Jim Byrne
We are excited to announce a major release of Autodesk Desktop Connector for Fusion. If you are new to this technology, then you came to the right place. We will explain what it is used for and cover all of the enhancements. There will also be resources at the end of this article that will provide best practices for Desktop Connector.
Some of you are ready to get started right away. You can go here and select the install link at the top of the page. If you are already using Desktop Connector for Fusion go here and make sure to review the directions on getting the update installed correctly.
What is Desktop Connector?
Desktop Connector gives you a virtual Fusion drive on your Windows desktop so you can easily store files in your Fusion projects and access them from anywhere. Because development projects often involve data from other sources, such as specification sheets, user manuals, and other CAD systems including Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks, Desktop Connector provides that seamless bridge between your computer and the cloud, making it easy to manage all data within Fusion.
While it is possible to upload CAD data to Fusion through other means, only Desktop Connector uploads non-Fusion CAD data while keeping the files in their native file format and all references intact. This means you can:
- Manage your data in a Fusion hub in the cloud and still work with it in its native CAD system.
- Use our AnyCAD technology to bring non-Fusion designs into a Fusion design when a project involves different CAD systems.
- Use Fusion’s other capabilities for CAM, analysis, simulations, generative design, eCAD, and other studies on non-Fusion data, again using AnyCAD.
What’s new with Desktop Connector?
The updates to Desktop Connector will help you to get your designs to manufacturing faster than ever with an increase in performance and additional capabilities listed below.
Enhanced Upload with References
- Redesigned upload workflow with intuitive multi-step wizard (Select → Review → Upload)
- Automatic reference detection enabled by default when dragging files into Fusion or Docs connectors
- Enhanced file tree visualization showing file structure before upload
- Smart missing reference detection with automatic resolution options
- Destination preview showing exactly where each file will be uploaded
- Drag & drop support with intelligent reference gathering for all supported CAD file types
- Cross-format compatibility supporting Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Alias, Civil 3D, and more
All New Fusion Connector
- Major connector upgrade bringing the Fusion connector to feature parity with the Docs connector
- Enhanced stability and performance for navigate, move, copy, and rename operations
- New File Explorer location: Fusion folder relocated from “This PC” to persistent Navigation Pane for easier access
- Unified experience: Same home screen interface and project management as Docs connector
- Improved CAD support with better Inventor Project Files (.ipj) and assembly reference handling
- Enhanced web integration with improved “View Online” option
Improved Workspace Scanning
- Better change detection by scanning workspace state instead of relying solely on Windows system events
- Automatic startup scanning detects changes made while Desktop Connector was not running, rather than providing a notification for troubleshooting.
- Visible scan progress with “Scan” jobs displayed on Home Screen to indicate workspace activity
- Enhanced scan job reporting provides visibility into activities that may be blocking or delaying workspace scans
- Enhanced bulk operations with significantly improved performance for creating sync jobs after large file operations
- Improved sync reliability with better handling of file conflicts and interrupted operations
- Offline workflow support where scan jobs queue when offline and run when back online
How do I get start started using the latest Desktop Connector?
There are two things to know in order to get started with Desktop Connector. First, be sure to download and install the latest version.
Next, we have a complete best practices guide that will help you to get started. Soon you will be well on your way to discovering powerful downstream workflows when syncing your Inventor models to Fusion. Create CAM toolpaths, choose from several advanced simulation studies, electronic design, and much more.