How to save a local archive (backup) file in Fusion

Autodesk Support

Jan 21, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

How to save a Fusion file on a local hard disk, computer, or an on-premise server to create a backup (similar to an Inventor Pack&Go file).

Causes:

The file must be exported out of Fusion. 

Solution:

There are two types of Fusion archive files:

  • *.F3D - Archive file of a single design workspace
  • *.F3Z - Archive file of a distributed design, which includes all external design references. An F3Z file is a ZIP file that contains one or more F3D files. 


To export files, use one of the following methods:

In-Product Export

  1. In the Design workspace, go to the File drop-down menu.
  2. Select the Export option.
file export menu
  1. In the Type drop-down menu, select Archive File.
export dialogue

Note: A distributed design containing xrefs is saved as an F3Z file instead of an F3D file.. An exported file can be saved to the cloud, or to your computer.
 

From the Autodesk Account Dashboard

Sign in to the site's dashboard. If a team site is used, see: How to access your hub's Dashboard in Fusion.

  1. From the dashboard, hover over the design.
  2. Select the Export option.
 Fusion dashboard download button
  1. Select Fusion Archive.

Note: After the file is translated into the cloud, an email that contains a download link should be sent.

export

  1. To load the archive file, select Upload in the Fusion Data Panel.

 

From the Data Panel browser in Fusion

  1. Open the hub that contains the project to export.
  2. Right-click the drawing/assembly/component.

Note: The exported drawing will contain the assembly with all the components or just a component from which it was created.

  1. Choose the Share Public Link option.
share link
 
  1. Make sure to check the first and the second option (password is optional).
share link
 
Note: This option uses the latest version of the project.
  1. Copy the link, and open it in an internet browser.
  2. Click Download in the top-right corner.
  3. Choose Fusion Archive.
download button
  1. Enter an email address to which a download link will be sent.
  2. After receiving an email with the link, click Download File.
  3. Upload the file in Data Panel in Fusion.
 

Products:

Fusion;

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