Issues with Importing and Exporting Photos and Videos in Onshape

robert_dan

Hello Onshape Community,

I'm reaching out for some help with an issue I'm experiencing related to importing and exporting photos and videos in Onshape. I'm hoping someone here can offer some guidance or solutions.

Problem with Importing Photos and Videos:

I've been trying to import photos and videos into Onshape to use them as references for my 3D designs. However, I'm encountering several problems:

1. The file formats: I’m not sure which photo and video formats are supported. Sometimes the files don't upload, and I suspect it might be due to format compatibility.

2. File size limitations: Some of my photos and videos are quite large, and I'm worried they might be exceeding the upload limits. Is there a specific size limit for files that I should be aware of?

3. Quality issues: When the photos and videos do upload, the quality sometimes seems reduced. I need high-resolution images and clear videos for accurate references.

Problem with Exporting Photos and Videos:

Once my designs are complete, I like to export images and video walkthroughs of the designs to share with clients and team members. Here are the issues I’m facing:

1. Export quality: The exported images and videos often don’t look as good as they do in Onshape. They appear pixelated or lose detail.

2. Export formats: Similar to the import issue, I’m unsure which formats are best for maintaining high quality when exporting. What are the recommended settings?

3. File management: Sometimes, managing the exported files becomes a hassle due to their size or format. Any tips on how to efficiently manage these files?

Additional Concerns:

1. Are there any plugins or add-ons that might help with these issues?

2. Any general tips on working with photos and videos in Onshape to ensure the best quality and compatibility?

I would greatly appreciate any advice or tips from those who have experience dealing with photos and videos in Onshape. Thank you in advance for your help🙂!

Best regards,

jonus_walt

Totally get where you're coming from — working with images and videos in Onshape can be kinda tricky. I’ve run into a few of these issues myself, so here’s what I’ve learned:

Import stuff:

1. Formats – For images, JPEG and PNG usually work fine. Video support is super limited though since Onshape isn’t really built for video editing or heavy media use. It's mostly CAD-focused.
2. File size – Yeah, there’s a size limit. I think it’s around 100 MB per file, but keeping things smaller helps avoid glitches. Try compressing without killing the quality.
3. Quality drops – Sadly, Onshape compresses some images to keep performance smooth. If you need really crisp references, maybe upload them somewhere else (like Google Drive) and just link to them while designing.

Export stuff:

1. Quality – The default image export can look a bit meh. Try using a higher resolution screen capture or snipping tool if you want better detail. For videos, recording a walkthrough using screen recording software (like OBS) gives you more control.
2. Formats – PNG for images is best (lossless), and for videos, again – it’s better to record externally than rely on built-in tools.
3. Managing files – Keep a separate folder system by project/client. Also, naming files clearly (like ProjectName_V1_topview.png) saves a ton of headaches later.

Extras:

• No killer plugins I know of specifically for media, but using tools like Loom, Snagit, or OBS Studio alongside Onshape really helps.
• For reference images, try inserting them into sketches as background images – it helps for tracing too!

Hope some of that helps! Let me know how it goes or if you find any good tricks. 😊

Cheers!