What APS is
APS is a set of cloud APIs. Desktop APIs such as the Inventor or Revit API run inside the desktop product. APS APIs run in the cloud and are called over HTTPS from web apps, servers or scripts. They work with files and data stored in Autodesk cloud products such as Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360 and Fusion, or with files you upload yourself.
The main APIs
| API | What it does |
|---|---|
| Authentication | OAuth 2.0 tokens for apps and users |
| Data Management | Access hubs, projects, folders, files and versions; store your own files |
| Model Derivative | Translate models for viewing and extract properties and geometry from many CAD formats |
| Viewer | JavaScript library to show 2D and 3D models in a web page |
| Design Automation | Run AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit or 3ds Max engines in the cloud, without a desktop |
| Webhooks | Event notifications when data changes |
| ACC APIs | Issues, RFIs, cost, admin and more for construction projects |
| Data APIs | GraphQL access to granular design data, such as the AEC Data Model and Fusion Data |
Example: preparing a model for viewing
After uploading a file, a Model Derivative job converts it for the Viewer and extracts its properties:
POST https://developer.api.autodesk.com/modelderivative/v2/designdata/job
Authorization: Bearer <access_token>
Content-Type: application/json
{
"input": { "urn": "<base64-encoded-urn>" },
"output": { "formats": [ { "type": "svf2", "views": ["2d", "3d"] } ] }
}How engineering companies use APS
- Customer portals – show 3D models and drawings to customers or suppliers in a browser, with no CAD licence.
- Product configurators – a web form collects options, Design Automation runs Inventor or AutoCAD to generate the model and drawings, and the customer downloads the result.
- BOM and data extraction – pull properties and BOMs from models into ERP, estimating or dashboards.
- Construction integrations – connect ACC projects with ERP, reporting and document systems.
- Batch processing – convert, check or publish large numbers of files in the cloud.
- Digital twins and dashboards – combine models with sensor or asset data.
Costs and planning
Some APS APIs are metered, for example Design Automation processing and certain Model Derivative operations, while others are free to call. Check Autodesk's current APS pricing when planning, and design jobs to avoid unnecessary processing, such as translating the same file twice.
APS turns Autodesk design data into something your whole business can use, not just CAD users.
APS or desktop API?
Use desktop APIs when users work inside the Autodesk product and need tools there. Use APS when people outside CAD need the data, when work must run on a server, or when you are building a web application. Many solutions use both.
APS services
See Autodesk Platform Services integration and Autodesk API integration services, and read the ACC integration guide.