eDrawings alternative: share SolidWorks models with clients who won't install anything
eDrawings is SolidWorks' free viewer, but your client has to install it. MeshMarkup opens a STEP export in the browser, with notes pinned on the part and no install.
eDrawings is SolidWorks' own lightweight viewer, and for someone who already has it installed, it's excellent: it opens SolidWorks parts, assemblies and drawings directly, and the eDrawings files you save from SolidWorks are small. The catch is the install. A client, buyer or manager has to download a desktop program to look at your part, and many won't. MeshMarkup opens your model in any web browser, on a computer or a phone, and lets the client click the part to leave a note where it applies.
This comparison uses the eDrawings website and FAQ as of October 2026. Check edrawingsviewer.com for the current details. To compare eDrawings with other options, such as Autodesk Viewer, ShareCAD and Sketchfab, see our 3D model review software alternatives.
At a glance
| eDrawings Viewer (free) | MeshMarkup | |
|---|---|---|
| Client has to install | Yes, on Windows or Mac (the iOS and Android apps are paid) | No, it opens in the browser |
| Opens native SolidWorks files | Yes (.sldprt, .sldasm, .slddrw) | No: save a STEP from SolidWorks first |
| 2D drawings | Yes | No, 3D only |
| STEP files | Not listed for the free viewer in its FAQ | Yes, with part names, colours and true size |
| Notes the client pins on the model | Shared markup goes through SolidWorks' cloud services | Yes, free, no account needed |
| Replies, statuses, versions | — | Yes, with open notes carried to the next version |
| Section cut and exploded view | Yes (desktop app) | Yes, in the browser |
| Price | Free viewer; eDrawings Professional through a SolidWorks reseller | Free plan; paid plans from €29/month |
— means we didn't find it described on the eDrawings site.
When eDrawings is the better choice
- The other person uses SolidWorks or already has eDrawings: send them the eDrawings file or the native file.
- You need to share 2D drawings with dimensions and title blocks.
- You need to send the file itself, for someone to keep and open offline.
When MeshMarkup is the better choice
- The client won't install a viewer, or can't on a company PC.
- They're on a phone or tablet.
- You need their feedback in one place, pinned to the part, rather than screenshots and emails.
- The review has several rounds, and you want each version and each decision kept together.
Send a SolidWorks model as a link
Save a STEP
In SolidWorks, choose and pick STEP AP214 or AP242. More in export from SolidWorks.
Upload it to MeshMarkup
Drop the file on your Models page. It opens with part names, colours and true size.
Send the link
Click Share, copy the link, and paste it into your email. Your client opens it in the browser and clicks the part to comment.
You can check how the file comes through first on the free STEP viewer: no account, nothing uploaded.
Was this guide helpful?
Related guides
Get feedback on the model, not on a screenshot
Upload a model, send one link, and your client clicks the exact spot. Free to start — no card.