How do you collaborate on CAD files?

Collaborating on CAD files is essential for any design project that involves multiple stakeholders, such as engineers, architects, clients, or contractors. However, CAD files can be large, complex, and incompatible with different software or platforms. How do you share, edit, and review CAD files without compromising quality, security, or efficiency? Here are some tips and best practices for CAD collaboration and communication.

1 Choose a common file format

One of the first challenges of CAD collaboration is to ensure that everyone can access and view the same file without losing any data or features. Depending on the type and purpose of your CAD file, you may need to convert it to a different format that is more suitable for sharing or editing. For example, you can use a neutral format like STEP or IGES for exchanging 3D models between different CAD systems, or a compressed format like PDF or DWG for sending 2D drawings via email or cloud storage. You can also use a viewer application like Autodesk Viewer or eDrawings to open and view various CAD formats without installing the full software.

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Christina Rebel

Co-founder and CEO at Wikifactory
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This is a key question as not everyone has the CAD software installed so establishing the generic formats can streamline collaboration with the broader set of stakeholders involved in product development. However, these generic formats are not ideal for aligning your engineering team, as it would require re-importing the STEP or STL into CAD software each time to be able to edit. Solutions like Wikifactory's Cloud PDM offer a balance - with support across 30 proprietary CAD formats and conversions to STEP and STL. That way you can unify engineering, as well as involve broader stakeholders. By generating STEP and STL from CAD source, you can minimize error and make sure that the right version reaches the supplier each time.

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2 Use cloud-based tools and platforms

Another way to collaborate on CAD files is to use cloud-based tools and platforms that allow you to store, sync, and access your files from anywhere and any device. Cloud-based tools can also offer features like version control, commenting, markup, and sharing permissions that can facilitate CAD collaboration and communication. For example, you can use Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store and sync your CAD files across different devices, or use Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, or SketchUp to create and edit your CAD files online. You can also use platforms like GrabCAD, BIM 360, or Trimble Connect to manage and review your CAD files with your team or clients.

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Christina Rebel

Co-founder and CEO at Wikifactory
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While platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox are great for general file-sharing needs, they weren't really designed to handle the intricacies of CAD collaboration. Whilst cloud-based CAD solutions have emerged, they still require a shift to their ecosystems and the majority still use desktop CAD software like Solidworks, CATIA, or NX. It's clear that the pandemic underscored the urgency of adopting virtual collaboration, not least for CAD. Acknowledging this gap, that’s why we built our CAD-agnostic viewer built atop our version control system. Paired with local folder syncing, it's not only tailored for the nuanced requirements of engineering teams but also agile enough to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.

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3 Follow standards and conventions

When collaborating on CAD files, it is important to follow standards and conventions that can ensure consistency, clarity, and quality of your design. Standards and conventions can include things like naming, labeling, layering, dimensioning, and annotation of your CAD files. By following standards and conventions, you can avoid confusion, errors, and rework when sharing or editing your CAD files with others. You can also use templates, libraries, or styles to streamline your CAD workflow and save time and effort. You can refer to industry-specific standards like ASME, ISO, or ANSI for guidance, or create your own standards and conventions based on your project requirements and preferences.

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4 Communicate effectively and frequently

The final tip for CAD collaboration is to communicate effectively and frequently with your collaborators. Communication can help you coordinate, clarify, and resolve any issues or feedback related to your CAD files. You can use various methods and tools to communicate with your collaborators, such as email, phone, video call, chat, or online meeting. You can also use tools like screen sharing, annotation, or markup to illustrate your points and suggestions when discussing your CAD files. You should communicate regularly and clearly with your collaborators, and document any changes or decisions that affect your CAD files.

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Christina Rebel

Co-founder and CEO at Wikifactory
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We found that falling back to communication tools like emails or video chats for CAD reviews often leads to fragmented workflows, with feedback buried in long threaded conversations or endless recordings. Instead of detaching feedback from the design, ideally feedback is anchored directly to it and so provide the clarity needed. With this in mind, platforms like Wikifactory have sought to streamline this process. By integrating real-time viewing, chat and annotation directly within CAD files, discussions can become more contextually relevant and precise. It's this fusion of communication and collaboration in a secure online space, that can really amplify the efficiency of teams from CAD to manufacturing in digital transformation.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

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How do you collaborate on CAD files?

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5

1 Choose a common file format

2 Use cloud-based tools and platforms

3 Follow standards and conventions

4 Communicate effectively and frequently

5 Here’s what else to consider

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

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How do you collaborate on CAD files?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Choose a common file format

2 Use cloud-based tools and platforms

3 Follow standards and conventions

4 Communicate effectively and frequently

5 Here’s what else to consider

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

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