FlexSim interoperability with Autodesk products and CAD file types

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A common question is whether the version of FlexSim must match the version of AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit, Factory Design Utilities, or Vault.

The answer depends on whether you are importing a file or using a connected Autodesk product workflow.

Importing CAD drawings as model backgrounds

AutoCAD drawings can be imported into FlexSim as model backgrounds—for example, to provide a floor plan that helps you position simulation objects and accurately represent distances within a facility.

There is no requirement to create or resave a drawing in the same version of AutoCAD as FlexSim. In general, DWG imports are not tied to a matching AutoCAD annual release.

However, successful translation can still depend on the contents and version of the individual file. It is not possible to guarantee that every file produced by every historical version or third-party CAD application will translate identically.

For the best results before importing a floor plan:

• Remove unnecessary text, hatching, layers, and geometry.
• Check the drawing’s units and scale.
• Move relevant geometry reasonably close to the drawing origin.

See Importing CAD Drawings and Floor Plans for additional guidance on DWG preparation and troubleshooting.

Importing CAD as the visual shape of a FlexSim object

CAD and 3D graphics files can also be used to change the visual appearance of an object in a FlexSim model. This is a file-import workflow rather than a live connection to the application that originally created the file.

In FlexSim versions 2024.2 to 2026, a separate AdskInterop module is required for Autodesk specific workflows. In Autodesk FlexSim 2027 and beyond, that functionality is baked into the software, no longer requiring a separate module.

Autodesk CAD formats that can be imported into FlexSim include:

• .dwg
• .dxf
• .ipt
• .iam
• .rvt
• .3ds
• .fbx

FlexSim also supports many non-Autodesk formats including:

• .ac
• .dae
• .igs
• .jt
• .obj
• .skp
• .stp
• .usd

For the comprehensive list of formats and additional information on working with 3D objects in FlexSim, refer to Creating and Importing Custom 3D Objects.

As with model backgrounds, these imports do not normally require the originating design application to have the same annual version as FlexSim. Compatibility is determined by the file format, the way the file was written, and the translation technology available in the installed FlexSim release.

Factory Design Utilities interoperability

Using Factory Design Utilities in conjunction with FlexSim is considered a connected product workflow, so its version requirements are different from ordinary file import. When using interoperability workflows such as connecting a layout between FlexSim and FDU, the version years need to match for each product involved. For example, when using FlexSim 2027, use:

• Factory Design Utilities 2027
• Inventor 2027
• AutoCAD 2027

The annual versions should remain aligned. Using FlexSim 2027 with an earlier or later FDU installation is not a supported version combination. FlexSim releases will be updated as necessary to support the latest compatible Factory Design Utilities release.

This constraint does not apply to using the Factory Asset Browser within FlexSim. Using this feature does not require FDU to be installed at all, let alone matching versions. For more information about the FDU integration with FlexSim, please visit: FlexSim 2027 Help | Factory Design Utilities (FDU) | Autodesk

Vault interoperability

The FlexSim Vault integration is also considered a connected product workflow, so versions need to match between the products to access Vault features directly within FlexSim. For example, FlexSim 2027 should be used with Vault 2027. However, FlexSim models can be saved directly through the Vault interface, regardless of what version used. 

The version requirement of using the built-in integration applies only to FlexSim and Vault Client. Vault Client and Vault Server compatibility vary slightly, where Vault Server may work with up to 2 earlier versions of Vault Client.

For more information about the Vault integration with FlexSim, please visit: FlexSim 2027 Help | Autodesk Vault | Autodesk

Summary

• DWG or DXF model background: No matching AutoCAD annual release is required. Translation depends on the individual file.
• Imported custom 3D shape: No matching authoring-application release is generally required. Use a supported file format.
• Factory Design Utilities workflow: Match the annual release—FlexSim 2027 with FDU, Inventor, and AutoCAD 2027.
• Vault integration: Match the annual release—FlexSim 2027 with Vault 2027.