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🏯 ZenExport v5.2

License Fusion 360 Python

The "Peace of Mind" Local Save Workflow for Fusion 360.

ZenExport is a Fusion 360 Add-In that replaces the native Cloud Save (Ctrl+S) with a powerful local asset manager. It forces a disciplined, organised folder structure on your hard drive, keeping your IP safe and your versions sane.

✨ Features that Spark Joy

  • 🚫 Ctrl+S Override: We intercept the native save command. No more "Cloud Save" dialogs. One press, one local backup.
  • 🧠 Smart Context Binding:
    • Setup a project once. ZenExport remembers which local folder belongs to which open tab (even "Untitled" ones!).
    • Switch tabs, press Save, and it goes to the right place. Every time.
  • 💾 Incremental Versioning: auto-saves as Project_v01.f3d, Project_v02.f3d... never overwriting history.
  • 🚀 Intelligent Hashing: Checks your design's DNA (Timeline, Bodies, Parameters). If nothing changed, it skips the save.
  • 📦 Full Package Export:
    • 📄 .f3d (Parametric Source)
    • 🛠️ .step (CAD Interchange)
    • 🗿 .stl (Resultant Mesh for every visible body)
    • 🖼️ _preview.png (Viewport Snapshot)
  • 📂 Auto-Open: Opens the project folder after every save so you can grab your files immediately.

🛠️ Installation

  1. Download this folder.
  2. Move it to your Fusion 360 API folder:
    • Windows: %APPDATA%\Autodesk\Autodesk Fusion 360\API\AddIns\
    • (Ensure the folder is named ZenExport and contains ZenExport.py inside)
  3. Restart Fusion 360.
  4. Go to Utilities > Scripts and Add-Ins, select ZenExport, and ensure Run on Startup is checked.

🎮 How to Use

1. The First Save (Initialization)

Open a new design. Press Ctrl+S.

  • ZenExport will ask: "Where should this project live?"
  • Select a parent directory (e.g., Desktop/MyProjects).
  • Confirm the Project Name (e.g., TurboEncabulator).
  • Action: It creates .../TurboEncabulator/CAD/v01/ and runs the export.

2. The Routine (Update)

Make some changes. Press Ctrl+S.

  • Action: ZenExport detects the design changes and instantly creates v02 in the same folder. No prompts.
  • If no changes were made, it tells you and skips the save.

3. The "Resume" (Context Awareness)

  • Close Fusion.
  • Re-open your TurboEncabulator_v02.f3d file.
  • Press Ctrl+S.
  • Action: ZenExport recognizes the file name and resumes saving to your existing project folder as v03.

4. Resolving "Untitled" Tabs

  • If you have an "Untitled" tab that you previously set up as "Project A":
  • ZenExport uses a GUID (Session ID) to remember it belongs to "Project A".
  • Pressing Save will correctly update "Project A".

📂 Folder Structure

ZenExport enforces this clean layout:

MyProject/
├── CAD/
│   ├── v01/
│   │   ├── MyProject_v01.f3d
│   │   └── MyProject_v01.step
│   └── v02/
│       ├── MyProject_v02.f3d
│       └── MyProject_v02.step
├── Models/
│   ├── ComponentA.stl
│   └── ComponentB.stl
└── _preview.png

⚠️ Known Limitations

  • Tabs stay "Untitled": Since we bypass the Cloud Save, Fusion 360 doesn't update the tab name. Rely on the file system names!
  • Local Only: This script does NOT upload to the Autodesk Cloud.

"Order is the sanity of the mind, the health of the body, the peace of the city."