The autosave feature in 3CAD Next automatically saves your project while you work in the configurator. It helps prevent accidental data loss during long or complex design sessions, without interrupting your workflow.
| Autosave runs in the background and ensures your work can be recovered if the session ends unexpectedly, such as after a browser refresh or accidental closure. It generates a backup on the user's device without affecting the project's .json file. |
Feature description
Autosave automatically stores your project at key moments and at regular intervals.
Key characteristics:
Enabled by default for all users, does not affect performance
Based on a fixed timer. It creates a local backup of the project on the user’s machine
Runs silently in the background, and it does not modify the project JSON until the user manually saves
If the session is interrupted (even after a page refresh), users are prompted to restore the latest local backup.
Autosave behavior varies slightly depending on whether you are logged in or working as a guest.
Guest users
If you are not logged in:
Projects are saved in the browser’s local storage
A recovery pop-up is shown when reopening the app
No login is required
Logged-in users
If you are logged in:
Autosaved projects are linked to your user account
Guest work can be recovered after login
Autosaves are isolated per user.
Automatic save triggers
Your project is saved automatically in the following situations:
When entering the configurator
After project start.
During the session
The project is saved at regular intervals while you continue working.
Note! The project is automatically saved without name and ID, and with unsaved status if it has not been manually saved. After a manual save, autosaves retain the assigned project ID, name, and status.
Project recovery
When an autosaved project is available, you will see a recovery popup with the following options:
Yes – load the autosaved project.
Delete autosaved project – permanently remove the saved data.
No – close the popup without taking action. The autosaved project will be retained until you start a new project. After starting a new project, the new project will be autosaved, overwriting the previous one.
Recovered projects retain the correct project ID and status if they have been assigned one with a manual saving.
Tips for best use
Keep autosave enabled during long or complex projects to reduce the risk of data loss
If you disable autosave temporarily, remember it will be reactivated automatically in the next session
For guest users, avoid clearing browser data before recovering an autosaved project
Technical requirements
The autosave feature is enabled by default. You can disable it permanently or customize the auto-save interval in the Config.json file. See the article Technical setup for project autosave for detailed guidance.