Fusion 360 is a popular cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool from Autodesk. It allows designers and engineers to collaborate and share design data online in real-time.
With Fusion 360, all your design files are stored in the cloud rather than on your local hard drive. This allows you to access your Fusion 360 files from anywhere using a web browser or the Fusion 360 mobile app.
Benefits of accessing Fusion 360 files online
There are several benefits to storing and accessing your design files on the cloud with Fusion 360:
- Access files from anywhere - You can log in to Fusion 360 on any device with an internet connection to access your files. This allows you to easily import step files to Fusion 360 for easy collaboration across locations.
- Real-time collaboration - Multiple team members can work on the same design file simultaneously and see each other's changes in real time.
- Version control - Fusion 360 tracks all revisions to your design files and allows you to revert to older versions if needed.
- Secure cloud storage - Files are securely stored and backed up in the cloud by Autodesk. This prevents data loss.
- Integrated file sharing - You can easily share design files with teammates and stakeholders for reviews and collaboration.
How to access Fusion 360 files on the web?
Follow these steps to access your design files stored in your Fusion 360 account through a web browser:
Step 1: Log in to your Autodesk account
Go to accounts.autodesk.com and log in using your Autodesk ID and password. This is the same login you use for all Autodesk cloud services including Fusion 360.
Step 2: Open the Fusion 360 web app
Once logged in, click on "Fusion 360" on the Autodesk homepage or go to fusion.online.autocad.com. This will launch the Fusion 360 web app.
Step 3: Access your project files
On the Fusion 360 web app, you will see all your design projects listed on the left side under the "Data" panel. Click on any project folder to access the design files stored within.
Double-click on any CAD, CAM or FEA file to open it directly in the Fusion 360 web viewer. You can pan, zoom and rotate the model just like in the desktop app.
Step 4: Open files in the web editor (optional)
To make edits to the design file, right-click on it and select "Open in web editor" This will launch the full Fusion 360 web-based CAD editor where you can modify the design.
Note that the web editor has limited capabilities compared to the desktop app. But it allows basic viewing, editing and collaborating on Fusion designs online.
Can I Share Fusion 360 Files In Free Version?
No, the feature to share your Fusion 360 files is only available with the paid plan. So, if you want to share files with your friends then it is suggested to buy any of its paid plans. If you purchase it using Fusion 360 promo code, you can get it a very low price.
Accessing files using the Fusion 360 mobile app
You can also access your Fusion 360 design files on mobile devices using the Fusion 360 mobile app for iOS and Android.
To do this:
- Install the "Fusion 360" app on your smartphone or tablet from the App Store or Google Play.
- Launch the app and log in using your Autodesk ID.
- Tap on a project to see the files contained within.
- Tap on any file to open it in the mobile viewer. Zoom and pan as required.
The mobile app only allows viewing of files. To make edits, you need to use the Fusion 360 web or desktop apps. But the mobile viewer is great for quick previews and collaboration on the go.
How to share Fusion 360 files for collaboration?
A key benefit of Fusion 360 is being able to collaborate on designs in real-time with teammates. There are a few ways you can share files stored in your Fusion 360 account:
Invite collaborators to your Fusion Team
From your Fusion 360 dashboard, go to the Team page. Here you can invite other users to join your Fusion Team by entering their email addresses.
Team members will get access to all files under your account. You can assign different team roles like Manager, Author, or Observer to control permissions.
Share specific design files
To share select files from your projects, right-click on them and select "Share". Enter the emails of users you want to share that file with.
You can set permissions like view, download, or edit access. The users don't need a Fusion 360 license to access shared files.
Share view-only links
Right click on any file and select "Copy view-only link". Send this browser link to anyone you want to provide temporary view access without needing an Autodesk account.
Manage all your shared links from the Sharing page in your Fusion 360 account.
Export and upload design files
You can also export Fusion 360 files to standard formats like STEP, SAT, OBJ, STL and then share or upload them to other locations. This allows non-Fusion users to access the files.
Fusion Team collaborative workflows
Here are some tips for effective collaboration using Fusion Team:
- Clearly define roles - Assign people roles like manager, author, or viewer to prevent conflicts.
- Use comments and @mentions - Communicate within designs using comments and @mention colleagues.
- Set up notifications - Get email or in-app notifications when shared files are modified or commented on.
- Hold design reviews - Use tools like Present to hold interactive design reviews with stakeholders.
- Use release workflow - Move stable designs through "Work in Progress", "Released" and "Obsolete" phases to organize work.
- Control revisions - Use revisions and version history to track changes and prevent overrides.
Conclusion
The cloud-based nature of Fusion 360 makes collaborating and sharing design files incredibly seamless. By leveraging the Fusion 360 web and mobile apps, you can access your CAD models from virtually anywhere.
Use the sharing, collaboration and release management tools built into Fusion Team for streamlined workflows. This allows multiple designers, engineers and stakeholders to work together efficiently on product development projects using Fusion 360 in the cloud.
