As of March 2017, Autodesk has ended the sale of Showcase 3D Visualization and 3D presentation software to new customers. Autodesk provides several design visualization solutions for different industries, from in-product visualization to cloud visualization services.
Here are a few frequently asked questions:
Why is Autodesk discontinuing Showcase?
Autodesk Showcase is a solution for customers who need to evaluate aesthetic and design alternatives of 3D models. Autodesk has been improving the visual quality and usability of in-product visualization workflows and has introduced cloud-based visualization technologies. This change will allow Autodesk to invest more into modern cloud-based visualization workflows.
When will Showcase be discontinued?
- From March 21, 2017, Autodesk will no longer sell new or additional subscriptions of Showcase.
- Showcase will remain part of the 2017 Design Suites composition but will be removed from 2018 Design Suites. Showcase is not included in any industry collections.
- From February 1, 2018, Autodesk will no longer offer renewals of subscriptions or maintenance plans for Showcase or deliver any new versions or updates.
Can I continue to use Showcase after discontinuation?
Yes, if you have a perpetual license or a subscription, you may continue to use Showcase in accordance with those entitlements. You can continue to use your version of Showcase within your Design Suite, however direct access using Suite workflow to Showcase from within Autodesk products such as AutoCAD, Inventor and Revit may no longer be supported. If you wish to continue using Showcase with a newer version of a Design Suite, you may bring in data from newer CAD products using neutral formats such as STEP, IGES, FBX, or DXF to your version of Showcase.
What alternative solutions does Autodesk have for Showcase?
Autodesk provides various design visualization solutions to fulfil different needs and purposes for different industries.
| Industry |
Using Showcase with |
Use for Simple Visualization |
Use for Advanced Visualization |
| General |
AutoCAD Design Suite |
Rendering in A360#2 |
3ds Max#1 |
| AEC |
Building Design Suite |
Autodesk Revit Live#1 |
3ds Max#1 |
| Manufacturing |
Factory Design Suite |
Rendering in A360#2 |
3ds Max#1 |
| Plant |
Plant Design Suite |
Rendering in A360#2 |
3ds Max#1 |
| Manufacturing |
Product Design Suite |
Inventor in-product workflows |
3ds Max#1 |
| M&E |
3ds Max, Maya |
VRED Design#3 |
3ds Max#1 |
| Automotive |
Alias |
VRED Design#3
|
#1 Not included to all Suite editions. To use, you may need to purchase new subscription.
#2 To use, you may need to purchase Autodesk cloud credits.
#3 VRED Design can not open or import Showcase files
For more information on why Autodesk is discontinuing Showcase or on any of the alternative solutions Autodesk has for Showcase please do not hesitate to contact us here!https://www.symetri.ie/about-symetri/contact-us
