How to Share and Markup Models in 3DEXPERIENCE: Tools, Limits, and Alternatives

Why Sharing and Markup Matter in Engineering Workflows

In modern product development, it’s no longer enough to store your files securely. Teams need to:

• Share files in 3DEXPERIENCE with other departments or clients
  
  
• Review 3D designs in the browser, without installing heavy CAD tools
  
  
• Markup designs to give precise visual feedback
  
  
• Keep all communication tied to the 3D model, not scattered across emails or screenshots
  
  

These needs are especially common during design reviews, client presentations, and cross-functional collaboration.

How to Share Files in 3DEXPERIENCE

To share a 3D model in 3DEXPERIENCE:

1. Upload your CAD data into the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud.
   
   
2. Assign access through roles and permissions.
   
   
3. Use the 3DPlay viewer to give collaborators browser-based access to view and inspect the model.
   
   

However, 3DEXPERIENCE viewer access for clients is often restricted—external stakeholders need licenses or logins, and public share links are not natively supported.

Using the 3DEXPERIENCE Markup Tools

Once shared, the model can be opened in:

• 3DPlay – For interactive 3D viewing and basic navigation.
  
  
• 3D Markup – To add annotations, callouts, highlights, and comments directly on the model.
  
  

This allows for asynchronous reviews, helping teams move faster while keeping visual context intact.

But there are some constraints:

• Markups are often tied to internal workflows
  
  
• Commenting functionality is limited for external users
  
  
• Navigating permissions and tools requires training
  
  

Limitations of Sharing and Markup in 3DEXPERIENCE

Despite its power, 3DEXPERIENCE presents a few common roadblocks:

• No public share links – Unlike cloud-native tools, there’s no simple way to send a view-only link to a client or supplier.
  
  
• Licensing complexity – Everyone who needs access must be registered and assigned roles.
  
  
• Onboarding friction – Non-technical users may struggle with navigation and terminology.
  
  

If you’re running fast, working with external clients, or aiming for smoother design reviews, this can slow collaboration.

A Lightweight Alternative: Share and Markup with Sibe.io

For teams looking for simplicity and speed, Sibe.io offers an easier way to share 3D files online and markup designs in the browser—without complexity.

With Sibe, you can:

• Drag and drop 3D files and instantly generate a shareable link
  
  
• Comment and markup directly in the browser
  
  
• Collaborate with anyone—no login or software required for reviewers
  
  

This makes Sibe ideal for:

• Product design consultancies
  
  
• Hardware startups
  
  
• Agile engineering teams
  
  
• Client-facing design work
  
  

You can read a full comparison between Sibe.io and 3DEXPERIENCE here.

Conclusion

If you’re already embedded in the Dassault Systèmes ecosystem, 3DEXPERIENCE provides robust tools for internal collaboration. But when you need to share 3D models for review, especially with clients or contractors, its complexity can get in the way.

Marking up designs is easier when reviews happen in the browser. Sibe gives SolidWorks teams version control and browser-based design reviews — no servers, no VPNs, no admin hassles. Book a free 20-minute demo or try Sibe free for 14 days — no credit card.design markup workflows without sacrificing control or clarity.

Also make sure to check out our list of the top 10 cloud based PDM