Autodesk Platform Services (formerly Forge) - File size:
- N/A
- Date added:
- Jun 24, 2024 | Last update check: 1 minute ago
- Licence:
- Trial | Buy Now
- Runs on:
- Web browser on your preferred gadget, tablet, laptop or PC.
Autodesk Platform Services (APS, formerly Forge) is a collection of web service APIs used to integrate Autodesk software functionalities into third-party applications or custom workflows. They allows you to create value from design and engineering data that has been typically locked away.
Practical applications. Your company can use Autodesk Platform Services APIs to build digital twins, visualize and analyze data, render photos to 3D, integrate AR and VR, create product catalogs and configurators, automate design processes and integrate SaaS products. You can build different solutions that can be whether enterprise solutions or applications you sell to customers. People across industries (including architects, engineers, construction project managers, developers, manufacturers and product designers) and companies use APS to unlock their data, improve collaboration and build new services.
Building blocks. Autodesk Platform Services gives you building blocks that work with design and engineering data. It takes components from Autodesk’s library of software and delivers them as cloud-based building blocks for companies to create their own new solutions. You need a desktop and client server installation. With APS, you can leverage all the valuable information through a Web page and through a mobile app, using standard technologies. APS is not plugin that you put on top of an Autodesk platform. APS is a component that’s smart about design and make data that you build into a cloud, a mobile, or a desktop based solution.
Developer platform. APS is a developer platform, it’s not an end-user product. The typical two person team that get started with using APS are a CAD manager, a BIM manager, a systems analyst in the IT department, partnered up with a full stack web developer. You can use any (REST capable) programming language to access the API and build your product on top of that. Whether you’re using SolidWorks, Revit, Inventor files, you can extract and modify information, or you can build on top of that. And you can connect to other systems. A number of Autodesk cloud services are built upon APS, including BIM 360, A360, Fusion 360.
Popular APIs. The Autodesk Platform Services (APS) offers a vast array of APIs covering a wide spectrum of Autodesk products and functionalities. Some of the most utilized APS APIs include:
Revit APIs and SDKs, AutoCAD APIs and SDKs, Autodesk Construction Cloud APIs, BIM 360 APIs, Design Automation API, Viewer SDK, Data Visualization SDK, Model Derivative API, Data Management API, Fusion Operations API, Inventor APIs and SDKs, Authentication API.
Integration
By offering a robust set of APIs, Autodesk Platform Services (APS) enables the integration of Autodesk software with other applications used in the AEC industry. Developers can choose APIs based on their specific software integration needs. By integrating APS APIs, AEC professionals can streamline processes such as project management, design collaboration, data exchange, and automation tasks, as well as leverage the capabilities of Autodesk software within broader industry workflows.
Typical workflow
This workflow outlines the steps to register an app with Autodesk APS and obtain a Client ID and Client Secret necessary for using APS APIs.
- Log in to the APS developer portal: Access the APS developer portal and sign in with your Autodesk account. If you don’t have an account, create one and verify it via email.
- Register an app: Navigate to the “Applications” section from the Profile menu and click “Create application.” Enter the app’s name, select its type, provide a description, and specify the Callback URL and desired APIs.
- Client ID and Client Secret: After registering your app, note the Client ID and Client Secret displayed on the app’s details page. These credentials are required for obtaining access tokens and completing APS tutorials.
What’s new
June 2024: Introduced Application-Level Token Usage Reporting, allowing developers to track detailed usage of premium APIs per application, customize date ranges for insights, and download CSV reports reflecting applied filters. Additionally, enhancements to the APS Developer Portal include a new UI for streamlined application management, enabling easier navigation, editing, and ownership transfers, even to non-APS users.
Gallery
Create an app by choosing the APIs you want to use in your app. ©Autodesk
Created app. ©Autodesk
My apps. ©Autodesk
“Step-by-Step Tutorials” tab. ©Autodesk
“API Reference” tab. ©Autodesk
“Overview” tab. ©Autodesk
Forge Viewer: viewer for 2D/3D files based on Autodesk’s Model Derivative API. ©Autodesk
BIM Real Estate app: a web application based on Autodesk Forge technology, developed by TeamCAD. It combines Revit architectural models with property data. The interactive app can be customized for landlords, realtors, or property managers.