In this video, we revisit that process and explore a modern alternative using Cadasio. The goal is simple: take a traditional, paper-based manual and recreate it as an interactive 3D experience.
From Static Images to Interactive 3D
The video begins by comparing an existing 2D paper manual for a set of drawers with a Cadasio project built directly from the CAD model. Using the Cadasio add-in inside SolidWorks, the model is uploaded and ready to be transformed into an interactive sequence of assembly steps.
Instead of painstakingly exporting static images, the creator works directly with the 3D data, adding movement, annotations, and clear instructions in an intuitive way. Since the product is already fully assembled in CAD, it’s actually faster to disassemble it inside Cadasio and then revers the steps to show the full build process.
What’s particularly impressive is how fluid this workflow feels. Arrows, text, and lines are automatically positioned and can be restyled instantly. Fonts, colours, and labels are easily customised, and annotations can be reused across multiple steps. Every change is live, every update immediate.
Building Steps that Tell a Story
Instruction manuals should tell a story, one step leading naturally to the next. Cadasio’s step-based approach captures this perfectly. As demonstrated in the video, you can hide components, re-use annotations, and even bulk-select elements like arrows or lines to quickly update their properties.
With around 30 steps needed for the full assembly of the drawer unit, it’s clear how valuable these shortcuts are. Even large, detailed projects remain easy to manage. Once the steps are complete, they can be reversed to create an assembly sequence instead of a disassembly one, ideal for building guides.
Sharing Instructions in Multiple Formats
One of Cadasio’s greatest advantages is flexibility in how you share your work. The main output is a dynamic, browser-based 3D presentation. Once published, it generates a shareable link and QR code, allowing anyone to view it on any device without installing additional software. Users can zoom, rotate, and explore the model interactively, making it far easier to understand than a series of static images.
But Cadasio doesn’t stop there. The same project can also be exported as an animated video, perfect for presentations, training, or online support. And if a printed manual is still required, the layout tool automatically generates a PDF directly from your existing project steps. There’s no need to recreate layouts in other software, saving even more time.
The seamless link between 3D and 2D outputs is a real game changer. Update a step in your 3D project and it’s instantly reflected in your 2D document.
Staying Up to Date with Your CAD Data
One of the most common frustrations in documentation is keeping instructions up to date when the CAD model changes. Traditionally, this would mean re-exporting every view and manually replacing all the images and annotations.
Cadasio solves this problem elegantly. When your CAD design is revised, simply update the project using the Cadasio add-in within your CAD system. The online presentation, video animations, and PDF layouts all stay synchronised with the latest geometry. No starting from scratch, no risk of outdated visuals, after a quick check and any required modifications are made simply republish.
A Comparison Worth Seeing
The final comparison in the video highlights just how far technical documentation has come. The original paper manual did its job, but it was static, time-intensive, and difficult to update.
The Cadasio version, on the other hand, is interactive, accurate, and connected to the source CAD data. It took a fraction of the time to produce and now powers multiple outputs, 3D, video, and PDF, all from one project.
That means faster turnaround times, fewer errors, and more engaging content for your end users.
Bringing Your Manuals to Life
Cadasio turns the traditional manual creation process on its head. Instead of spending days capturing, editing, and formatting static images, you can use your CAD data directly to build clear, dynamic, and interactive documentation.
It’s a smarter, faster way to communicate complex assembly processes and deliver a better experience for your customers, colleagues, and support teams alike.
Spend less time reworking your manuals and more time creating meaningful, visual experiences. Add a new dimension to your technical communications with Cadasio.
