IGS, or IGES, stands for “Initial Graphics Exchange Specification”. These file types can be created on many CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, NX, Solid Edge, SketchUp, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, and CATIA, and that’s just to name a few!
What makes IGES files interesting is that they’re capable of storing 2D and 3D geometry, different line types and annotations for drafting and 3D parts, and even electronic and pipe elements.
IGES files are based in ASCII, a text format, and can be exported as vector data. They can be wireframe, solid, or surface models, both 2D and 3D.
This versatility means that you may find yourself with an IGES file but don’t have the proper software on hand for viewing it. In this article, we’ve got you covered! We’ll go over the origins of the IGES file format as well as our top picks for having a look at them.
A Brief History
The origin of IGES files stems back to the 1970s, when the US military was working with 2D and 3D drawings and objects. Many manufacturers needed a standard CAD file format to view them, and hence the IGES vector-based file type was introduced.
The primary goal of the IGES file, besides having a common file type, was for users to easily convert their CAD files to CNC files for manufacturing.
Although the IGES file isn’t as common as it once was, the format is still used for lightweight, visual representations of 2D and 3D components. This is because it uses a plain-text-readable ASCII format.
Considerations
In determining the best IGES viewers, we considered the basic needs of users. For example, they should be quick to set up and (for the most part) require little to no experience with CAD programs.
If applicable, each viewer will be tested with a custom-made component. This test file is a simple cube with two circular cuts of different diameters extruded through it. The idea is to test how each file viewer recognizes the file type, and how well its internal cuts are displayed.
With those points in mind, here are our main considerations:
- Quick setup: Ideally, a viewer should be accessible online or require minimal installation.
- Unique features: Some viewers have one-of-a-kind features that can be helpful to users.
- Easy to use: This should always be the case, but we make it clear by labelling each viewer as “Easy”, “Intermediate”, or “Difficult”.
IGS Viewer
IGS Viewer is a free-to-use viewer offering an extremely easy-to-use and friendly UI. It’s ideal for beginners who are simply looking to view a 3D object.
IGS Viewer provides a number of functions and features. It allows for dynamic zooming from the toolbox or with the mouse, 2D views on all four sides of a 3D object, dynamic rotation through the toolbox or by pressing and holding the middle mouse button, as well as the abilities to add a skin or shade to a 3D object, view only the wireframe, and change the colors of the lines.
- Web-based: No, but it is free to download
- Unique feature: Skins and shades
- Ease of use: Easy
- Where to find it: Free IGS Viewer
View IGS Online
View IGS Online allows users to quickly import IGES file types into a web-based environment. This viewer only supports 2D models, so our test file was loaded as a 2D drawing in a matter of seconds.
- Web-based: Yes
- Unique feature: Standalone 2D platform
- Ease of use: Easy
- Where to find it: IGS Online
ABViewer 14
ABViewer 14 is a paid IGES file viewer, but it comes with a 45-day free trial. It can be downloaded for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
We imported our example component in a few seconds, and the program allowed us to easily rotate and translate the component in space, either with a solid or transparent view. As such, this viewer offers a superb UI and allows the user to easily change how they view their part.
- Web-based: No
- Unique feature: Superb UI
- Ease of use: Intermediate
- Where to find it: ABViewer 14
ShareCAD
ShareCAD is a fully web-based platform that allows users to upload their IGES files and view them just as easily as in ABViewer 14 but with less functionality. In other words, you get the bare minimum with ShareCAD, but that may be all you may need!
The UI allows the user to easily upload any IGES file, be it 2D or 3D, and rotate and translate it with the mouse. Although it’s slightly “buggy”, ShareCAD allows users to select different views, for example Flat Solid Shading or a see-through wireframe. Its primary features include a web-based UI, which allows for both 2D and 3D views. Uploading is a simple case of clicking and dragging your IGS file over to the upload box.
- Web-based: Yes
- Unique feature: Superb ability to quickly display wireframe models of your file
- Ease of use: Easy
- Where to find it: ShareCAD
FreeCadWeb
FreeCAD is an entirely free CAD program that allows users to design and create 2D and 3D models. These files can then be exported and used for 3D printing, CNC machining, and more! While most CAD software can be expensive and require monthly or annual subscriptions, FreeCAD is open source and available to all.
Needless to say, you can easily import your IGES files into FreeCAD. If you like, you can even remodel and edit them. There is also a growing range of simulation add-ons that you can then use on your model. Taking all of this into consideration, this program is ideal for those looking to start their CAD adventure.
- Web-based: No
- Unique feature: Completely free CAD program
- Ease of use: Intermediate
- Where to find it: FreeCAD
Autodesk Viewer
Autodesk Viewer is a web-based platform that allows users to upload 2D and 3D files, whether on your PC or on a mobile device. Similar to other web-based viewers, its UI is simple, so when you’re looking to upload a file, it’s as easy as drag and drop!
Within the UI, the user can check the measurements of each face with an easy-to-use “snap” measure. The program also allows the user to create an exploded view of the specific component.
- Web-based: Yes
- Unique feature: Measurement application
- Ease of use: Easy
- Where to find it: Autodesk Online Viewer
Fusion 360
Autodesk’s Fusion 360 for personal use is made for those looking to get into CAD. It’s primarily designed for solid modeling and can also work with IGES files.
With the free version, you’re limited to certain features within specific areas of the program. For beginners, there’s also a learning curve which depends on how in-depth one wishes to develop their skills.
- Web-based: No
- Unique feature: Complete CAD program
- Ease of use: Difficult
- Where to find it: Autodesk Fusion 360
3D Viewer Online
3D Viewer Online is a web-based platform for files such as IGES. The platform is free so long as your file doesn’t exceed 50 MB.
On offer are realistic 3D visualizations of your models, quick measurement and inspection tools, easy screenshots, easy sharing by email and social media, and the ability to simply send your models and products to external websites.
- Web-based: Yes
- Unique feature: Strong development
- Ease of use: Easy
- Where to find it: 3D Viewer Online
License: The text of "The Best IGES/IGS File Viewers (Online & Offline)" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.