File Format Conversions

Checking in the document to Flow initiates an automatic conversion process. The automatic conversions ensure that all file formats are always up to date.

Several file formats require an optional license to enable conversion or viewing functionality. In some cases, system customization may also be necessary to support specific formats.

The following formats do not require an optional license:

Reference model
Lightweight model
GLB format

A free PDF viewer is available for installation on all hardware platforms supported by Flow. This ensures smooth and trouble-free viewing of PDF files across all devices.

Conversion format table of Vertex Flow:

Original format	File extension of the original format	Converted format	File extension of the converted format	Converter	Note
Microsoft Office	.doc, .ppt, .xls, .docx, .pptx, .xlsx	Portable Document Format	.doc, .ppt, .xls, .docx, .pptx, .xlsx	Neevia
Vertex Model	.vxm	3D Portable Document Format	.vxm	VertexG4
Vertex Model	.vxm	ISO 10303 Standard for the Exchange of Product model data	.step	VertexG4
Vertex Model	.vxm	Standard ACIS Text	.sat	VertexG4
Vertex Model	.vxm	Industry Foundation Classes	.ifc	VertexG4
Vertex Model	.vxm	Graphics Language Transmission Format (binary form)	.glb	VertexG4
Vertex Model	.vxm	Lightweight Vertex Model	(filename).vxm	VertexG4
Vertex Model	.vxm	Reference Vertex Model	[filename].vxm	VertexG4	Assemblies only
Vertex Drawing	.vxp	Portable Document Format	.pdf	VertexG4	Also enables the generation of PDF files in different languages, as well as the creation of PDF spare parts catalogs and manufacturing parts lists.
Vertex Drawing	.vxp	AutoCAD Drawing	.dwg	VertexG4	Multisheet drawings are not supported.
Vertex Drawing	.vxp	AutoCAD Drawing	.dxf	VertexG4	Multisheet drawings are not supported.
Vertex Drawing	.vxp	Scalable Vector Graphics (SolidWorks)	.svg	VertexG4	Multisheet drawings are not supported
AutoCAD Drawing	.dwg	Portable Document Format	.pdf	VertexG4
AutoCAD Drawing	.dwg	AutoCAD Drawing	.dxf	VertexG4
AutoCAD Drawing	.dwg	Scalable Vector Graphics (SolidWorks)	.svg	VertexG4
AutoCAD Drawing	.dxf	Portable Document Format	.pdf	VertexG4
AutoCAD Drawing	.dxf	Scalable Vector Graphics (SolidWorks)	.svg	VertexG4
Industry Foundation Classes	.ifc	Lightweight Vertex Model	(filename).vxm	VertexG4	Applies only to type Model (other)
ISO 10303 Standard for the Exchange of Product model data	.step, .stp	Lightweight Vertex Model	(filename).vxm	VertexG4	Applies only to type Model (other)
SolidWorks Model	.sldprt	Lightweight Vertex Model	(filename).vxm	VertexG4	Only if the STEP format is also returned to Flow along with the SolidWorks Model.

When a drawing or model is checked-in from G4 to Flow, the file formats are generated automatically or according to the selected options:

File conversions are generated automatically when checking in Vertex Drawings.

For Vertex Models, the desired file conversions are selected in the G4 return window. These selections are saved to the model’s object card in Flow. The selections can also be modified later in the model card in Flow, in which case the files are generated immediately after the changes. You can also extend the automation and make Flow generate always e.g. STEP and GLB files.

When a Lightweight STEP or SAT model file is included, Flow also generates a corresponding Lightweight Vertex Model.

File Conversions of Vertex Drawings

2D	Creates automatically	Creates according to the selected options
PDF	X
PDF English	X
PDF Spare part	X
SVG	X
DXF	X
DWG	X

File Conversions of Vertex Models

3D	Creates automatically	Creates according to the selected options
PDF	X (default)
IFC	*	X
STEP	*	X
SAT	*	X
Reference Model	*	X (from assembly)
Lighweigth Model	*	X
Lightweight STEP model	*	X
Lightweight SAT model	*	X
GLB	*	X

*) The keyword pdm.autogenerate.model.default.conversions can be used to extend the automation; for example, to automatically generate STEP and GLB files for all Vertex models.