Upload with References

Overview

Starting with version 17.x, Desktop Connector includes an enhanced Upload with References workflow that provides a more intuitive and controllable experience for uploading design files and their references to both Autodesk Docs and Fusion connectors.

Note:

Desktop Connector is optimized for uploading CAD projects, assemblies, and design files with their references. For extremely large datasets or highly complex file structures, consider breaking your uploads into smaller, more manageable batches for optimal performance.

What's New?

The Upload with References workflow has been redesigned with the following enhancements:

Supported File Types

The Upload with References workflow supports automatic reference gathering for various CAD file types from applications including Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Alias, Civil 3D, and many others.

For a complete list of all file types that support reference gathering, see Design Files with Reference Gathering Support.

Other file types can still be uploaded through this workflow, though reference gathering may be limited.

How to Access Upload with References

Automatic Upload with References

Desktop Connector now includes an "Always upload with references" setting that automatically triggers the Upload with References workflow when you drag and drop files into your Docs or Fusion connector in File Explorer.

This setting is enabled by default and applies globally to both Fusion and Docs connectors.

To disable automatic Upload with References:

  1. Click the Desktop Connector tray icon Desktop Connector Tray Icon

  2. Access Settings from the home screen gear icon

  3. Toggle the "Always upload with references" checkbox to enable or disable automatic triggering

    always upload with references

When enabled: Dragging any files or folders into your connector drives will always ask if you want to upload with references instead of performing a simple upload.

When disabled: Drag and drop operations work as they did in 16.x versions, uploading with reference support for the files in your selection, but Desktop Connector will not search for all references outside of the selection that was added.

Manually Upload with References

From File Explorer

  1. Navigate to your desired upload location within your Fusion or Docs connected drive

  2. Right-click in an empty space

  3. Select Show more options > Desktop Connector > Upload with References

    upload with references right-click command

From Desktop Connector Home Screen

  1. Click the Desktop Connector tray icon Desktop Connector Tray Icon

  2. Select your connector (Docs or Fusion) if you have multiple

  3. Click Upload with References from the home screen

    upload with references home screen

Upload Workflow

Step 1: Select Files and Configure

Upload with References Select Screen

Add Files to Upload

You can add files in the following ways:

Inventor Project File Selection

When uploading Inventor files, you'll be prompted to select an Inventor Project File (.ipj):

IPJ Selection Dialog

Review File Tree

The tree view displays:

Select Destination

Step 2: Review Upload Plan

Upload with References Review Screen

The Review page shows the final upload plan:

Files with references outside the main folder structure are organized into a Related Data folder. The folder structure is different for Docs and Fusion.

Autodesk Docs puts the Related Data folder in the relevant folder adjacent to the host file.

|--Hub
   ├── Project
      ├── Project Files 
         |-- Folder 1
            |-- MainAssembly
               |-- MainAssembly.iam
               |-- Related Data Folder Structure
            |-- Components
               Part1.ipt

Autodesk Fusion places all related data in a shared Related Data folder at the root of the project.

|-- Account
   |-- Project
      |-- Folder1
      |  |-- MainAssembly
      |     |-- MainAssembly.iam
      |  |-- Components
      |     |-- Part1.ipt
      |-- Related Data

Step 3: Handle Missing References

If missing references are detected, you'll see a warning that identifies which references cannot be found:

Missing References Warning

Options:

If you choose to proceed without resolving missing references, you'll see an additional confirmation dialog:

Upload with Missing References Confirmation

Using Find Missing Referenced Files

When you click "Find missing referenced files", Desktop Connector will:

  1. Allow file browsing - Let you navigate to locate the missing referenced files
  2. Enable file replacement - Replace missing references with the correct files from new locations
  3. Update reference paths - Automatically update the design file to point to the newly located files
  4. Validate connections - Verify that all references are now found before proceeding

This enhanced workflow ensures that your uploaded design files maintain all their critical relationships and dependencies, preventing broken links in your cloud data.

Automatic Reference Resolution

When you successfully locate a missing reference file, Desktop Connector can automatically apply the same location to resolve other missing references:

Use Same Folder Dialog

The "Use same folder for other missing references?" dialog appears when:

Dialog Options:

This feature is particularly useful when entire project folders have been moved or when working with projects where multiple referenced files are stored in a common directory structure.

Step 4: Upload and Monitor

After clicking Upload:

Key Features and Benefits

Smart Reference Resolution

Enhanced User Control

Improved Organization

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Missing References

Problem: Some referenced files cannot be found during the upload process

Solutions:

  1. Use Find Missing Referenced Files (Recommended):

    • Click the "Find missing referenced files" button when the warning appears
    • Browse to locate each missing file in its new location
    • Let Desktop Connector update the reference paths automatically
    • Verify all references are resolved before proceeding with upload

  2. Manual Preparation:

    • Verify all referenced files are accessible from your local machine
    • Check that Inventor Project File (.ipj) paths are correctly configured, if relevant
    • Consider copying missing files to expected locations before starting upload
    • Use Reference Explorer to preview all references beforehand

  3. Alternative Approaches:

    • Update your CAD software's project settings to point to correct file locations
    • Reorganize your local file structure to match expected reference paths

Upload Failures

Problem: Files fail to upload after starting the process

Solution:

Best Practices

Before Upload

During Upload

After Upload

Related Concepts:

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