Hexagon is transitioning many users to SmartPlant Review (feature-rich but paid) and HxGN Smart Build (cloud-based). However, FreeView remains downloadable for legacy support contracts.
If you cannot obtain a license: Ask the project owner (e.g., Bechtel, Fluor, Worley) to export a SmartPlant Reviewable File (.ZLF or .VUE) . You can then view this in the free EZ-VUE viewer – though it lacks the full SmartPlant metadata.
Cause: Outdated GPU driver or unsupported OpenGL. Fix: Update your graphics driver from the manufacturer (NVIDIA/AMD). In FreeView settings, disable Hardware Acceleration as a temporary workaround.
Unlike typical free software, FreeView requires a local license file to run. During installation, you should have received a SmartPlant_FreeView.lic from the portal.
If you are an existing user needing to view legacy Intergraph files, you may need to contact Hexagon Support directly to obtain the installer for SmartPlant FreeView. smartplant freeview download
If you are looking for a modern solution for current projects, it is recommended to look at Hexagon's Nexus platform or inquire about current viewing licenses for SmartPlant Review, as FreeView is no longer the industry standard for new projects.
SmartPlant FreeView is a specialized, no-cost 3D visualization tool from Hexagon (formerly Intergraph) designed specifically for the process, power, and marine industries. It serves as an entry-level viewer that allows casual users, subcontractors, and clients to explore complex 3D plant models without the need for a full CAD license. Core Functionality Model Support : Specifically designed to open and navigate Intergraph's Property Inspection
: Users can select individual objects in a 3D view to see associated plant properties stored in Navigation
: Features gaming-style motion controls (Fly mode) and standard WASD keyboard shortcuts, making it intuitive for those unfamiliar with complex CAD software. Measurement Tools Hexagon is transitioning many users to SmartPlant Review
: Includes surface measurement commands to verify accurate distances between objects in the model. Hexagon Documentation Pros & Cons
| Metric | Impact | | :--- | :--- | | Cost | Zero (Free licensing compared to ~$5k+ for full design seats). | | Collaboration | Allows Operations/Maintenance to view models during design phase, reducing rework. | | IT Overhead | Low; does not require a full SQL database backend like the SmartPlant Engineering suite. | | Visualization | High-quality rendering improves stakeholder engagement. |
To avoid a frustrating installation failure, check these requirements first. The software is resource-intensive because it handles massive 3D databases.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | OS | Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) | Windows 11 Pro / Windows Server 2019 | | CPU | Intel Core i5 (6th gen) | Intel Core i7/i9 or Xeon (8+ cores) | | RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB – 32 GB | | GPU | Dedicated GPU with 2GB VRAM (NVIDIA Quadro series) | NVIDIA Quadro P2000+ (4GB VRAM) | | Storage | 5 GB free space | SSD with 10 GB free | | Other | .NET Framework 4.8 | OpenGL 4.5 support | Reboot your PC to load the variable
Important Note: Integrated graphics (Intel UHD) will work for small models but will crash on full refinery or offshore platform models.
Once you have the legitimate smartplant freeview download, follow these steps:
Before clicking any download link, it is critical to understand what FreeView is—and what it is not.
SmartPlant FreeView is a lightweight, read-only viewer for files created by SmartPlant 3D (SP3D). It allows users to:
It is not a designer tool. You cannot create or modify geometry, add equipment, or route pipes. For that, you need a full SmartPlant license.