Technical requirements
TwinWorks runs in the browser: there is nothing to install. This page lists what TwinWorks needs from the browser, the screen and the computer, the permissions some features ask for, and the files TwinWorks accepts.
Browser
- Use the latest version of your browser, with JavaScript on.
- The 3D views use the graphics card through the browser: WebGPU when the browser offers it, WebGL 2 otherwise. When a browser offers neither, the message "This device can't show 3D" appears in place of the 3D view, in the editors and in the procedure viewer: open TwinWorks, or the link you were given, in another browser or on another device.
- Allow cookies and local storage for the address where you open TwinWorks: your sign-in is kept in cookies, and choices such as the organization you work in are kept in the local storage of the browser.
- Keep a stable internet connection: TwinWorks loads and saves your work online.
Screen and device
- The editors of the product twin, of procedures and of documents are laid out for the wide window of a computer.
- You can follow a published procedure and read a published document on a phone or a tablet.
- In a window less than 768 pixels wide or less than 500 pixels high, the left sidebar is replaced by the Open menu button (three lines) at the top of the page.
- In a window less than 1280 pixels wide, the tables of Insights become lists.
Computer
- For editing, use a desktop or laptop computer with 8 GB of memory or more.
- Integrated graphics are enough for small 3D models. Large models are smoother with a dedicated graphics card.
- A 3D file is prepared in your browser when you add it, so a large file takes time and memory on your own computer. From 50 MB, the dialog shows a message with the size of the file, for example "Large file detected (120 MB) — processing may take several minutes. The page will remain active." Leave the dialog open until the processing ends.
- Close other tabs that draw 3D or video before you open a large model.
Browser permissions
Some features need a permission that the browser asks for the first time you use them. If you refused it once, allow it again in the site settings of the browser, usually behind the icon at the left of the address bar, then reload the page. On a phone or a tablet, the browser itself also needs the permission, in the settings of the device.
| Feature | Where | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Record with 3D and voice | Procedure editor, in the More ways to add steps menu. In a procedure without steps: 3D and voice, under Record a procedure. | Microphone |
| Record a video | Procedure editor, in the same menu. In a procedure without steps: Video, under Record a procedure. | Camera and microphone |
| Open camera, when a step result needs a photo | The procedure viewer, where a published procedure is followed: in the Step result dialog, when Photo reporting is on | Camera |
| Take a photo, to show the Assistant of the viewer what you see | The Assistant panel of the viewer | Camera |
| View in AR | The procedure viewer, on a procedure with steps prepared for augmented reality (AR) | Camera |
When a permission is missing, TwinWorks says so. A recording with 3D and voice that cannot start shows "Could not start recording" and, under it, "Make sure microphone access is allowed."; a video recording shows "Could not start video recording" and "Make sure camera and microphone access are allowed.", or "This browser cannot record video" when the browser cannot encode the video A camera that cannot open shows "Could not access your camera" and "Check your camera permissions."
One more permission is not in the table: exports, reports and QR codes are saved as files, so let the browser download files from TwinWorks, and several files in a row if it asks.
See Procedures for recording and for AR, Reporting for photos of a step, and Publishing for the Assistant of the viewer.
Files TwinWorks accepts
| For | Files |
|---|---|
| The 3D file of a product | STEP (.step, .stp) is best. Also GLB, glTF, FBX, OBJ, USDZ, USD and USDA, or a ZIP file that holds a STEP assembly or a glTF model. |
| The manuals and datasheets of a product | PDF when you create the product. PDF and Word (.docx) in the Sources section of the product. |
| Schematics and drawings | KiCad schematics (.kicad_sch, .sch), QElectroTech schematics (.qet, .xml), DXF drawings (.dxf) and SVG or PNG drawings (.svg, .png), in the Sources section of the product. |
| A video to generate a procedure from, or to show in a step | MP4, WebM, MOV or M4V |
| A picture in a step | JPEG, PNG or WebP |
| A picture for the Assistant of the viewer | JPEG, PNG or WebP |
| The logo of the organization | PNG or JPEG |
| A profile photo | PNG or JPEG |
A product does not need a 3D file: you can create it with its manuals and datasheets only and add the 3D file later. See Products.
If TwinWorks does not work on a setup that meets this page, see Contact.