Questions & Answers.

CadRev is a part management and revision management add-in for Fusion 360 — the Single Source of Truth for your engineering workflow. As a local-first PDM system (Product Data Management) it tracks part versions, assigns automatic part numbers, manages metadata, enables batch exports in 8 formats and runs entirely local on your machine — no cloud dependency.

CadRev is not a full enterprise PDM, not an ERP system and not a replacement for Fusion 360 itself. It adds the missing data and revision layer on top of Fusion 360.

All data — parts, revisions, metadata, export logs — is stored exclusively in a local SQLite database on your machine. Nothing is transmitted to external servers. CadRev works fully offline — no internet connection required.

The batch exporter supports 8 formats: STEP, IGES, STL, 3MF, OBJ, F3D, SAT and SMT. All files are automatically named using the scheme [Nummer]_[Name]_[Rev].format — and can be exported in one pass as vendor-ready delivery folders. Every export is logged with revision number, timestamp and target file. Batch export is a Pro feature; Free users can still export individual parts (STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, DXF — one part per export run).

CadRev automatically assigns the next available part number when you create a new part — the next free part number from your configured numbering range (e.g. 0089). For prototypes and experimental parts there are parallel E-numbers (e.g. E-0042) — semantically marked as "not yet production-ready" and can be converted to regular part numbers on release. Numbering ranges, part classes and areas are fully configurable in the settings.

Every part moves through a clearly defined lifecycle:

In Progress (WIP) — the part is actively in development, changes are always possible.
Released — the part is write-protected (frozen). Changes require creating a new revision with a stated reason.
Obsolete / Replaced — the part is flagged red, excluded from exports and carries a reference to the successor part.

All status transitions are traceable and logged.

Manufacturing-specific parameters can be attached directly to each part: material (PETG, PLA, ABS, TPU, SLA resin etc.), printer, estimated print time and free-text manufacturing notes. This data is bound to the part, carried forward with every revision and included in exports — so every vendor folder contains all manufacturing information without manual updates.

Yes. CadRev manages a global database that is independent of the currently open Fusion 360 document. You can manage parts from different projects in one central library.

Open any model in Fusion 360. Select the component and click "New Part" in the CadRev panel. The system automatically pulls the next available part number (or E-number) and permanently links the model. From this point the model is versioned in the database.

Once a design is complete, set the status to "Released". The part is now locked and protected from accidental changes. For further changes you must create a new revision and enter a reason for the change (e.g. "Wall thickness increased to 2mm").

Click "Batch Export" in the panel. Select the required formats (e.g. STEP and STL). CadRev generates all files automatically in the background and names them using the scheme PartNumber_Name_Revision.format. Files are saved in a structured vendor folder.

If a part is intended for 3D printing, enable the 3D-print parameters. Here you can specify the material (e.g. PETG, ASA), your preferred printer and specific settings (e.g. 100% infill). These parameters are stored with the current revision and included in all reports.

1. Download the installer for your operating system (macOS PKG or Windows EXE).
2. Run the installer — no admin rights are required.
3. Restart Fusion 360. CadRev appears automatically as an add-in panel.

Installation takes under 2 minutes.

macOS 12 (Monterey) or later · Windows 10 (64-bit) or later · Autodesk Fusion 360 (current or recent version) · 200 MB free disk space

No. CadRev is installed in the user directory and requires no administrator rights. The database is also created in the user folder.

This is not an indication of actual malware — it is a macOS security feature called Gatekeeper. It appears for all installer files that are not distributed via the App Store or signed with an Apple developer certificate, regardless of the actual content.

Fix in two steps:
1. Right-click the downloaded CadRev-1.0.3.pkg file → select "Open"
2. In the dialog that appears, click "Open" again

Alternatively: System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll down and click "Open Anyway" after the first blocked attempt.

The warning only appears once and will not be shown again.

This is the Windows SmartScreen filter — the Windows equivalent of the macOS warning. It appears for all installer files without a code-signing certificate, regardless of the actual content.

Fix in two steps:
1. In the blue SmartScreen dialog, click "More info"
2. Then click "Run anyway"

The installer CadRev-1.0.3.exe then starts normally. Installation goes into your user profile without admin rights. You can verify the file beforehand using the SHA-256 checksum on the download page.

The Free plan is permanently free and includes: up to 10 active parts, revision history, Status-Workflow (WIP / Print-ready / Released / Obsolete) as well as single export (STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, DXF — one part per export run). No credit card required.

Yes, at any time. Upgrades are activated immediately. Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period — no minimum term or cancellation fees.

CadRev Free requires no key — just download and start.

CadRev Pro is activated via your personal account on cadrev.de/account After purchase your licence appears there automatically. Log in once in the add-in — done. The activation is device-bound; if you change devices you can renew it at any time via your account.

CadRev validates your licence locally on your machine — no permanent internet connection required. Once activated the add-in works fully offline. If connectivity drops (e.g. when travelling), CadRev continues to work normally. Upon cancellation or account suspension, the authorisation is automatically revoked at the next regular online check.

No. All part and revision data stays exclusively on your local device. CadRev has no access to your Fusion 360 design data and transmits nothing to external servers.

The CadRev database is a single SQLite file in your user directory (macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/CadRev · Windows: %APPDATA%\CadRev). You can back up, copy or export this file at any time.

The next version focuses on an improved metadata and purchased-parts system as well as extended 3D-print integration. Active users are notified directly about new features.

Yes — that is Phase 03 of the roadmap, planned for 2027. CadRev will be available as a plugin for Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks and will include a complete 2D drawing workflow: automated title blocks and drawing derivations directly from the CadRev workflow. Optional cloud sync (end-to-end encrypted) is also planned for this milestone.

Via info@cadrev.de or directly through the feedback form in CadRev settings. Every piece of feedback feeds into roadmap prioritisation — as an active user you have direct influence on development.