A360 - View CAD files Reviews

by Illusivek

I wanted to view some DXF files from vendor web sites. On the iPad I have to download to iPad, upload to google drive, then go to "upload" in this app, upload the file to AutoDesk, and then...
...then it says "unable to generate preview, try uploading again or contact us for assistance". Like the rest of the world, I detest sitting on hold to have someone read from a bad Dilbert script. "Have you tried erasing your device without backing up?"..."Yes, several times." and I didn't waste my time.
The simple truth is A360 is all predicated on AutoDesk holding all the files on their servers and it isn't a useful viewer for DXF files on the web.
That means it's only good for internally generated drawings, but honestly, I can't see why any company with even the slightest sense of self-preservation would put their proprietary drawings and intellectual property in the hands of a 3rd party. AutoDesk has pretty much created one-stop shopping for industrial espionage. It's as good as guaranteed that it will make its way into the hands of a long list of competitors starting with the Chinese state design bureaus and large multinationals. The aggregate value of all the proprietary design drawings will be so large that I don't see how they could afford to do what it would take to secure it all from theft through the net or by physical access.

by ITISNICKMELLO

A360 needs a profuse amount of work… I have 14Gbs. of files ranging between 2D and 3D project files such as parts, plans and assemblies. Nothing 3D works. I am using an iPad and loading from iCloud Drive and Google Drive. Absolutely nothing is responding. Also, can’t create folders and name them. A constant error stops me from doing something as basic as that. Very expensive drafting software that is unintuitive, with dated iPhone and iPad apps that are unreliable… Good image Autodesk. *-*

If this changes and gets resolved, I’ll be happy to update my review.

by Timothy Ivory

I really enjoy having access to view 3D models on A360 however the 2D wireframe being the only option to view the model needs improvements. Being able to view conceptually/hidden would be great since these models are being created for clients. Also redlining/revising the model would be great too because right now I just see it as a viewing tool and it should be a lot more than that.

by Mikezots

If you don’t have AutoCAD mobile, this is useful, with limitations.

Unless you’re in an office, all this does is let you view .dwg files, something you can already do in ACAD. You can’t export them to PDF for sharing, either.

Simpler to load your plans as PDF files, mark them up in a PDF editor and share them on the site as needed, email them... And you can share the PDF files with a flash drive or airdrop in the field, no internet needed.

Kinda wondering if this was a solution out looking for a problem.

by Jodi Dover

I do my drawings on my desktop and email them to myself. Then open them on my iPad with A360 and show the shop/ engineers/ executives/ etc. my 3D design. They can simply rotate and zoom with their fingertips. Works great for me.

by Can I Trust U?

A360 is great for low power viewing of your projects. The ONLY problem with it is that you can’t show hidden objects in Fusion 360 files. If that feature was added, A360 could replace and simplify a whole lot of my workload, and make a lot of stuff easier.

by TelCommPro

A360 allows me to open work files in the field from my ipad, which is great! But I wish it was easier to submit markups to the engineer showing whats been done, or needs changed. All in all it has simplified my work and the work of the engineer because they can email me the file instead of printing copies like before. For the price (free) its unbeatable!

by CinciJeff

I love that I can view 3D CAD files from multiple formats, and also upload from all the cloud services we use at work. A critical missing feature is the ability to create section views. This type of view is what I mark up most often and would turn this into an every-day app for me (and likely my team as well!)
Keep up the great work... and keep adding features! I'd gladly pay to use an app like this because it can improve my efficiency.

by Steph&Jamie

Great app. When I need to view my CAD models away from my computer, or, more importantly, upload one when I’m away, there’s no other like it. Just wish it had a few more features such as section views and, if even possible, to simulate pre-written tool paths from the CAM workspace to ponder any improvements when I’m away.

by Fred Flnston

I like the features, my biggest issue is that my current project has gone over 200M so I have to carry sections. But there is no substitute when you can show production how things should go beyond a flat page in the field. It is more suited to the ipad but on the larger phones it is handy.

by QRide25

The maps are extremely great, but I would suggest two improvements. One is the orientation issue on iPad when rotating screen, in addition to A360 closing when selecting other open apps. Finally, there should be marker to select search main cross streets. Keep up the good work.

by Sike Mith

It worked for me for what I intended it to. Didn’t see where I could view paper space. I was working on the fly and didn’t take the time to learn what this can do. So, maybe operator error. However, field guys where impressed. Used on IPad Pro 12.9 3rd gen.

by Pilot3717

A360 is great and has allowed my project architects to redline my models while they're out traveling or on the plane, but they have to go to a sheet view to redline a plan. This is difficult because even though A360 allows you to do so much you cant do this simple task easily. It also takes quite some time after you've uploaded your file for it to "load a preview". Still love the idea! Everyone in the office has an iPad so it has potential.

by Thyestaban

I am in the HVAC business that deals with large cad prints etc. this app would allow me to isolate a fitting or piece of duct and scroll 360° around it.. I believe an update was issued recently not allowing me to perform this task. Am I missing a new tool to perform this task? Otherwise good app for bim coordination.

by 1<3 WVU!

This program is extremely useful for visualization as well as planning and estimating on large, complex construction projects. A three-dimensional model assists greatly when referencing between two dimensional pages of design drawings.

by Zesty 123456

I use fusion 360 and find that this app is an excellent program for detecting and finding mistakes you made in fusion 360. I have never had any problems with this program and highly recommend it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Often times when I’m just relaxing I go to this app to check on my progress and find minor mistakes that I missed or just couldn’t see while using fusion 360.

by Sbarke3

Hands-Down THE MOST BENEFICIAL collaboration software I’ve used. Our company has employees all over the country that are able to stay seamlessly connected in realtime with ‘Data Bulky’ model files that aren’t easily shared much less navigated all in one format. Hats off to y’all..!

by EODUOP

Engineers and designers, almost by default, share ideas using diagrams, pictures, drawings and sketches. Go into any engineer’s office and likely there is a white board (occasionally chalk) covered in equations and sketches.

I find A360 very useful for that purpose.

by Srbpe

I'm new to the scene, but it's a great program. We form and build pretty much everything out of sheet metal, and now that I've dialed in the settings, it kills it, and I get my flat blanks from it. I've sold more custom workstations just through the ability to share the 3D design through this app. It blows the customers mind.

by Deez Machined Nutz

Does what it needs me to do. I get a lot of requests during non work hours and this allows me to view the models people send me right at my phone. I can determine whether or not it's something I can do reasonably and rough estimate it on the spot. I don't know if any other software with this kind of support and feature out there at the moment!