Autodesk Platform Services (APS)

Autodesk's cloud APIs for building apps on design and construction data.

Quick Answer

Autodesk Platform Services (APS), formerly known as Forge, is Autodesk's developer platform of cloud APIs and SDKs. It lets developers authenticate users, store and translate design files, display 2D and 3D models in a browser, automate design software in the cloud, and connect to data in Autodesk construction and design products.

The Full Picture

APS is the umbrella for Autodesk's web services for developers. Autodesk rebranded the Forge platform as Autodesk Platform Services, and its developer portal documents the current services. Applications built on APS reach Autodesk data and compute over HTTPS APIs rather than through desktop software.

The platform is organized into services. Authentication handles OAuth 2.0 sign-in and tokens. Data Management and related APIs reach files and projects in Autodesk cloud products. Model Derivative translates design files into viewable formats and extracts properties. The Viewer is a browser-based component for 2D and 3D models. Design Automation runs Autodesk engines such as Revit or AutoCAD headlessly in the cloud for batch jobs.

Construction-focused APIs for Autodesk Construction Cloud are reached through the same authentication and project plumbing, which is why APS is the starting point for most Autodesk integrations. Firms use it to build custom dashboards, embed model viewers in their own portals, and automate repetitive file processing.

APS is a developer platform, so using it takes programming skill and a registered application. Pricing and usage terms, including any metered services, are set by Autodesk and can change, so teams should review the current documentation before committing to a design.

Real Examples

→Embedded model viewer: A contractor builds an internal portal that uses the APS Viewer so staff can open a project's Revit model in a browser without installing desktop software.

→Batch file processing: A VDC team uses Design Automation to run the same Revit export routine across hundreds of files overnight instead of opening each one manually.

→Property extraction: An analyst uses Model Derivative to extract element properties from uploaded models and load them into a database for reporting.

Common Misconceptions

People assume: APS and Autodesk Forge are different products.

Actually: Autodesk renamed Forge to Autodesk Platform Services. Older articles and code samples may still use the Forge name for the same family of services.

People assume: APS is an app end users install.

Actually: APS is a set of developer APIs and SDKs. End users see its results only through applications that developers build on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Autodesk Forge?

Forge was the earlier name of Autodesk's cloud developer platform. It was rebranded as Autodesk Platform Services (APS), and the underlying services continue under the new name.

What can you build with APS?

Common builds include custom dashboards, browser-based model viewers, automated file translation and property extraction, cloud batch automation, and integrations with Autodesk Construction Cloud project data.

How does authentication work in APS?

APS uses OAuth 2.0. An application is registered with Autodesk and obtains tokens either for the application itself or on behalf of a signed-in user, depending on the data it needs.

Is APS only for Revit users?

No. It supports many file types and Autodesk products, though Revit and AutoCAD are common examples in Design Automation and model translation workflows.