ABViewer vs Autodesk Viewer

ABViewer lets users view, edit, measure, convert, and print CAD files, 3D models, and raster images. It supports CAD, vector, 3D, complex, raster, and archive formats including DWG, DXF, STEP, IGES, PDF, STL, SVG, and ZIP. For 2D drawings, users can manage layers, blocks, dimension and text styles, snapping, comments, and markups. Measurement tools cover 3D distances, face heights, surface areas, and curvilinear edge radii, with section-view creation. Conversion options include STL, OBJ, DWG/DXF, supported 2D formats, and STEP or SAT/SAB export for parametric models. The software can generate CNC G-code from 2D drawings. Enterprise adds PDF-to-DWG/DXF conversion, batch conversion and printing, file comparison, and command-line features. ABViewer runs on Linux and Windows; Windows downloads include 32-bit and 64-bit version 16 builds. A free 30-day trial is available. Paid options include subscriptions and lifetime licenses. Professional user licensing starts at $30 a month, billed every three months.

Autodesk Viewer is a free browser application for uploading, viewing, and sharing 2D and 3D design files, including Revit and AutoCAD projects. Supported formats include DWG, STEP, RVT, IGES, and SolidWorks. Its tools cover navigation, model browsing, properties, measurement, explode and section views, markup, printing, and screenshots. Users can share design views by link and collaborate with annotations and drawing tools. A shared view is a converted representation, not access to the source file, so stakeholders cannot retrieve or edit the original through it. Files saved in the service are not searchable, but anyone with the share link can access the design. Views last 30 days by default, and owners can extend the expiry date. An Autodesk Account is required. Viewer works in browsers on Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS. Autodesk Support states that Viewer data is stored in the United States, with no regional storage option. RVT support covers Revit 2015 or later; DWG object-enabler viewing is limited to AutoCAD Architecture, Plant 3D, and Civil 3D.