Import from SolidWorks

Choose configurations and display states to publish. Each selected pair becomes a separate configuration in the browser.

Native SolidWorks files require SolidWorks on your Windows computer. Double-click the single PVD_SolidWorks_Editor.cmd launcher from this release. The import dialog opens automatically. It starts the local editor and companion together. You can also drag a .sldprt or .sldasm onto that launcher.

This uses your installed SolidWorks; no translator installation is required. Save the result as a .pvd3d to use it here or in the viewer.

Browser appearance approximates SolidWorks colour, shininess and transparency. Material names and available physical database properties are retained. Edit CAD features and mates in SolidWorks.

Appearance limits: native SolidWorks import retains available colours, transparency, material details and lights. Label and Projection decals use native per-face mapping on planar and curved faces. Cylindrical mapping is experimental on analytic cylinders with a compatible native frame. Spherical mapping and general image/procedural appearance textures remain unsupported.

Open assemblies fully resolved, with all referenced parts available. Select one or more display states under each configuration. Suppressed components are always excluded.

Checked: hidden geometry is omitted. Unchecked: hidden geometry is included and starts off; reveal it later in Component Visibility.

Decal artwork
No additional artwork selected.

For missing image paths, select PNG/image files or an eDrawing (.easm / .eprt) containing the artwork. Matching files beside the model are also checked automatically. Placement still comes from SolidWorks.

Import options / performance

For faster imports, omit material details, face appearances or source normals when unnecessary. Skip rebuilding only if the configurations are up to date. Disable resolving only for assemblies already fully resolved. Tessellation reuse retains geometry within each configuration and component path; disable it to resample every state.
Style
Edges
Light
Lighting
SolidWorks lights are used by default. Linking replaces them with the editor lighting in every configuration.
Scene lookDefined form with balanced fill and reflections.
Key light · shape
Fill & reflections
Ground shadow
View
Select a face to look perpendicular to its surface.
Orientation widget
Open panels stay open. The delay controls the idle menu rail.
Section
Rotate
Explode
Move a componentEnable, then drag a visible component. All bodies of that component move together. Reassemble clears manual moves.
Load a multi-body model to enable.
Reset
Component Visibility
Materials
Add decal
No surface selected. Pick a point on the model.
PNG transparency is retained. Decals apply to the viewed configuration and are embedded when you save the .pvd3d.
Measure
Distance: click two surfaces. Measurements use the model's input unit scale.
Import
Configuration Construction
Import files as configurations

Each file becomes one configuration. Placement below controls its alignment; axis directions are retained.

GLB / glTF and STEP / IGES units are handled automatically. Choose source units for STL / OBJ. Placement uses project coordinates after unit conversion.GLB, self-contained glTF, STL, OBJ, STEP and IGES. Select multiple files at once, or add more later. Use GLB for glTF with external textures or buffers.Save with All configurations to keep every imported file.
Configuration locationApplies to incoming files. Face/corner points use the un-exploded bounding box, including hidden geometry. No rotation.
ConfigurationsEdit a name below, then press Rename or Enter. Use View to switch the model and its component list.
Load a model to name its configurations.
Naming
Title NameClick the title badge in the viewport to rename it directly. Saved in .pvd3d projects.
ComponentsComponents in: No modelNames here apply only to the currently viewed configuration.
Export
Portable project embeds the model geometry, component materials, visibility, lighting, camera and explode settings. Does not overwrite the original CAD file.
Viewport
Overlay locations
Negative padding enlarges the model beyond its normal fit and may crop edges. Border and fit settings are saved with the scene.
GPU
Initializing…Auto uses the stable WebGL renderer. Changes keep your loaded model and edits.
Full Screen
Viewer setup
Viewer setup
Opening and configurationsSaved in the scene. Opening mode applies when the viewer loads the file; later configuration changes keep the live view.
Viewer presets
Viewer menus
Viewer actions

Import notes stay hidden unless explicitly enabled. Save the .pvd3d to publish these choices.

Info
PVD 3D Viewer C34 • Three.js r180
Instructions / Help ↗
Materials & Appearance

Material edits extend to matching components in other configurations by default. Turn this off to edit the current configuration only. Decals and visibility stay independent.

0 components selected
Click a component on the model, or select it in the list. Ctrl / ⌘ / Shift adds or removes components. Each component selection includes all of its bodies.
Enable a property to apply only that property across the selection. Other material properties remain unchanged.
Color#9fc5e8
Roughness0.50
Metalness0.00
Opacity1.00
Clearcoat0.00
Glass0.00
Material changes are visible in Shaded or Shaded + edges mode. Glass, Clay, and other override modes may conceal individual materials.
Select components

Click in the viewport or use the list below.

Components · visibility

Visibility is saved separately for each configuration. Transparent temporarily fades components without changing their materials.

Drop 3D model to open
Loading model…
Crop ▾
Preparing saved copyPackaging…
File Compression
10 = exact geometry; 1 = smallest requested mesh. Compare Original / Compressed.