Let's Take a Look

In our digital age, we are often faced with having to find a viewer for an engineering file we have just received from another engineer, supplier or client.  In most cases we only need to view the file in order to see what a supplier is furnishing as the result of an order, comment on how a supplier has developed a component or any number of other reasons.  Most firms will only be using one or two different CAD applications and these are often not the ones other firms are using for component development.  Sure we can ask them to supply a native CAD version but sometimes users may not have any CAD applications installed to view it with.  Whatever the reason, we need a universal viewer that will get the job done quickly and give us insight on how a project is developing.

Autodesk is supplying such a free web based tool to the public.  It is called the Autodesk A360 Viewer and can be found at this address.   Autodesks only requirement to use this viewer is an Autodesk User ID which is also free which will unlock a few other free utilities as well.   If you do not have an Autodesk ID, you can sign up right here using your email address.

Once on the site, after you have signed,  you may want to see a list of all the design application file types it supports.  Click on the "2D and 3D formats supported" hyperlink to display the list, it is truly incredible!

 The next thing is to select the "Upload your design" icon and browse on your local workstation for the file you desire to view.  The application is pretty intelligent and will quiz you if it thinks that the file you have chosen requires other files to be uploaded as well to support it.  For example if you select an Inventor assembly (IAM) file, it requests the supporting part files (IPT)  to be uploaded as well.

 If you select an AutoCAD file, it will prompt you for any supporting files such as Xreference files.  If there are none, simply chose "No more files" to continue.

Once the upload starts, the viewer will begin to develop the 2D or 2D view.  If you do not want to wait, it tells you it will email you when it is finished and will give you a link to open your file view.

There is a note in the email that is important to read.  The Autodesk A360 Viewer requires a web browser that supports WebGL 3D graphics so Microsoft Internet Explorer is not a good choice.  I have used both Chrome and Firefox with great success.  The email will also give you a web address which you can send to others to view the file.  This ability can be also found on the A360 Viewer tools.

Once you are viewing the file, you will have a variety of tools to manipulate the model.  These are located at the bottom of the viewing screen.  They vary depending on the type of file, the 3D and 2D tool bars are shown below.

 Up at the top right of the viewing window are some standard tools for adding comments, getting a web link to the design to share with others, printing and taking a screenshot.  The most valuable one is to "Save to A360" if you are using this collaboration tool.

 
 One of the most interesting tools, found on both tool bars is the "Live Review" option.  When multiple reviewers are online, the live review can be executed.  It is only a textual exchange but it can be valuable to viewing group discussi0n.

One last thing I want to point out is that all designs placed on your Autodesk A360 Viewer page will be deleted after 30 days.  If you require a longer period you have the ability to request it by selecting the "Extend" icon located on the Recent Uploads page.  You can delete any old files by clicking on the three dots indicated below to display the "Delete" command.

 I cannot tell you how many times in the past I wish I had access to this viewer service especially one with so many tools and options.  Be sure to upload a file or two and take a look for yourself, you will be glad you did.