SolidWorks, the powerhouse of CAD software from Dassault Systèmes, is widely used. However, it is primarily designed for Windows, posing a challenge for Mac users who wish to view SolidWorks files. Does it mean that SolidWorks doesn't work on Macs? Of course not. This guide will walk you through some clever ways to view SolidWorks files on your Mac, whether you're looking for free or don't mind spending a few dollars.
One of the most accessible ways to run SolidWorks on macOS is by using the eDrawings Viewer. This tool, developed by SolidWorks, is specifically designed for viewing, printing, and reviewing CAD files, including SolidWorks parts, assemblies, and drawings. While eDrawings is available natively for Windows, there is also a Mac version that supports SolidWorks files. eDrawings is available as a free download.
Steps to use eDrawings Viewer on Mac:
eDrawings supports various file formats such as .sldprt, .sldasm, and .slddrw, making it a versatile tool for Mac users (read more about Solidworks formats in our article).
Imagine running SolidWorks on your Mac as smoothly as if it were on a Windows PC. That's the magic of Parallels Desktop - a powerful virtualization software that allows you to bring the best of both worlds together. With Parallels, you don't just view SolidWorks files - you dive in and use every feature as if you were on a dedicated Windows machine. This is the ultimate way to combine the Mac experience with all the capabilities of SolidWorks without leaving your favorite device behind.
Steps to use Parallels Desktop:
This approach is a bit more demanding on resources, so you might want to have a Mac with some serious muscle—think plenty of processing power and memory.
Boot Camp is a utility provided by Apple that allows you to install Windows on your Mac. Unlike Parallels, which runs Windows in a virtual machine, Boot Camp enables you to boot your Mac directly into Windows, offering better performance for resource-heavy applications like SolidWorks. The Boot Camp tool itself is free, but when you install Windows on it, you do need a valid Windows license.
Steps to use Boot Camp:
This method is perfect if you need the full power of SolidWorks and don’t mind carving out a little Mac storage to make room for Windows.
More info on this method in the Boot Camp Assistant guide.
If you just need to peek at those SolidWorks files—without diving into full-blown CAD software—online file converters can be the best choice. These handy tools let you transform those SolidWorks files into more Mac-friendly formats like PDF, STL, or STEP. Once converted, you can view them using a variety of apps on your Mac.
Popular online file converters include:
Steps to use an online converter:
While this method is convenient, it might not always capture every nuance and detail of your original SolidWorks file—especially when dealing with those intricate, complex assemblies.
If you have a Windows PC with SolidWorks installed, you can use a remote desktop application such as Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer to access that PC from your Mac. This approach allows you to use SolidWorks and view files as if you were directly working on the Windows machine.
Steps to use Microsoft Remote Desktop:
This method is useful for users who need to collaborate with colleagues who use Windows or for those who have a powerful Windows workstation but prefer to work on a Mac.
If you want to find an easy and comprehensive way to access Solidworks files, then you should definitely try Sibe. This cloud-based platform doesn't require installation and supports .sldprt, .sldasm, .sldr, as well as other file formats like .step,.gltf,.obj,.collada,.3mf,.now, and .still files. Sibe allows you to upload files up to 2GB instantly and there are no limits on the number of files you can upload.
Steps to use Sibe:
Sibe is the ultimate companion for Mac users. Say goodbye to limitations and embrace the seamless blend of Mac usability with SolidWorks functionality—all wrapped up in a handy, free tool.
SolidWorks doesn’t come with built-in support for macOS, but don’t worry—Mac users still have a few tricks up their sleeves for handling SolidWorks files. Whether you’re looking to view files or dive deeper with full access, you’ve got options. Whether you require full access to SolidWorks or simply need to view and share files, the solutions outlined in this article can help you work with SolidWorks files on a Mac effectively.
