SLDDRW File Extension

What is SLDDRW file?

Files with .SLDDRW extension store 2D drawing of a part of 3D project or SolidWorks assembly with additional information such as properties, designer, or creation date. Users can add views, layers, or comments to drawings. Any changes made to/in a project are automatically reflected in the drawing file. Drawings are generated based on one or more project views. Complete model information is stored in the drawing document and access to such information requires that the project should be open; however, using more optimized forms of drawings can be used to speed up the process:

• Detached – drawing is detached from the model, which means that users can work on it without loading the whole project into memory. If the applied changes require that the model be loaded, users are notified before any changes are committed.
• Lightweight – drawing uses only essential model data for faster editing,
• Drawings loaded with limited subset of resources or elements, such as shaders.

Saving drawings in one of the additional view modes can be done by selecting appropriate option in "Save as" function. Generated files can be used as templates for .DRWDOT drawings.

Drawings can be based on currently loaded model or created manually as a new drawing and then loading the project. By default drawing files are named after the name of the project with added .SLDDRW suffix. Drawings saved in detached mode can be shard with other users independent from given project file. However, sharing SolidWorks drawings is best done with eDrawings tool.

Programs which support SLDDRW file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support SLDDRW files. SLDDRW files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 07/30/2022

How to open file with SLDDRW extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SLDDRW files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to SolidWorks Drawing Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with SLDDRW files.

Step 1. Get the SolidWorks

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports SLDDRW files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install SolidWorks or one to the listed programs: eDrawings Viewer. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit SolidWorks website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update SolidWorks to the latest version

If you already have SolidWorks installed on your systems and SLDDRW files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why SLDDRW files are not compatible with SolidWorks. The latest version of SolidWorks should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign SolidWorks to SLDDRW files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate SLDDRW files with latest version of SolidWorks you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the SLDDRW with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where SolidWorks is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open SLDDRW files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the SLDDRW file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with SLDDRW extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the SLDDRW file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper SLDDRW file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the SLDDRW in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the SLDDRW is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the SLDDRW file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the SLDDRW file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the SLDDRW file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic SLDDRW file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with SLDDRW extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open SolidWorks

If the systems has insufficient resources to open SLDDRW files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with SolidWorks Drawing Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle SLDDRW files.

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