convert 123D beta files???

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I am wondering if there is any Autodesk product, either free or for sale, that can open, edit or convert the files created by 123D beta? I understand it was a free beta, but feel it is unreasonable to lock down access to the program without providing a path to use the file which were created by it. I would like to recover the designs I made with 123D beta even if it means I have to buy another autodesk program.

I have attempted to contact autodesk support, however, they no longer list 123D beta as a product and support reps for other software suites refuse to address my questions about 123D beta. I can find no "general" support, or "pre-sale" support at Autodesk to contact. If someone knows a contact where they may actually entertain my questions I would appreciate a link to that as well.

Thank you!

[kate.raskauskas]

Hi @Anonymous,

Can you post an example file?

[HughesTooling]

You can upload and translate 123d file through Fusion's data panel, don't know if 123d beta files are the same.

@kate.raskauskas Fusion's help doesn't list 123d as an import type, need to update this page.

Mark

[kate.raskauskas]

@Anonymous - if it's a *.123dx then you can upload it in Fusion 360 and convert it to a Fusion file. This article explains how to upload the file, and once it's uploaded you'll just need to right click on it and select "Create Fusion Design." If it's a different file format, and this method doesn't work, I can try a few tests on your example file to see if I can get it to open in Fusion 360.

@HughesTooling - thanks! I'll let the web team know

[Anonymous]

Thank you all so very much for your replies, I really appreciate it!

I will DL fusion 360 and give it a try... crossing fingers!

[Anonymous]

I tried to DL Fusion 360, unfortunately the machine I am working on is running a 32 bit version of windows and Fusion 360 will not install. Is there any other software that may be able to open/edit/convert 123D files?

[kate.raskauskas]

Hi @Anonymous,

I don't think there's an Autodesk product compatible with 32-bit versions of Windows that can also open 123dx files, but as an alternative you might be able to find a third party file converter by searching online.

[Anonymous]

I've got a Windows 10 64bit PC with Fusion 360 up and running now, having trouble with the 123D file import. I got the 123D file uploaded, but I don't see the "create fusion360 design" or "import" options referred to in this thread in any of my menu's, including when I right click the uploaded file. 
Can someone please point me in the right direction to see these options?

[HughesTooling]

Did you upload using the data panel in Fusion? If you used the upload option in the data panel it should have translated while uploading so if you right click it should have an option to open. If that isn't working can you share one of the 123d files? You'll need to zip it to upload to the forum.

Mark

[Anonymous]

Yes, I loaded Fusion360, went to Data, selected Uploaded, chose XXX.123D file and it uploaded, I see the file listed in the data panel but am unable to do anything with it.

Attached is a zipped 123D beta file as example. 

I am very appreciative of your help!

[HughesTooling]

OK think the problem is the file format's not the same for the beta version. 123dx files are just zip files so you can view them with 7zip but your file is different so there's no translation. I guess you waited too long, don't know if the later versions of 123d could have opened your file but Fusion can't.

Mark

[HughesTooling · Accepted solution]

After a bit of googling it seems 123d files are just DWG files so just change the extension to DWG and upload through the data panel. Note Fusion will only import the 3d model, don't know if there was anything else in the files. Looks like you get the sketches as well but no dimensions.

Mark

[Anonymous]

I am going from disappointed to excited here, I had the feeling I was out of luck, but if they will import as DWG that is awesome. I just need the objects, don't need the sketches or anything else, as long as the objects are editable and usable I am good to go. I guess if this works I can import the files (as DWG) into any software that can open DWG files, right?

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate you spending your time to work on this issue for me!

[Anonymous]

I just changed the file name to DWG and uploaded, when it got to 50% and paused during the upload I knew the file extension made a difference... IT OPENS! IT WORKS! The objects are there in Fusion360 now and appear to be editable! Pardon my excessive use of exclamation marks, I am very excited to have this solution! THANK YOU!!!

For some reason everything came in turned on its side, I guess now its time to learn Fusion360 so I can rotate them to normal position and learn to create in Fusion360. I hope the curve isn't too steep, I had gotten used to the 123D interface and had it down pretty well, that's one reason why I didn't want to change apps....

My last question now is what is the best format to save my files in so I don't get stuck like this again in the future? Is DWG universal enough for me not to worry about this, do lots of programs open DWG files?

Thanks again for your help, such a simple solution right at my fingertips, without your help I would have never found it!

[HughesTooling]

Yes they will open in other programs, I used Rhino to test as it's quick and easy to open files. If you continue with Fusion you might want to enable history in the file so any edits are parametric and you can go back and edit from the timeline.

This might help, it for solidworks but explanes import and editing models.

http://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/?guid=GUID-24B3ACC3-5190-42DF-B2B4-2F51FA4C9D44

Mark

[HughesTooling]

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@Anonymous wrote:

For some reason everything came in turned on its side, I guess now its time to learn Fusion360 so I can rotate them to normal position and learn to create in Fusion360. I hope the curve isn't too steep, I had gotten used to the 123D interface and had it down pretty well, that's one reason why I didn't want to change apps....

My last question now is what is the best format to save my files in so I don't get stuck like this again in the future? Is DWG universal enough for me not to worry about this, do lots of programs open DWG files?

---

For the problem with parts on their side, in properties there's an option for Z up orientation. Don't know why Y up is default don't know anyone that works that way, well some people do but they usually haven't figured out how to change it. Not sure if this will help with imported models though, changing it will not change files already created so you'll have to reimport to test.

You should be a bit safer saving to the cloud as from there you have options to export as several different formats even if you don't have Fusion. The most reliable and universal is probably STEP.

Mark

[Anonymous]

That's more good news, I guess my exotic .123D files aren't that exotic at all, just .dwg files in disguise! Now I just need to figure out what program is right for me going forward....

I was pretty happy with the 123d Beta interface, is there a program you could suggest that has a similar interface where my learning curve would be less steep? Fusion360 may be it, but before I spend the time to learn a new program I want to be sure it is the RIGHT program for me.  Any suggestions for 3D design apps I should look at (either free or pay, but not astronomical $$) I would really appreciate the advice.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to help me, you guys (and gals) are awesome!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that, I will change the axis orientation and hope the objects import right side up. 

I think you are right about STEP, that was the only file type I had luck importing and editing in 123d beta come to think of it.

Thanks for your input!