They can use the free version of eDrawings available from The program offers an option to create an eDrawing using an HTML page (html), an executable file (exe), or a masked executable file (ex_). The eDrawings recipients do not need any CAD software loaded. This is true for eDrawings files only native SolidWorks and AutoCAD files maintain their original file sizes. Native eDrawings have a smaller file size because they contain only the graphical portions of documents.

To view a native SolidWorks document, select the option 'Save eDrawings data in a SolidWorks document' under the Tools/Options dialog box. That's where SolidWorks eDrawings comes in.ĮDrawings can be used to view, measure, markup, and print different file formats, including eDrawings parts, assemblies, and drawings native SolidWorks parts, assemblies, and drawings and DWG and DXF files. While working together on a concept, it is important for everyone involved to have the ability to share the design concepts and review the design itself. There are many different ways to do this: face-to-face meetings, teleconferences, faxes, emails, and so on. When you're working with other team members, vendors, or customers, your ability to effectively communicate is vital to the success of the project. I am on REV 8, and that is probably the final configuration, so I have no real need to pay monthly fees for CAD.Communicating With eDrawings 31 May, 2003 By: Greg Jankowski I need to revise the drawings every few years. I was using Fusion360, but did not want to pay the subscription fee when trial was over. Question #2: Is there a 'sub-$100.00' 2D CAD program that I could purchase? I have very little need for CAD work, so I don't want spend a bunch of money on a CAD program. Question #1: How do I convert the files to DXF? How do I down load DXF? Neither of the two laser cutting vendors I use can get them to open, as they don't run SolidWorks. I removed SW from my computer, hoping they would open in DXF or PDF, no joy. Well, short story long, I down loaded the EAA version of SolidWorks on to my computer, now the drawing are 'latched' into edrawing, and I don't have a software package my computer that will export in DXF. About two years ago, I wanted to have some revisions done, so I sent them over to a 'friend of a friend' who does CAD, he converted them to into SolidWorks drawings (not sure why). So, I have had my Q500 Fuselage CAD files that I use for laser cutting for five years.

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