Working with Files Using the Desktop App

Working with Files Using the Desktop App

Desktop App

Working with Files Using the Desktop App

TheCAD ROOMS Desktop App is the primary workflow for engineers. It allows you to work locally in your native CAD tools while keeping files, versions, and project history fully synchronized with the cloud.

This guide explains how to import files, edit locally, and contribute changes using the Desktop App — the recommended workflow for day-to-day engineering work.

The Desktop-First Workflow (Recommended)

The standard CAD ROOMS workflow using the Desktop App looks like this:
  1. Import files into a project (initial setup or bulk onboarding)
  1. Edit files locally using your CAD software
  1. Contribute changes back to the project
  1. Repeat as the design evolves
This streamlined approach ensures faster performance, full traceability, and a natural experience for engineers.

1. Import Files into a Project (Initial Setup)

When starting a new project or onboarding an existing design, Import is the recommended first step for bulk file transfer.

Why Import?

  • Ideal for large numbers of files
  • Preserves folder structure
  • Faster than uploading files one by one
  • Sets up the project for ongoing local editing

How Import Works

  • Use the Desktop App to connect a project to your local environment.
  • Place existing CAD files and folders into the project’s local sync folder.
  • CAD ROOMS detects these files and prepares them for contribution.
At this stage, files are not yet part of project history — they remain in staging until you contribute them.

Accessing the Local Sync Folder

To easily navigate to your synchronized project files from the Desktop App:
  1. In the Desktop App interface, click the 'Open' button (top right).
  1. Select 'Reveal Folder' from the dropdown menu.
  1. This instantly opens the local folder on your file system, ensuring you are working in the correct synced location.

2. Editing Files Locally and Automatic Check-Out

Once files are synced locally, you can begin editing:
  • Open files directly from the local project folder;
  • Edit them using your preferred CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion, NX, CATIA, etc.)
  • Automatic PDM Check: CAD ROOMS first verifies whether you have edit permissions and prompts you to Check-Out the file if it's not locked. Accept the Check-Out prompt to prevent conflicts and ensure proper version control.
There is no special action required while editing — the Desktop App quietly tracks changes in the background.

3. Understanding Staging

After files are added or modified locally, they appear as staged changes.
Staged files mean:
  • The file has changed locally
  • The change is detected by CAD ROOMS
  • The change is not yet part of the official project history
Staging gives you a chance to review and group changes before submitting them.

4. Contribute Changes (The Official Check-In)

To make changes official and visible to your team, you must Contribute them.
  1. Preparation: Local modifications are listed in the Staging area.
  1. Initiate: Click the 'Contribute' button near the Staging area.
  1. Documentation: In the dialog box, enter a Title (required) and an optional detailed description.
  1. Finalize Lock Release: Ensure the "Check-In Files" box is selected (if you had the file checked out) to release the lock.
  1. Submit: Confirm the contribution.
 
Once submitted:
  • A new version is created
  • The change appears in Version History
  • Teammates immediately see the update

5. Check-In / Check-Out with the Desktop App

The Desktop App works seamlessly with Check-In / Check-Out:
  • Check-Out
    • Locks a file so only you can modify it
    • Prevents conflicting edits
  • Check-In
    • Releases the lock after contribution
    • Makes the file available to others
Check-in status is respected across both desktop and browser views.

6. Browser Upload vs Desktop App

While CAD ROOMS supports browser uploads, they are not the recommended workflow for engineers.
Use Case
Recommended Method
Initial project setup
Desktop App (Import)
Large file sets
Desktop App
Day-to-day CAD work
Desktop App
Quick document upload
Browser (optional)
For core engineering work, the Desktop App provides better performance, structure, and traceability.

Best Practices

  • ✅ Use Import when starting a project
  • ✅ Work directly from the local synced folder
  • ✅ Contribute changes regularly with clear titles
  • ✅ Group related changes into a single contribution
  • ❌ Avoid repeated browser uploads for CAD files
  • ❌ Don’t leave large numbers of changes uncommitted for long periods

Next Steps