Improve file translation in process UI

raax

Hello ,

I would like to share a recent experience I had when importing files to Onshape, which I believe could be improved for better user experience, particularly when dealing with large files.

Today, I uploaded a small STEP file (a few hundred KB), and it parsed quite quickly without any issues. However, when I tried uploading an assembly STEP file (31MB), I encountered a significant delay — the translating took about 30 minutes. Initially, I assumed there was something wrong with my file, especially since the notification about file parsing remained static, which made me feel like the software had frozen.

Due to this, I repeatedly deleted the file and re-uploaded it, and I did not realize that the translation in process was just taking a long time. The notification was not informative enough and, once cleared, it left me uncertain about the file’s status. In the end, after reading the documentation and continuing my attempts, I finally realized that the process would simply take a long time.

While I now know to expect long processing times in the future, I think other users could benefit from clearer UI on such processes. Here are my suggestions:

1.Notification
The notification about file translating should remain visible and could not be delete until the process is complete. A loading animation or indicator should be added to the notification during translating, so users know that the system is working on their file.

2.File Status Information
A more explicit description of the file’s current state would be helpful in the page.

For example, it could state something like “Translation in progress”, so users can be more informed about what’s happening.

3.Estimated Time (Optional)
While I understand this might be difficult to implement, having an estimated processing time could be useful, especially for large files. This might not be necessary for smaller files, but for larger ones, a rough time estimate would help set user expectations.

Lastly, I’m curious about why the translating time in Onshape was significantly longer than in other software I’ve used, like Sharp3D or Fusion. In those programs, the same file translated much faster, even in Fusion’s cloud-based setup, which only took a few minutes. I would appreciate it if the team could investigate why the parsing in Onshape was slower and possibly make improvements.

NeilCooke

Hi @raax

Due to the architecture of Onshape, we would not be able to implement your suggestions because the translation service is asynchronous to the Onshape service. In practical terms, that means Onshape does not know how long it's going to take until the finished parts are added to the Document. It also means you can work in that Document or any other Document (or shut down your computer) while the translation is happening without any degradation of performance.

For systems like Fusion (which is a local install using your local resources) you have to sit and wait until it's finished.

Ste_Wilson

Perhaps then just a more informative box detailing what you have just said Neil, and who doesn't love a spinning wheel of monotony?

'Your document is being translated, this could take some time. Feel free to close this tab or continue working on other documents and you will be notified when it's done'

raax

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/107606#Comment_107606

I don't think so, Fusion uses remote resources to translate step file, and the file will have a loading icon when the file is not ready or translation in process, but Onshape can open it and then the page shown in Figure 2 appears. So I think it is necessary to improve the UI.

NeilCooke

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/107616#Comment_107616

OK, I stand corrected (last time I looked at Fusion was many years ago). The notifications panel is the only info we provide, so please feel free to create an improvement request in the category on the right —>