Convert SLDDRW to DAE

Understanding slddrw and dae file formats

SLDDRW is a drawing file format created by SolidWorks, a popular CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. These files contain 2D engineering drawings, annotations, and layout information for mechanical parts and assemblies. DAE (Digital Asset Exchange), also known as COLLADA, is an open-standard XML-based file format used for exchanging 3D models and assets between different graphics software and game engines.

Why convert slddrw to dae?

Converting slddrw to dae allows you to use your SolidWorks drawings in 3D modeling, animation, or game development environments that support the COLLADA format. This is useful for sharing designs across different platforms or integrating 2D drawings into 3D workflows.

How to convert slddrw to dae

Direct conversion from slddrw to dae is not natively supported by most software, as slddrw files are 2D drawings and dae files are 3D models. However, you can follow these steps:

1. Open your slddrw file in SolidWorks.
2. If you have a 3D model associated with the drawing, open the corresponding SLDPRT or SLDASM file.
3. Go to File → Save As and choose STL or OBJ as the export format.
4. Use a 3D conversion tool such as Blender (free and open-source) to import the STL or OBJ file.
5. In Blender, go to File → Export → Collada (.dae) to save your model as a DAE file.

Recommended software for conversion

• SolidWorks: For opening and exporting your original files.
• Blender: For converting 3D models to the DAE format. Blender is free and supports a wide range of 3D file formats.
• Autodesk Fusion 360: Another CAD tool that can import SolidWorks files and export to various 3D formats, which can then be converted to DAE.

Tips for successful conversion

• Ensure you are working with the 3D model file (SLDPRT or SLDASM), as slddrw files are 2D and cannot be directly converted to 3D formats.
• Check the exported model in Blender or your chosen 3D software to verify geometry and details before exporting to DAE.
• Preserve layers and annotations as needed, but note that some 2D drawing information may not transfer to the 3D DAE format.