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Autodesk Viewer
What it is
Autodesk Viewer is a free browser application for uploading, viewing, and sharing 2D and 3D design files. It supports formats including DWG, STEP, RVT, IGES, and SolidWorks, and works in browsers on Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS. Tools include model navigation and browsing, properties, measurement, explode and section views, markup, printing, and screenshots. Users can share a design view by link and add annotations or drawings for collaboration. A shared view is a converted representation, not access to the source file, so stakeholders cannot edit or retrieve the original through it. Files saved to Viewer are not searchable, but anyone with the link can access a design. Views expire after 30 days by default, although owners can extend the expiry date. An Autodesk Account is required. Viewer data are stored in the United States, with no regional storage option. RVT support covers Revit 2015 or later files, and DWG object-enabler viewing is limited to AutoCAD Architecture, Plant 3D, and Civil 3D.
For and against
For
- Free browser-based viewing and sharing
- Supports many 2D and 3D file formats
- Includes measurement, markup, and screenshot tools
- Owners can extend view expiry dates
Against
- An Autodesk Account is required
- Anyone with a share link can access the design
- Views expire after 30 days by default
- Data storage is limited to the United States
The verdict
Autodesk Viewer provides browser tools for reviewing and sharing design representations, with broad format support. Consider the link-access model, default expiry, and US-only data storage before sharing designs.
Who it suits
Autodesk Viewer suits people who need to inspect or share design views in a browser without giving stakeholders access to source files. It can also serve teams collaborating with link sharing, annotations, and drawing tools.
Plans and prices
Autodesk Viewer
browser-based · Autodesk account required · 1GB maximum upload per file
Read 19 Oct 2026 · help.autodesk.com
Free
Requires an Autodesk Account · Uploaded designs expire after 30 days by default · Anyone with a shared link can access the design
Read 3 Oct 2026 · help.autodesk.com
On the record
- Account requirement
- Using Autodesk Viewer requires an Autodesk Account.help.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Automatic conversion
- Uploaded files are automatically converted into viewable representations.help.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Browser platform
- Autodesk lists Autodesk Viewer as browser-based and available on Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS.autodesk.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Browser support
- The live viewer page specifies WebGL-capable Chrome 56+, Firefox 51+ and Edge 14+ browsers.viewer.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- Users can share a design view through a link and use annotations and drawing tools for online collaboration.autodesk.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Company founded
- LinkedIn lists Autodesk’s founding year as 1982.uk.linkedin.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- LinkedIn lists Autodesk headquarters in San Francisco, California.uk.linkedin.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists Autodesk as a public software company with 10,001+ employees.uk.linkedin.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Data location
- Autodesk says Autodesk Viewer data is stored in the United States and regional storage is not supported.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Developer API
- The Viewer SDK is a JavaScript library for embedding and interacting with 2D and 3D models in websites.aps.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Documentation and support
- Autodesk provides guides, tutorials, API references, community support, Stack Overflow monitoring and optional Autodesk Developer Network support.aps.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Encryption and compliance
- Autodesk says Viewer is based on Forge, which it describes as ISO 27001 compliant, and that uploads are encrypted.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- The SDK supports toolbar customization, extensions and user-written plug-ins.aps.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- File compatibility
- Autodesk lists support for more than 80 file types, including DWG, STEP, DWF, RVT and SolidWorks.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Autodesk presents the viewer as working with AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion 360, Inventor and other Autodesk products.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Licence
- APS APIs, SDKs, sample code and documentation are governed by Autodesk Terms of Use and Developer Terms.autodesk.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Limit: editing
- G2 reviewers repeatedly say the viewer has limited or absent editing and is not a replacement for full design software.g2.com · read 19 Oct 2026
- Limit: large models
- G2 reviewers report slow loading or lag with heavy Revit and complex files.g2.com · read 19 Oct 2026
