eDrawings is a solid technical viewer for engineers. But it is blocked by email filters and limited to a CAD-literate audience. OmniView 3D opens your STEP files in any browser — no installation, no licence, on any device.
No .exe · No SolidWorks licence · No account on the client side
| Feature | eDrawings | OmniView 3D |
|---|---|---|
| Installation on the recipient side | A .exe / .app to download and install | None. The link opens in the browser. |
| Corporate email filters | The .exe is regularly quarantined by mail filters | A plain HTTPS link — it gets through everywhere |
| Mobile and tablet | Limited iOS/Android app, depends on the OS | Identical on mobile, tablet and desktop. Native AR included. |
| Supported formats | STEP, IGES, SolidWorks (but through the desktop app) | STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, Catia, NX, Creo, GLB, OBJ, FBX |
| Annotation and exploded view | Annotation: yes. Exploded view: limited | Annotation, exploded view and measuring built into the viewer |
| Cost of sharing | eDrawings Viewer is free, but SolidWorks Pro is required to publish | Free plan to start, Pro at 49 EUR/month, no CAD licence |
| Time before a client sees the model | 5-15 min (download + install + open the file) | 2 seconds — they click, they see it |
Your first model online in 60 seconds. Nothing to configure, nothing to learn.
European hosting, private links by default, automatic deletion.
Your clients open, rotate and approve without creating an account or installing anything.
Upload your STEP or SLDDRW file to OmniView 3D. You get an interactive link anyone can open in their browser — no .exe, no SolidWorks licence, even on mobile.
eDrawings has a mobile app, but its files are blocked by some email filters. OmniView 3D produces a URL that opens on any device with no app to install.
OmniView 3D: import your STEP or FBX file, copy the shareable link, send it to your client. They view the interactive 3D model in their browser with no CAD software at all.
Drop the .exe and the email filters. One HTTPS link anyone can open, on mobile or desktop, with nothing to install.
Upload my first 3D model — it's freeFree · No credit card · Hosted in Europe
eDrawings remains essential for SolidWorks teams sharing internally with equally equipped colleagues. Parametric fidelity (PMI annotations, SolidWorks configurations) is better when everyone has SolidWorks or eDrawings Viewer. For internal reviews in a shop where everyone runs SolidWorks, eDrawings is quicker to adopt.
All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Informational comparison, not affiliated. Last reviewed: August 2026.