Software for leaving feedback on 3D file: which one to use?

Diving into the world of 3D viewers can be confusing. Whether you're a 3D designer, a CAD engineer, or a product manager who has to review the 3D model it's easy to get lost trying to figure out which 3D software is the right for your exchanging and reviewing needs. With so many tools on the table, each promising something different, you might end up scratching your head, wondering where to even start.

That's exactly why we're here to cut through the noise and zoom in on the top five 3D model viewers. We're on a mission to break down what makes each of them stand out, what might make you want to pass, and how they stack up against each other. We will look at both the technical specifications and the user experience, so that you can find the perfect 3D tool that balances functionality with ease of use and fits to you. So, let's dive in and find out which 3D viewer is the most useful to you.

Autodesk

Autodesk Viewer is the most common online viewer. It’s free and allows users to view, share, and review 2D drawings and 3D models right from their browser, without the need for downloading or installing any software. This tool supports a wide range of design formats, including those from Autodesk’s own suite of software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Fusion 360, as well as other common file formats used in engineering, architecture, construction, and 3D modeling.

Pros

• Autodesk Viewer offers a variety of modes, including home, orbit, panorama, animation, first view, enhancing its utility for examining the model
• It has features like passing through zero, detail separation, edge/face/angle, etc. alongside with additional functions like measurement, drawing, and viewing cross-section
• It’s familiar to Autodesk Inventor’s users because of its similarities
• Autodesk Viewer is easy to use, because it’s user-friendly, and the interface is structured.

Cons

• The mobile version is underwhelming and lacks functionality.
• Users may find navigation through the app to be cumbersome.
• The platform is a big player on the market so it doesn’t have need in developing new features, missing out on advanced options like AR/VR and environmental modes.Does not support all file formats, limiting its versatility.

E-drawings

EDrawings from SolidWorks is another free viewing software. The target audience of the platform is SolidWorks users, so the design is made to be understandable and familiar to them. EDrawings supports various file formats, including native SolidWorks parts (.sldprt), assemblies (.sldasm), and drawings (.slddrw), as well as AutoCAD DWG and DXF files.

Pro

• Provides all essential functionalities needed for viewing CAD designs like cross-function, different viewing modes, detail separation, edge/face/angle, measurement and drawing.
• Allows for commenting directly on the d esign with arrow markers, effective for pointing out specific details, although reminiscent of traditional methods from the '80s.

Cons

• Requires downloading the software
• The interface and functionalities can be challenging for non-engineers
• Glitches on tablet versions, particularly when selecting details. These become permanently highlighted until the user zooms out, necessitating precise touch control to avoid unintended feature activations
• There are visibility issues with some details when navigating inside the model, hindering a smooth viewing experience.

Onshape

Onshape Viewer is the third most popular cloud-based 3D tool that allows users to view, share, and collaborate on 2D and 3D CAD files directly from their web browser, without the need for any downloads or installations. It the part of the Onshape platform and supports a wide range of file formats, making it versatile for viewing designs created in various CAD software.

Pro

• It has rich functionality, especially in narrow engineering issues, for example, you can measure the length of a bent or curved parts - a functionality that is not available in any other viewer
• Great for examining complexed CAD designs and 3 d models

Cons

• Too complex for beginners due to the presence of complex details and specialized terminology, coupled with unstructured filters.
• The design isn’t user-friendly, making navigation and operation less straightforward for users.
• There are issues with downloading and converting between different file formats
• The navigation cube is useful, but it lacks a fixed position on the screen which can lead to constantly bumping into him
• There is no mobile version so it’s impossible to review you 3d model on a go.

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Sketchfab

Sketchfab is a max of a 3D viewer and marketplace. The community allows artists, designers, and enthusiasts to share their work, receive feedback, sell or buy 3D models on the Sketchfab marketplace. It is a web-based platform which supports different formats, which allows to rotate, zoom, and explore 3D models in detail.

Pro

• Welcoming and easy-to-navigate interface, appealing to both creators and viewers
• Offers the opportunity to find free 3d files, purchase models or sell yours
• Continuously introduces new functionalities such as geometry checks, enhanced material options, UV mapping, rendering capabilities, and versatile viewing options between 3D and 2D.
• Allows for the capture and sharing of model screenshots
• Features smooth and intuitive navigation controls, especially via touchpad, making it easy to view and capture models from the perfect angle.
• Users can leave comments on 3D models in whole, facilitating direct communication and feedback between creators and viewers.

Cons

• The mobile version lacks optimization.
• Falls short in meeting specific engineering requirements.
• The navigation speed can change abruptly, making it challenging to precisely control the view, especially with the inertia effect.
• There is a file size limit, with a maximum of 500 MB for paid uploads and a 50 MB cap for free accounts, potentially restricting the sharing of more complex or detailed models.

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Sibe

Sibe is a cloud-based platform designed to facilitate the secure sharing and collaborative review of 3D designs. It stands out for its ability to allow users to share, annotate, and review 3D models from any device, anywhere, making it an ideal tool for professionals on the go or teams distributed across various locations. Sibe goes beyond basic sharing and commenting functionalities. Users can compare different versions of a model while keeping comments attached to the relevant version, attach 2D files for supplementary information, filter comments, update statuses, draw directly on the model for more precise feedback, and measure distances between details in the model, among other features.

Pro

• Includes essential features like red pencil for markup, attachments, descriptions, measurement tools, and gizmo for manipulations.
• Enables precise commenting on specific parts; the comments are anchored to specific coordinates within the model, ensuring that they stay fixed in the exact location despite the new version upload.
• Is available from any device, ensuring convenience for users on the go.
• Allows for the upload of models up to several GB in size

Cons

• Despite supporting a wide array of formats, there are still some that are not directly compatible. Users must convert these formats to GLB before uploading

Summary

There are distinct advantages and drawbacks, serving various needs in 3D design sharing and critique, ranging from simple model viewing to sophisticated collaboration and security functionalities.

Autodesk Viewer is widely recognized for its no-install, browser-based service that supports a broad range of design formats. It is user-friendly and offers comprehensive viewing modes but falls short with its mobile version and lacks advanced features like AR/VR.

eDrawings from SolidWorks caters specifically to SolidWorks users, providing essential viewing functionalities and the unique ability to comment with arrow markers. However, its software requires downloading, and the interface may challenge non-engineers and tablet users.

Onshape Viewer, a cloud-based platform, excels in handling complex engineering tasks and supports viewing on any device. It has rich functionalities, but its complex interface may deter beginners, and it lacks a mobile version.

Sketchfab combines a viewer with a marketplace, offering an intuitive interface and the capability to purchase or sell models. It introduces innovative features but faces limitations with mobile optimization and specific engineering requirements.

Sibe stands out for secure, cloud-based collaboration, enabling users to share, annotate, and review 3D models across devices. It supports large file uploads and precise commenting linked to model coordinates.

Each platform has its unique strengths and limitations, catering to different aspects of 3D design sharing and reviewing, from basic viewing to advanced collaboration and security features.