.SMG File Extension
SolidWorks Composer File
| Developer | Dassault Systemes |
| Popularity | |
| Category | CAD Files |
| Format | .SMG |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an SMG file?
The .SMG file extension is associated with SolidWorks Composer, a software application designed for creating 3D technical communications. These files typically contain 3D geometry, animations, metadata, and other information necessary for creating interactive technical documentation.
More Information.
SolidWorks Composer was developed to streamline the process of creating technical documentation. Traditionally, this process was time-consuming and required multiple tools to convert CAD models into usable illustrations and instructions. The .SMG file format was introduced to encapsulate all necessary data for creating and sharing detailed technical communications directly from 3D CAD models, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Origin Of This File.
.SMG files originate from SolidWorks Composer, a product from Dassault Systèmes. SolidWorks Composer allows users to create, update, and distribute graphical content that can be used in technical documentation, assembly instructions, marketing materials, and more.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.SMG files are binary files that contain:
- 3D Geometry: Models and assemblies exported from CAD applications.
- Metadata: Information about the components, such as part numbers, descriptions, and material specifications.
- Animations: Sequences demonstrating assembly or disassembly processes.
- Views: Saved perspectives and configurations of the 3D models.
- Technical Annotations: Labels, measurements, and instructions added to the 3D models.
How to Convert the File?
Windows
- Using SolidWorks Composer:
- Open SolidWorks Composer.
- Load the .SMG file.
- Use the “File” > “Save As” or “Export” options to convert to desired formats such as PDF, SVG, PNG, or videos.
- Using SolidWorks Composer Player:
- Open SolidWorks Composer Player.
- Load the .SMG file.
- Use available options to export or save the file in a different format if supported.
- Using Third-Party Software:
- Some third-party tools might offer conversion capabilities. Ensure they are compatible with .SMG files.
Linux
- Using Wine:
- Install Wine to run Windows applications on Linux.
- Install SolidWorks Composer through Wine.
- Follow the same steps as on Windows to convert the .SMG file.
- Using Virtualization Software:
- Install a virtual machine (VM) software like VirtualBox or VMware.
- Install Windows in the VM.
- Install SolidWorks Composer on the Windows VM.
- Convert the .SMG file within the VM environment.
MAC
- Using Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion:
- Install Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
- Create a Windows virtual machine.
- Install SolidWorks Composer on the Windows VM.
- Follow Windows conversion steps within the VM.
- Using Boot Camp:
- Use Boot Camp to install Windows on your Mac.
- Boot into Windows.
- Install SolidWorks Composer and convert the .SMG file as you would on a Windows PC.
Android
- Remote Desktop Solutions:
- Use a remote desktop application like Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer.
- Connect to a Windows PC with SolidWorks Composer installed.
- Perform the conversion on the remote Windows PC.
- Online Conversion Services:
- Upload the .SMG file to a cloud storage service.
- Use an online conversion service (if available) from the Android device’s browser.
IOS
- Remote Desktop Solutions:
- Use a remote desktop application like Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer.
- Connect to a Windows PC with SolidWorks Composer installed.
- Perform the conversion on the remote Windows PC.
- Online Conversion Services:
- Upload the .SMG file to a cloud storage service.
- Use an online conversion service (if available) from the iOS device’s browser.
Others
- Web-Based Platforms:
- Use a browser on any platform to access remote desktop applications.
- Connect to a Windows PC with SolidWorks Composer installed.
- Convert the .SMG file on the remote machine.
- Cross-Platform Tools:
- If any cross-platform tools or services support .SMG file conversion, use them directly from your web browser.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Interactivity: Supports interactive 3D content for more engaging documentation.
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with SolidWorks CAD data, ensuring consistency and reducing errors.
- Efficiency: Streamlines the creation of technical documents, saving time and resources.
- Detail: Can store comprehensive metadata and annotations, enhancing the utility of technical documents.
Disadvantages:
- Proprietary Format: Requires specific software (SolidWorks Composer) to open and edit.
- Complexity: May be overkill for simple documentation needs.
- Cost: SolidWorks Composer is a paid software, which might be a barrier for some users.
How to Open SMG?
Open In Windows
- SolidWorks Composer: The primary software for opening and editing .SMG files.
- SolidWorks Composer Player: A free viewer for .SMG files.
- 3D Interconnect (SolidWorks): Allows importing .SMG files for reference.
Open In Linux
SolidWorks Composer is not natively supported on Linux. However, you can use virtualization software or compatibility layers like Wine to run SolidWorks Composer on a Linux system.
Open In MAC
Similar to Linux, SolidWorks Composer is not natively supported on macOS. Users can employ virtualization solutions like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to run Windows and SolidWorks Composer on a Mac.
Open In Android
There is no native Android application for opening .SMG files. For mobile viewing, you would typically convert .SMG files to a more universally accessible format (like PDF or video) or use a remote desktop application to access a Windows machine running SolidWorks Composer.
Open In IOS
As with Android, there are no native iOS applications for opening .SMG files. Conversion to other formats or remote desktop solutions would be necessary.
Open in Others
For other platforms, similar strategies of converting the files to more accessible formats or using remote desktop applications apply. For example, on web-based platforms, .SMG files might be converted to 3DXML or integrated into web applications for viewing interactive content.
