What are the best practices for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback?

If you are an automotive designer, you know how important it is to create and share 3D models of your concepts and prototypes. But how do you manage the feedback and revisions that come from different stakeholders, such as clients, engineers, or managers? How do you ensure that you are working on the latest version of your model, and that you can track the changes and comments that have been made? In this article, we will explore some of the best practices for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback, and how they can help you improve your workflow and collaboration.

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1 Use a cloud-based platform

One of the easiest ways to manage version control in 3D modeling feedback is to use a cloud-based platform that allows you to store, sync, and share your models online. This way, you can access your models from any device, and you can invite others to view, comment, or edit your models in real time. You can also set permissions and roles for different users, so that you can control who can make changes and who can only see them. Some examples of cloud-based platforms for 3D modeling are Autodesk Fusion 360, Sketchfab, and Onshape.

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2 Follow a naming convention

Another best practice for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback is to follow a consistent and clear naming convention for your files and folders. This will help you avoid confusion and duplication, and make it easier to find and organize your models. A good naming convention should include information such as the project name, the model name, the version number, the date, and the author. For example, you could name your file as Car_Project_Model_A_v2_2021_09_01_John.dwg.

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Bilal Urwani

B. Sc. Business Administration and Economics | Game Developer & 3D-Designer
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I really like naming conventions, but I usually don't bother setting strict rules for them. When you're working with others, though, it's important to have some guidelines in place to avoid confusion. Even if you're working alone, having some naming conventions can be helpful. But don't make things too complicated, especially if it's just for your own comfort and you don't need long, elaborate conventions (like the ones used here as an exmaple by LinkedIn ;)).

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3 Use version history and comments

A third best practice for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback is to use the version history and comments features of your cloud-based platform or software. Version history allows you to see the changes that have been made to your model over time, and to revert to a previous version if needed. Comments allow you to communicate with your collaborators, and to provide or receive feedback on specific parts of your model. You can also use tags, mentions, or emojis to make your comments more effective and engaging.

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4 Use branches and merges

A fourth best practice for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback is to use branches and merges. Branches are copies of your model that you can create to work on different features or variations, without affecting the main model. Merges are the process of combining the changes from different branches into the main model, or into another branch. This way, you can experiment with different ideas, and compare and contrast them, without losing your original work. You can also resolve any conflicts that may arise from merging different branches, such as overlapping or incompatible changes.

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5 Use visual tools and annotations

A fifth best practice for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback is to use visual tools and annotations to enhance your communication and collaboration. Visual tools are software or applications that allow you to view, manipulate, and analyze your 3D models in different ways, such as zooming, rotating, measuring, or rendering. Annotations are notes or symbols that you can add to your 3D models to highlight or explain certain aspects, such as dimensions, materials, or functions. Some examples of visual tools and annotations are Autodesk Viewer, Blender, and 3D Markup.

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6 Review and test your models

A sixth and final best practice for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback is to review and test your models before you finalize them. Reviewing your models means checking them for accuracy, completeness, and quality, and making sure that they meet the specifications and requirements of your project. Testing your models means simulating or evaluating their performance, functionality, and feasibility, and identifying any issues or errors that need to be fixed. You can use various tools and methods to review and test your models, such as CAD checkers, 3D printing, or virtual reality.

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Bilal Urwani

B. Sc. Business Administration and Economics | Game Developer & 3D-Designer
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This tip is super important, especially for things like printing, animation, or games. Always test, test, test your work. Unless you've got access to a super powerful computer like they do at Google, you'll want to make sure your model is running smoothly. Otherwise, you might find your homeowner kicking you out while your animation is still rendering before sending it to the client. For games, keep an eye on the frames per second to make sure everything's running smoothly. Again, otherwise, you might end up having to redo a bunch of stuff later on.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Bilal Urwani

B. Sc. Business Administration and Economics | Game Developer & 3D-Designer
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Always use version control. Even if it's something easy that can be re-done fairly quickly. Yes it might, but usually in these cases and if its not just experimenting I use local version control like Github Desktop.

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What are the best practices for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback?

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1 Use a cloud-based platform

2 Follow a naming convention

3 Use version history and comments

4 Use branches and merges

5 Use visual tools and annotations

6 Review and test your models

7 Here’s what else to consider

Automotive Design

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What are the best practices for managing version control in 3D modeling feedback?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Use a cloud-based platform

2 Follow a naming convention

3 Use version history and comments

4 Use branches and merges

5 Use visual tools and annotations

6 Review and test your models

7 Here’s what else to consider

Automotive Design

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