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Autodesk Viewers

Free online and desktop viewers for Autodesk CAD and 3D files

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  • Overview
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Reviews

Autodesk Viewers Overview

  • Updated February 11, 2026

Autodesk Viewers are a collection of free tools that let users open, view, share, and review 2D and 3D design files without needing full Autodesk software.

They support formats like DWG, DXF, RVT, and STEP, and work directly in the browser or as desktop utilities, making them suitable for teams, stakeholders, and reviewers.

Key Features

  • Multi-format Viewing: Open and inspect over 50 2D and 3D file formats including DWG, RVT, STEP, and SolidWorks.
  • Browser-based Access: View designs directly in a web browser without installing full CAD software.
  • Markup and Comments: Add comments, redlines, and feedback to shared designs.
  • Cloud File Support: Open files stored in Autodesk Drive and other supported cloud services.
  • Collaboration Sharing: Share view-only links with stakeholders for easy design review.

Price

Plan Price Featured
Autodesk Viewer $0 (Free) View 2D and 3D files, Cloud-based access, Supports multiple CAD formats

 

Pros

Competitor

Pros
DWG TrueView Compared to DWG TrueView, Autodesk Viewer requires no installation and works fully online. This reduces setup time and makes it easier for non-technical stakeholders to access files, while still supporting a wide range of formats beyond DWG.
Design Review Autodesk Viewer offers broader file format support and modern cloud sharing features. Unlike Design Review, it is actively updated and better suited for distributed teams needing browser-based access without managing desktop deployments.
eDrawings Autodesk Viewer supports more industry-standard CAD formats and integrates tightly with Autodesk ecosystems. It is easier for mixed-discipline teams who work with AutoCAD, Revit, and Inventor files rather than only SolidWorks-focused workflows.
FreeCAD While FreeCAD is a full modeling tool, Autodesk Viewer is simpler and faster for pure viewing and review. Users avoid complexity, configuration, and performance overhead when they only need to inspect or comment on designs.
Fusion 360 Viewer Autodesk Viewer is lighter and more accessible for external collaborators. It does not require Autodesk accounts with product entitlements, making it easier to share designs with clients or contractors who only need read access.

Cons

Competitor

Cons
DWG TrueView Compared to DWG TrueView, Autodesk Viewer lacks advanced conversion and plotting controls. Power users who need batch DWG conversions or detailed output settings may find the viewer too limited for professional drafting tasks.
Design Review Design Review provides deeper markup tracking for DWF files. Autodesk Viewer’s commenting tools are simpler, which can be a drawback for teams that rely heavily on structured review workflows and detailed change tracking.
eDrawings eDrawings often performs better with large SolidWorks assemblies. Autodesk Viewer can feel slower with very complex models, especially in-browser, which may affect users working with high-detail mechanical designs.
FreeCAD FreeCAD allows editing and parametric modeling, which Autodesk Viewer does not support. Users who expect even minor geometry edits or measurements beyond viewing will find Autodesk Viewer too restrictive.
Fusion 360 Viewer Fusion 360’s viewer integrates more closely with live design data and version history. Autodesk Viewer is more static, focusing on viewing and feedback rather than real-time design iteration or lightweight editing.

Verified Customer Reviews

  • G2 Review (Rating: 4.3/5): Users like the wide format support and easy sharing, but mention limited advanced tools compared to full Autodesk products.
  • Reddit/r/AutoCAD Review (Rating: 4/5): Reddit users appreciate that it is free and reliable for viewing, while noting slower performance with large or complex drawings.
  • Trustpilot Review (Rating: 1.2/5): Reviewers value Autodesk’s powerful tools, but complain about licensing practices and customer support unrelated specifically to the viewer.
  • SourceForge Review (Rating: 4/5): Users find Autodesk Viewer convenient and easy to access, though some report occasional browser compatibility and performance issues.
  • Gartner Review (Rating: 4.3/5): Reviewers praise Autodesk’s robust CAD ecosystem, but note cost and complexity concerns that do not affect the free viewer directly.