F3D File – What is .f3d file and how to open it?
F3D File Extension
Fusion 360 Archive File – file format by Autodesk
F3D is a file extension specific to Fusion 360, a 3D modeling software developed by Autodesk. It is a compressed archive file format used to store a snapshot of a Fusion 360 design, including geometry, metadata, and design history. F3D files are convenient for sharing and archiving Fusion 360 projects.
Definition of an F3D File
An F3D file is a proprietary file format used by Autodesk Fusion 360, a cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. F3D files contain a comprehensive archive of a design project, including 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and metadata. This archive format enables users to efficiently store, share, and collaborate on design projects within the Fusion 360 ecosystem.
Distinctive Features of F3D Files
F3D files are characterized by their ability to preserve the full fidelity of design projects. They incorporate all aspects of a design, including geometry, materials, dimensions, constraints, and configurations. This comprehensive approach ensures that design intent and product information are accurately captured and maintained throughout the design process and beyond. Furthermore, F3D files utilize a compact data structure, allowing for efficient storage and rapid retrieval of design data, making them ideal for both archival purposes and active design collaboration.
Opening F3D Files in Fusion 360
To open an F3D file in Fusion 360, the Autodesk-developed software for computer-aided design, follow these steps:
- Launch Fusion 360.
- Click “File” in the menu bar.
- Select “Open” from the dropdown menu.
- In the file explorer window that appears, navigate to the location of the F3D file you want to open.
- Select the F3D file and click “Open.”
Opening F3D Files in Other Applications
F3D files can also be opened in other applications, such as:
- MeshLab
- Meshmixer
- FreeCAD
- Blender
- SketchUp
To open an F3D file in one of these applications, simply drag and drop the file into the application window or use the “File” menu to open the file. Note that some applications may require additional plugins or converters to open F3D files.
File Type and Uses
The F3D file extension is used to store archives of 3D design projects created in Autodesk Fusion 360, a cloud-based CAD/CAM software. F3D files encapsulate all the project data, including the 3D model, 2D drawings, simulations, and other related files into a single compressed archive. This allows for easy sharing, storage, and future referencing of the project.
Technical Details
F3D files are typically compressed using the ZIP compression algorithm, making them smaller in size compared to storing individual project files. They can be opened and extracted using any file archiver software, such as WinZip or 7-Zip. However, to fully view and edit the contents of an F3D file, Autodesk Fusion 360 software is required. When opened in Fusion 360, the archived project data is restored to its original format, allowing users to continue working on the design.