Author: Branding & Social Media
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2025
Why don’t you have visibility on the data you receive from your tech team? No CAD skills? No problem. You can still review and approve 3D models.
If you are a designer or a product manager… if you are a Mac user… if you are not proficient with 3D CAD systems, this post is for you.
As a full disclaimer, this content is not sponsored by any means. Furthermore, this post is directed to Mac users, but certainly there are several other application for Microsoft users which are capable to achieve the exact same results.
Gone are the days when only CAD experts could make sense of 3D models. With today’s intuitive and simplistic tools, anyone, from project managers to procurement leads, can view, comment on, and approve 3D designs, without needing complex software or training. This isn't just convenience, it's a game changer for collaboration, speed, and decision-making across teams.
Collaboration should be as seamless as the design itself. If you're still waiting on engineers to “translate” 3D files for non-technical stakeholders, it's time for an upgrade, there are no more excuses.
eDrawings app logo
One of the applications you can use on your Mac to visualize 3D files content is an app called eDrawings developed by Dassault Systems SolidWorks Corporation. This app has a very clean and simple interface, you will immediately feel comfortable using it and confident about what’s been reported to and from your tech team. This viewer app is free at the Apple App Store, so you can use it without commitments. Don’t forget to check the developer’s notes on how to use this app to ensure you comply with its terms and conditions. As a note, visualizing this kind of content might not be very smooth in older computers, the application’s performance will depend on your machine’s graphics card specs.
App interface
A very powerful characteristic of this app is the capability to open most of the existing files format. As you for sure are aware, there are literally thousands of softwares out there, and they all operate with their own native file format, which in most cases are not compatible with other applications. Having this in mind, to have a single application which can read most of the 2D and 3D files formats it’s actually extremely handy. Here’s a short list of the formats we have tried so far:
✓ DXF (for 2D data)
✓ STL
✓ IGES
✓ STEP
✓ X_T (parasolid data)
✓ PRT (native Siemens NX files)
✓ PRT (generic part files)
While operating the app you have available all standard browsing tools to help you going through the model, such as Select, Pan, Rotate, Zoom, Perspective, Standard Views and Display Type, the latter will define the object shading mode.
Now is when it starts to get interesting, let’s talk about the Operational tools you have available to “dissect” the 3D model, emphasizing four of them.
✓ Components
This is a useful option to turn on and off specific components, allowing you to declutter your screen and focus only on a specific component. You also have the option to make a component semi-transparent to help you understanding the model’s structure.
✓ Cross Section
This is a useful tool which allows you to place a cut in the model at any position, giving you a clearer idea about the content and understand what is going on.
✓ Measure
It’s crucial to have the opportunity to measure the part at any point you want to check and validate it the model is correct and according to the specifications.
✓ Markup
And finally the markup tool, allowing you to emphasize a specific part in the model, place a note, and send it as a feedback to your team. This is a very efficient way to communicate your requests leaving no room for doubt.
We have now covered all the basics features, and here’s what you can achieve:
✅ Review model design and specifications directly in your computer
✅ Leave comments and suggest changes
✅ Approve designs with confidence, no complicated software required
✅ Cut development lead-times acting promptly
✅ Have ownership of your product and its design
Give us your feedback, would be interesting to hear your thoughts and perhaps a suggestion for other similar apps.
