Thanks for all the detailed feedback! Let me address each of your points — this will be a bit long since you raised some really good questions!
Re: Offline vs Browser-based
Great question! I totally understand the concern about hardware utilization and privacy. Let me clarify how AssemFX actually works:
AssemFX runs 100% locally in your browser — all the heavy processing (3D rendering, model manipulation, export generation) happens on your CPU/GPU, not on a server.
Think of browser-based 3D apps like:
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Sketchfab (3D model viewer with millions of polygons)
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Tinkercad (full 3D CAD modeling in browser)
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Onshape (professional CAD, entirely browser-based)
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Browser games like Halo Infinite (Cloud Gaming) or any WebGL-based games that render complex 3D graphics locally
Modern browsers are incredibly capable for graphics-intensive work. Your CPU/GPU do all the heavy lifting — the browser is just the platform, like how Steam is a platform for launching games that run on your hardware.
Pros of browser-based:
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Zero installation — works immediately on any computer (Windows, Mac, Linux, even Chromebook)
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No separate viewer app needed — the same app used for editing is also used for viewing. Viewers just get limited access to the source files, so they can’t modify your original work
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Always up-to-date — you automatically get the latest features without manual updates
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Cross-platform — start a project on your work PC, continue on your laptop at home, no compatibility issues
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Lower barrier to entry — no admin rights needed to install, no IT approval required
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Privacy maintained — your files stay on your machine unless you explicitly save to the cloud in order for others to view it
Privacy & Control specifically:
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Your projects are stored locally in your browser’s storage by default
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As a creator, you get a secured account where you can choose to publish your guide publicly or keep it hidden
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Cloud save is optional and only happens when you explicitly choose to save or share
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All 3D processing happens client-side
The only thing that requires internet is loading the app initially and optional cloud features. Once loaded, you could even disconnect and keep working (though saves would be local-only).
Re: Zoom motion for close-up assembly
Excellent suggestion! This is actually already built into AssemFX. When you play through an assembly guide in Presentation mode, the camera automatically zooms and positions to focus on the active part being assembled. You don’t need to understand complicated camera manipulation in the app. It’s just a click of a button!
So if you’re assembling a 10mm clip onto a 250mm body, the camera will zoom in tight on that clip installation step, then zoom back out for the next part. Makes it much easier to see what’s happening with small details.
Re: Bolt/screw libraries with size annotations
100% agreed — hardware libraries are definitely on the roadmap! The plan is to include common fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts, washers) with automatic callouts for size/type (like “M3x12 socket head cap screw”). This would save a ton of time vs modeling every fastener individually.
This ties into the broader component library system I’m planning. Appreciate the feedback — confirms this is a high-priority feature!
Re: Black outlines like Fusion 360
Great eye for detail! AssemFX actually includes customizable edge rendering. In the preferences panel, you can choose an outline color — including crisp black outlines just like Fusion 360 uses, or any other color that works best for your parts.
I set the default to a subtle glow since it works well across different part colors, but you’re absolutely right that strong black lines can make edges pop and improve readability. This gives you full control to match your visual preferences. And there are more planned customizations that will be available to the user.
Re: .obj and .step import
Great minds think alike! You’re absolutely right about the workflow benefits. Here’s the current status:
Currently supported:
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STL — universal format, every CAD program exports it
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3MF — preserves colors and metadata, standard for modern 3D printing workflows (BambuLab, Prusa, etc.)
What’s awesome: AssemFX already supports and preserves the original placement coordinates of .stl and .3mf files upon import! So if you export your full assembly from CAD with parts already positioned, they’ll land in AssemFX exactly where they belong.
This is actually the recommended workflow:
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Import your pre-positioned assembly
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Use the Smart Explode feature to automatically separate parts
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Add messages and callouts
3 steps to a finished assembly guide! The Smart Explode feature analyzes your assembly and creates separation animations automatically, saving massive amounts of time.
.obj and .stp are both on the roadmap to expand format support even further, but the workflow you’re describing already works great with .stl and .3mf today.
Re: Dark mode
You’re absolutely right — dark mode is on the roadmap! It’s pretty much non-negotiable for any modern app, especially one where users might spend hours building assembly guides.
In the meantime, most browsers have extensions that can force dark mode on websites if the bright interface bothers you. Not perfect, but a temporary workaround until native dark mode ships.
Re: Electronics libraries (wiring, boards, etc.)
Love the forward-thinking! This ties directly into the hardware library concept. Once the base library system is in place (fasteners, common components), expanding it to include electronics becomes a natural next step:
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Arduino/Raspberry Pi boards
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Common connectors (USB, JST, headers)
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Wiring harnesses with routing visualization
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Generic component shapes (motors, servos, sensors)
It’s a perfect fit for projects that combine mechanical and electrical assembly — think consumer electronics teardowns, robotics builds, IoT device guides, etc.
Really appreciate you thinking long-term about where this could go. That’s exactly the kind of vision that helps prioritize features!
You clearly have a great understanding of the workflow — would you be interested in beta testing?
Your feedback is incredibly detailed and spot-on with where AssemFX is headed. I’d love to get you early access before the general invite drop. As a bonus, you could immediately start publishing your own assembly guides as part of the testing process.
Want to see these features in action first? Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll get you set up! Thanks for the excellent feedback!
at some point someone will come asking for dark mode (you cant go wrong with dark mode).
