In this post, we are going to discuss what is an IGS/ IGES file and how to view and convert it in Windows 11/10. IGES, which stands for Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, is a standard file format used to store 2D and 3D designs and related information. It primarily contains surface information for a model. However, it can also be used to save wireframes, circuit diagrams, engineering drawings, and solid models. The files in IGES format are stored in ASCII text format.
The IGES standard was originated from United States Air Force (USAF) Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) project in the late 1970s. The first official version of the IGES file was released in 1980. It is one of the oldest 3D CAD formats. In the earlier days, IGES files used to be utilized in the manufacturing of parts related to aerospace. It further spread to other industries including automotive and machinery. 2D or 3D files stored in IGES standard are mostly saved with the .igs file extension.
The use of IGS files has reduced significantly as newer formats like STEP have taken over. Now, if you have some IGS files and you want to view and convert them on Windows 11/10, how to do that? There is no native app to view or convert IGS files in Windows 11/10. But, no worries. You can use some third-party applications that allow you to open and view IGS files and also convert them. In this article, we are going to mention some free software and free websites to view IGS files. Some of these let you convert IGS files too. Let’s check them out.
How to view and convert an IGS/ IGES file in Windows 11/10?
Here are the free software and online tools that you can use to view or convert an IGS file in Windows 11/10:
- IGS Viewer
- FreeCAD
- Gmsh
- Autodesk Viewer
- 3DViewerOnline.com
- gCAD3D
- 3dusher.com
Let us check out these software and web services in detail!
1] IGS Viewer
IGS Viewer as the name implies is a dedicated free software to view IGS files on Windows 11/10. In it, you can open and view IGS files and easily navigate and analyze the model. It provides standard view options, zoom option, dynamic rotation, wireframe color changer, shade color, and more features to visualize the design saved in an IGS file.
You can download this free IGS file viewer from igsviewer.com.
2] FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a CAD modeling suite that you can use to view IGS and other 2D/ 3D files in Windows 11/10. The other formats supported by it include STP, STL, PLY, OBJ, 3DS, DAE, DWG, DXF, and more. It offers all the required tools that you need to view and analyze IGS files. Some of these include zoom, rotate, pane, wireframe mode, different side views, shader, flatline view, points view, etc.
Using it, you can also convert the IGS model to other supported file formats. Open an IGS file, select it from the object browser, go to the File menu, and click on the Export option. You can then select one of the supported output file formats to save the IGS model, STP, OBJ, PLY, DAE, etc.
As it is a CAD modeling software, you can use it to edit IGS files too. So, this software is an all-in-one solution for you to view, edit, and convert IGS files. You can get it from freecadweb.org.
3] Gmsh
Gmsh is a free, open source, and portable IGS file viewer software for Windows 11/10. It is a very easy-to-use utility to visualize designs saved in IGS files. It also lets you view STP, WRL, PLY, STL, and other 3D files. It basically displays the wireframe of the imported IGS model.
Using it, you can convert IGS to other 3D file formats including STP, STL, WRL, etc. For that, you have to go to the File menu and use the Export option.
4] Autodesk Viewer
Autodesk Viewer is a free online service to view 3D files including IGS. The other 3D files that you can view using it include STEP, OBJ, PLY, DAE, etc. It provides you handy navigation options, appearance and environment customizations, zoom feature, and rotation option. You can also view the properties of the IGS model in it.
You can go to autodesk.com to view IGS/ IGES files online.
5] 3DViewerOnline.com
3DViewerOnline.com is another good online IGES file viewer. It allows you to view an IGS file of up to 50Mb size. This is basically a free user limitation. It comes with an easy navigation panel and lets you select the desired view of a model. You can also show/ hide explode options, section options, smart lines, etc.
It comes with a Measure tool that allows you to take distance, size, diameter, and other measurements. Furthermore, you can take a screenshot of the IGS model, share it with others, download the model, etc.
6] gCAD3D
gCAD3D is a free and open source IGS file viewer for Windows 11/10. It lets you view IGS and other models. It is a decent viewer with basic viewing and navigation options.
You can also use it to convert IGS to various file formats including VRML, STL, STEP, OBJ, DXF, SVG, etc. For that, you can use the File > save model as option.
You can download this free software from gcad3d.org.
7] 3dusher.com
3dusher.com is one more option for you to view IGS files. You can simply upload IGS files to this online website and then view them. To visualize, you can use mouse gestures to zoom or rotate the design. It shows the dimensions and volume of the imported IGS file on the screen.
That’s it!
Now read: What is an STL file? How to view it?
