One of the more common questions that we receive is asking about how to import CAD data, what type of CAD models can be opened, or where did my models go after I imported them.  In the first part of this two part series, you will learn the answers to all of these.  Keep an eye out for part 2 which will walk you through your options for exporting data from Fusion 360.  Here we go!

If you expand the Data Panel, you’ll find an Upload command.

Uploading a file will upload to the Active Project by default. However, in the subsequent dialog (Select files to upload), you will be provided the option to Change destination.

Once the file has been uploaded, it can be opened from the data panel. You may also access the file through the Dashboard. At any point you can view an items detail in the Data Panel by expanding the item’s information in the data panel and selecting Open details in A360.

Please note that using the Data Panel > Upload command will send the file to the Autodesk Translation Service and begin to translate your file so that it may be edited natively in Fusion 360. At this time, the following file formats are supported:

• Auotdesk Alias (*.wire)
• AutoCAD DWG Files (*.dwg)
• Autodesk Fusion 360 Archive Files (*.f3d)
• Autodesk Fusion 360 Toolpath Archive Files (*.cam360)
• Autodesk Sim360 Archive Files (*.sim360)
• Autodesk Inventor Files (*.ipt, *.iam)
• CATIA V5 Files (*.CATProduct, *.CATPart)
• DXF Files (*.dxf)
• FBX (*.fbx)
• IGES (*ige, *iges, *igs)
• NX (*prt)
• OBJ (*.obj)
• Parasolid Binary Files (*.x_b)
• Parasolid Text Files (*.x_t)
• Pro/ENGINEER and Creo Parametric Files (*.asm, *.prt)
• Pro/ENGINEER Granite Files (*.g)
• Pro/ENGINEER Neutral Files(*.neu)
• Rhino Files (*.3dm)
• SAT/SMT Files (*.sab, *.sat, *.smb, *.smt)
• SolidWorks Files (*.prt, *.asm, *.sldprt, *.sldasm)
• STEP Files (*.ste, *.step, *.step
• STL Files (*.stl)

So then… What does this Upload button do in my Dashboard?

Note: You may access your Dashboard from any computer by logging into https://myhub.autodesk360.com/portal/

This Upload command will upload all file types to your Projects, not just CAD files but excel & word documents, pdf’s, etc… However, this command will not automatically translate these file types to a Fusion 360 native format. These files will be left in the original format they are uploaded in. You’ll note data upload with the Dashboard > Upload command looks differently in the Dashboard and in the Data Panel.

Please note that you can convert a CAD file that has been uploaded to the Dashboard by right clicking on it in the Data Panel and selecting Create Fusion Design.

That’s all there is to it!  You are now a master of importing files with Fusion 360.  Remember to check back for part 2 where we will talk about exporting data from Fusion 360.  Special thanks to Nathan Chandler for compiling this great walk through!