Depending on the size, processing takes 30 seconds to 3 minutes. The server is essentially "running" ETABS in a virtual machine to extract the viewable data.
| Method | Edit? | Run Analysis? | Free? | Best for | |--------|-------|---------------|-------|-----------| | ETABS Web Viewer | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Sharing 3D model with team/clients | | IFC + Online BIM Viewer | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Viewing geometry in browser | | Windows Cloud Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (cost) | Full ETABS without local install | | CSI Cloud Publish | ❌ | ❌ (results only) | Usually free with license | Sharing results | open etabs file online
If your firm uses Autodesk Revit with the CSI interoperability plugin, you can: Depending on the size, processing takes 30 seconds
This is ideal for architects or clients who just need to see the building’s structural layout. If your firm uses Autodesk Revit with the
| Method | View Geometry | View Results | Edit Model | Cost | Internet Required | Security | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | CSI Viewer (Mobile) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Full) | ❌ No | Free | Initially only | High (Official) | | IFC + Browser Viewer | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | Free | Yes | Medium (You control upload) | | Cloud Desktop (VDI) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Paid ($) | Yes (High bandwidth) | High | | Free Online Converters | ⚠️ Partial | ❌ No | ❌ No | Free | Yes | Very Low (Risky) |
CSI has not announced an online ETABS editor, but competitors are moving toward the cloud:
It’s likely that within 3–5 years, CSI will release a “ETABS Web Viewer” with basic navigation and report generation. Until then, your best bet remains CSI Viewer + remote desktop or model conversion.