (274,861 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ADSK

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Architecture &amp; Planning, Construction
  - **Company Size:** 54% Small-Business, 33% Mid-Market


#### What Are Autodesk Viewer's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

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

**Cons:**

- Lack of Features (1 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:** 73
**How Do G2 Users Rate Autodesk DWG TrueView?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind Autodesk DWG TrueView?**

- **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk)
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco
- **Twitter:** @autodesk (274,861 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ADSK

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Construction, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
  - **Company Size:** 45% Small-Business, 36% Mid-Market


### 6. [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:** 509
**How Do G2 Users Rate Autodesk Fusion?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind Autodesk Fusion?**

- **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk)
- **Company Website:** https://www.autodesk.com
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco
- **Twitter:** @autodesk (274,861 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®)

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


#### What Are Autodesk Fusion's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (29 reviews)
- Features (21 reviews)
- Design Efficiency (16 reviews)
- Features Functionality (15 reviews)
- Ease of Learning (14 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Difficult Learning (11 reviews)
- Learning Curve (11 reviews)
- Assembly Difficulties (9 reviews)
- Missing Features (9 reviews)
- Performance Issues (9 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
**How Do G2 Users Rate CADMATIC eBrowser?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind CADMATIC eBrowser?**

- **Seller:** [Cadmatic](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cadmatic)
- **Year Founded:** 1982
- **HQ Location:** Turku, FI
- **Twitter:** @CADMATICGroup (188 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadmatic/ (276 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Shipbuilding, Maritime
  - **Company Size:** 56% Small-Business, 32% Mid-Market


#### What Are CADMATIC eBrowser's Pros and 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 &quot;creativity&quot; 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
**How Do G2 Users Rate IrfanView?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind IrfanView?**

- **Seller:** [IrfanView](https://www.g2.com/sellers/irfanview)
- **Year Founded:** 2005
- **HQ Location:** Poland
- **Twitter:** @irfanview (182 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/anysoft (4 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services
  - **Company Size:** 65% Small-Business, 22% Mid-Market


#### What Are IrfanView's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Image Editing (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Outdated Interface (1 reviews)

### 9. [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
**How Do G2 Users Rate DWG Viewer 2.0?**

- **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)

**Who Is the Company Behind DWG Viewer 2.0?**

- **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®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Construction
  - **Company Size:** 55% Mid-Market, 41% Small-Business



    ## What Is CAD Viewers?
  [CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad)
  ## What Software Categories Are Similar to CAD Viewers?
    - [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)

  
---

## How Do You Choose the Right CAD Viewers?

### 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&#39;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.



    
