Glossary

Glossary

CAD ROOMS Glossary

A comprehensive guide to the terminology used in CAD ROOMS, the cloud-native PDM and PLM platform for engineering teams, taking reference from engineering and hardware product development.

A

3D File Formats

The various file types used to store and exchange 3D CAD models. Common formats include proprietary formats (e.g., SLDPRT for SOLIDWORKS, DWG for AutoCAD) and neutral formats (e.g., STEP, STL, OBJ, IGES) that can be opened by multiple CAD systems.

3D Measurement

A tool within the CAD Viewer that allows users to measure distances, angles, radii, and other geometric properties directly on a 3D model, without needing the native CAD software.

3D Viewer

See CAD Viewer.

Access Control

The permission system that determines who can view, edit, contribute, or share files and projects within a workspace. Controlled by Workspace Admins.

Activity Logs

A detailed record of all actions taken within a workspace or project, including file uploads, contributions, releases, and permission changes. Activity Logs provide full Traceability and are essential for compliance and auditing purposes.

Activity Panel

A section within the Engineering Change Order (ECO) interface that displays all the files, comments, and actions associated with a specific change order. The Activity Panel provides a centralized view of all ECO-related activity.

Admin

A role that manages members, projects, and settings within a workspace.

Annotations

Text or graphical markings added to a CAD model to provide additional context, instructions, or feedback. In CAD ROOMS, annotations can be added directly to the 3D model in the CAD Viewer and are visible to all collaborators.

Approval Workflow

An automated process for submitting, reviewing, and approving design changes. In CAD ROOMS, this is managed through Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring that all modifications are documented and authorized before being released. An approval workflow provides a full audit trail for compliance and quality control.

Assemblies

A collection of multiple CAD parts that are combined to represent a complete product or sub-assembly. CAD ROOMS supports viewing and managing complex assemblies with hundreds or thousands of individual components.

Assignee

The individual responsible for implementing the changes specified in an Engineering Change Order (ECO). The assignee is tasked with updating the design files and preparing them for review.

Audit Log

A chronological record of all actions taken within a workspace or project — including contributions, file releases, and member role updates.

B

BOM (Bill of Materials)

A comprehensive list of all the raw materials, sub-assemblies, intermediate assemblies, sub-components, parts, and the quantities of each needed to manufacture a product. In CAD ROOMS, BOM management is a key feature of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) capabilities.

Business Plan

A subscription tier for 5+ editors that adds ECO, Audit log, and advanced compliance features.

C

CAD Conversions

The process of converting a CAD file from one format to another (e.g., from a proprietary format like SOLIDWORKS to a neutral format like STEP). CAD ROOMS supports automatic CAD conversions to facilitate collaboration between teams using different software.

CAD Diffing

A visual comparison tool that allows users to compare two versions of a CAD model and see geometric differences directly in the 3D viewer. Essential for design reviews and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).

CAD Viewer

An integrated tool in CAD ROOMS that allows users to view, inspect, and analyze over 35 different CAD file formats directly in the browser, without needing to install native CAD software. The CAD Viewer includes tools for measurement, cross-section analysis, and CAD Diffing.

Change Panel

A specialized view within the CAD Viewer that displays the differences between two versions of a CAD file side-by-side. The Change Panel is used during Engineering Change Order (ECO) reviews to help reviewers quickly identify what has changed.

Check-In

Unlocking a file so others can edit, creating a new revision in history.

Check-Out

Locking a file so only you can edit it.

Cloud PDM

A cloud-based Product Data Management (PDM) system that provides a centralized, secure platform for managing and collaborating on CAD files and other product data. Unlike traditional on-premise PDM systems, Cloud PDM solutions like CAD ROOMS are accessible from anywhere and do not require any IT overhead.

Collaborators

Users added to a project with roles like Admin, Collaborator, or Viewer.

Comments

Text-based feedback or discussions added to a file, project, or Engineering Change Order (ECO). Comments in CAD ROOMS support @mentions to notify specific team members and can include file attachments for additional context.

Compliance

Adherence to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality control processes. CAD ROOMS helps teams maintain compliance by providing features like Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Audit Logs, and secure Access Control to ensure that all design and manufacturing data is traceable and properly documented.

Component Isolation

A feature in the CAD Viewer that allows users to hide or isolate specific parts of an assembly, making it easier to focus on critical components during design reviews or troubleshooting.

Conflict Resolution

The process of managing and resolving conflicting changes made by multiple users to the same file. CAD ROOMS provides tools to help teams detect, manage, and merge concurrent edits, ensuring that no work is lost.

Contribution

The act of submitting staged files with a title and description to create a new version in the project's history. Each contribution is recorded in the Version History, providing a clear record of who made changes and when.

COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf)

Pre-manufactured components or products that are purchased and integrated into a larger system, rather than being custom-designed. Managing COTS components is a common challenge in Part Numbering and BOM management.

D

Dashboard

The central hub in CAD ROOMS where users can access their workspaces, projects, shared files, and settings. The Dashboard provides a high-level overview of all activity and serves as the main navigation point for the platform.

Data Privacy

The protection of sensitive product data from unauthorized access or disclosure. CAD ROOMS provides enterprise-grade data privacy through features like Access Control, encrypted file storage, and role-based permissions.

Design for Manufacturing (DfM)

A design approach that considers manufacturing constraints and requirements early in the product development process. DfM helps reduce costs, improve quality, and accelerate time-to-market.

Desktop App

A desktop application that syncs files between a user's local machine and the CAD ROOMS cloud platform. The Desktop App allows users to work on their CAD files in their native software while still benefiting from the version control and collaboration features of CAD ROOMS.

E

ECO (Engineering Change Order)

A controlled process for reviewing and approving design changes before release. Available on the Business Plan, ECOs ensure that every change is documented, reviewed, and approved by assigned reviewers.

ECO Release

A formal process for releasing a new version of a file that is tied to an Engineering Change Order (ECO). An ECO Release requires approval from all designated reviewers before the new file version becomes official. This is a key feature of the Business Plan.

Enterprise Plan

A custom subscription solution with advanced security, compliance, and integrations.

F

File Release

The process of promoting a minor revision to a major revision, marking it as an official release. This can be done through File Release (Team Plan) or ECO Release (Business Plan).

File Sync

The process of keeping files in a user's local folder synchronized with the latest versions stored in the cloud. File Sync is a core feature of the CAD ROOMS Desktop App.

File-level Permissions

Granular access controls that determine who can view, edit, or share specific files within a project. File-level permissions in CAD ROOMS allow teams to protect sensitive designs while still enabling collaboration.

Files Tab

Where all project files (CAD data, drawings, documents) are stored and managed.

Free Trial

A 14-day trial of the Team Plan, activated by adding a payment method.

G

Guest

An external user with limited (read-only) access, usually via file sharing. Guests do not consume workspace seats.

I

Invoices

Billing records that can be viewed and downloaded from Billing.

M

Major Revision

An official, released version of a file, typically denoted by a letter (e.g., A.1, B.1). Major revisions are created through a File Release or an ECO Release and represent a stable, approved state of the design that is ready for manufacturing or other downstream processes.

Manual Release

A lightweight process for promoting a Minor Revision to a Major Revision without a formal Engineering Change Order (ECO). This feature, available on the Team Plan, allows teams to designate official file versions with a single click, ensuring that everyone is working from the correct revision.

MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering)

A systems engineering methodology that uses digital models as the primary means of information exchange, rather than traditional document-based approaches. MBSE enhances collaboration, error detection, and efficiency for complex engineering projects.

Member

A standard contributor role in a workspace.

Minor Revision

An incremental version of a file that is created each time a user contributes changes (e.g., A.2, A.3). Minor revisions track the work-in-progress and are not considered official releases until they are promoted to a Major Revision.

Multi-CAD Compatibility

The ability to work with CAD files from multiple different software applications (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, CATIA, Fusion 360) in a single environment. CAD ROOMS supports over 35 file formats, enabling seamless collaboration in multi-CAD environments.

N

Native CAD Software

The original software application used to create a CAD file (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, CATIA). CAD ROOMS allows users to view and collaborate on CAD files without needing to have the native CAD software installed.

O

OBJ

A simple, widely-supported 3D file format that is commonly used for 3D printing, visualization, and data exchange. OBJ files do not contain parametric information and are typically used for viewing rather than editing.

Obsolete

A status applied to earlier file revisions after a new Major Revision is released. Obsolete versions are not deleted and can still be accessed from the Revision History, but they are clearly marked to prevent accidental use.

P

Part Numbering

A systematic approach to assigning unique identifiers to each component in a product. Effective part numbering strategies are essential for managing complex BOMs and ensuring that the correct parts are used in manufacturing.

PDM (Product Data Management)

A system for managing and tracking all the data related to a product, including CAD files, drawings, specifications, and other documentation. PDM systems provide version control, access control, and workflow automation to help engineering teams work more efficiently.

Permissions

Role-based rules that define what actions a user can perform.

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)

A comprehensive approach to managing the entire lifecycle of a product from its conception, through design and manufacture, to service and disposal. PLM systems integrate with PDM systems and other business applications to provide a single source of truth for all product-related information.

Project

A container within a workspace where CAD files, collaborators, and activities are organized.

R

Real-time Collaboration

The ability for multiple users to work on the same project or file simultaneously, with all changes being updated in real-time. CAD ROOMS facilitates real-time collaboration through features like file sharing, commenting, and annotations.

Release

A version of a file marked as stable and officially approved.

Reviewer

A team member designated to review and approve an Engineering Change Order (ECO). Reviewers are responsible for verifying that the proposed changes meet all requirements before the new version is released.

Revision

A specific version of a file tracked in history.

Revision History

A file-level record showing how an individual file evolved over time — including all minor and major revisions, who made them, and when.

S

Seats

The number of editor licenses included in your plan.

Secure Data Sharing

The ability to share files and projects with external collaborators (such as suppliers or clients) while maintaining control over access and permissions. CAD ROOMS allows users to share files securely without requiring recipients to have a full account.

Staging

A temporary area where uploaded files are held before being formally contributed to a project. Staging allows users to group related files together and add a descriptive message before creating a new version in the project's history.

STEP

A neutral file format for 3D models that is widely used for exchanging data between different CAD systems. STEP files are supported by most CAD software and are a common choice for sharing models with suppliers and manufacturing partners.

STL

A file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems. STL is widely used for 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and computer-aided manufacturing.

Submit for Review

The action that initiates the approval process for an Engineering Change Order (ECO). Once an ECO is submitted for review, all designated Reviewers are notified and can begin their evaluation of the proposed changes.

Supplier Collaboration

The process of working with external suppliers and manufacturing partners throughout the product development lifecycle. CAD ROOMS facilitates supplier collaboration through secure file sharing, real-time visibility, and automated version control.

T

Team Plan

A subscription tier for 1–5 editors that includes collaboration tools, file management, and Manual Release.

Time Travel

A feature that allows users to browse or restore earlier versions of files in a project.

Traceability

The ability to track the complete history of a file or project, including all changes, contributions, and approvals. CAD ROOMS provides full traceability through features like Version History, Revision History, and Audit Logs, which are essential for compliance and quality control.

V

Version Control

A system that records changes to a file or set of files over time so that you can recall specific versions later. Version control is a core feature of PDM and PLM systems and is essential for managing complex engineering projects.

Version History

A project-level record of all file contributions and changes. Tracks who added, modified, or deleted files, providing full traceability over the project's lifecycle.

W

Workspace

A secure environment where projects, members, and billing are managed.

Workspace Owner

The highest role in a workspace that manages billing, member roles, and settings.
For more information about CAD ROOMS features and capabilities, visit the CAD ROOMS Help Center or book a demo.

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