A short, documented message set
Your connector identifies itself, sends the whole model once, then sends only what was added, changed or removed.
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VIZid Next / Features
CAD Bridge API
Send assemblies from the CAD system you already use into VIZid Next. Every part carries a stable ID, so each revision you send updates the right parts and re-applies the finishes you assigned. You build the connector with your developer or an AI coding assistant, working from a documented API.
What the API gives your connector
CAD Bridge is an API and SDK, not a set of ready-made plug-ins. It describes exactly what a connector sends and how VIZid Next treats each update, so the connector can be built and checked against a clear target.
Real assembly structure
Each send carries part names, the sub-assembly tree, placement and visibility. Your connector gives every part occurrence a stable ID that stays the same across sends and sessions.
STEP geometry per part
Each part travels as STEP data. Face colours come through when the CAD export includes them, and your connector can request a finer or coarser mesh.
Updates matched by part ID
When a known part is sent again, its geometry is replaced and the material assignments you made in VIZid Next are re-applied by part name and path. Moves reposition parts without resending geometry, and parts hidden in CAD are switched off rather than deleted.
Schemas and a conformance tool
Every message has a machine-readable JSON schema. A conformance tool stands in for VIZid Next and checks your connector's messages against the protocol. A pass confirms protocol compliance; you still test with your own CAD application and models.
Implementation plans
Written plans for ten CAD systems cover the integration route, SDK licensing tiers and version ranges. They are plans, not finished plug-ins, and the connector you build is yours.
Example: a power tool in active development
Engineering is still revising the battery housing of a cordless drill, while the CMF designer has already set up the soft-touch grip, the anodised chuck and the colourway options in VIZid Next. With a connector in place, the engineer sends each revision when it's ready. Changed parts update in the scene and have their assigned finishes re-applied, as long as part IDs and names stay consistent. Parts that only moved are repositioned, and the placement of the whole assembly stays where the designer left it.
You choose when to send, and updates flow one way, from CAD into VIZid Next. Nothing is written back to your CAD model.
A practical workflow
- Ask us for the CAD Bridge SDK and read the plan for your CAD system.
- Confirm that your CAD licence includes access to its SDK or API.
- Build the connector with your developer or an AI coding assistant, working from the protocol and schemas.
- Run the conformance tool until it reports a pass.
- With VIZid Next open on the same workstation, send real assemblies from your CAD application, and check the updates and material re-application on your own models.
Requires your own CAD seat with suitable SDK access, and someone (a developer or an AI coding assistant) to build and maintain the connector.
Related features
Plan your setup
Choose between direct STEP import and a CAD Bridge connector for your studio. Plan your setup
Scene preparation
Organise incoming assemblies before you assign finishes and set up shots. Explore scene preparation