Considering Autodesk Platform Services (APS), formerly Autodesk Forge?
xeoVision is a framework that brings together xeokit SDK, xeokit Data Engine, reusable solution components, and our advice and integration services. Build your business solution around your own infrastructure and requirements.
IFC models. Revit RVT & RFA files. xeokit Data Engine processes IFC models through xeoIFC, and Revit project files (RVT) and family files (RFA) through xeoRVT. [2] [3]
A focused comparison. This page compares the xeoVision framework with the APS cloud Model Derivative and Viewer approach for supplied IFC and Revit files. It does not compare every APS API or Autodesk desktop capability, or imply a drop-in replacement.
Bring the processing to your data.
Within the xeoVision framework, xeokit SDK provides model visualization and xeokit Data Engine handles file processing. Reusable application foundations, additional components and our advice and integration services connect these technologies to your business workflows.
Your supplied IFC, RVT and RFA files.
Process with the selected xeoIFC and xeoRVT components.
Store model outputs for viewing and downstream workflows.
Built with the xeoVision framework, with model viewing powered by xeokit SDK.
xeoRVT, part of xeokit Data Engine, reads RVT project files and RFA family files without requiring an APS connection, a Revit installation or an intermediate IFC export. Validate supported versions and extraction results with representative files. [3]
Design storage, retention, access, backups and update windows around your organization. Your team, partner or an agreed service operates the environment.
Combine ready-made project and model workflows with the implementation expertise needed to connect your business systems. Explore the framework →
Compare the approach.
Choose for your requirements.
Both approaches support custom BIM applications. The central distinction here is where processing runs and how the complete solution is assembled and operated.
| Your decision | xeoVision frameworkxeokit SDK + xeokit Data Engine + solution components + services | Autodesk Platform ServicesAPS cloud Model Derivative + Viewer approach |
|---|---|---|
| Where model processing runs | In your own environment. Deploy the selected xeokit Data Engine processors on supported infrastructure, including on-premises. A managed service is also an option. [2] | Model Derivative processing uses Autodesk’s cloud service. Autodesk’s current FAQ states that a private-cloud/self-hosted offering is not available. [1] |
| Application hosting and location | Choose your server, data centre or cloud region. Scope application and processing deployment against supported runtimes, licences and infrastructure requirements. [2] | Your custom application can be hosted separately; the processing service remains Autodesk-hosted. Cloud API availability varies by region. [5] [7] |
| Processed-data storage | Keep files and outputs on your infrastructure. Configure storage, access and retention together with the processing and application deployment. | Supported derivatives can be downloaded and stored on your infrastructure for local or offline viewing. This does not relocate the original cloud conversion service. [6] |
| Using the extracted data | Work with JSON, GLB and XKT outputs. Use selected outputs in the application and your reporting or integration workflows, subject to data rights and implementation scope. [2] [3] | Model Derivative provides translated models and metadata APIs. Derivative downloads are available; data extraction and reuse are also possible with APS. [4] |
| Operating responsibility | Control the environment for your solution. Deploy the selected framework components and agree ownership of capacity, security, retention, backups and update windows with your operations team or service partner. | Autodesk operates the cloud processing service. You remain responsible for your application, access controls, integrations and relevant data policies. [1] |
| Starting point and customization | Technology, reusable foundations and delivery expertise. Scope branding, workflows and integrations together. Application source-code access is a licensed add-on. Framework and source terms → | Developer APIs and Viewer SDK, with Autodesk resources and a certified partner ecosystem for custom solutions. [1] [5] |
| The complete cost | A solution-specific scope. Include component licences, source-code rights where needed, implementation, infrastructure, maintenance and support. | Free and usage-billed cloud API tiers, plus application development, hosting and support costs. Actual cost depends on the APIs and usage. [8] |
Self-hosting is an architectural choice, not a security certification or a promise of lower total cost. Compare the complete deployment and operating responsibilities. Sources reviewed on .
Start with your business priorities.
Start with the data boundary, access model and operating responsibilities. We can assess a deployment around your security and governance requirements.
Evaluate with your files.
Plan the complete solution.
Bring representative IFC and Revit files, your intended workflow and deployment requirements. Together, we can define a useful first release and the work needed to deliver it.
Check file versions, geometry, properties, relationships and the user experience with your actual data.
Validate compute, storage, access, licensing and integrations. Agree security, backups, monitoring and updates.
Define the application scope, source-code rights, implementation responsibilities and full operating cost.
xeoVision is a framework for creating business solutions. It brings together xeokit SDK, xeokit Data Engine, reusable solution components, advice and integration services. xeokit SDK remains the visualization foundation within that framework; xeoVision is neither a standalone application nor a replacement for xeokit SDK. The application is the solution you build with the framework.
xeokit Data Engine supports deployment in your environment. An offline or air-gapped solution requires an end-to-end review of licensing, authentication, dependencies, updates and integrations. Agree and validate that configuration before treating it as an operational commitment. [2]
No. This comparison covers processing supplied IFC and Revit files and using the results in a business application. It does not promise APS API compatibility, Autodesk authoring functionality or automatic migration. Creating or modifying source files may still require the relevant authoring tools and rights.
No. xeokit SDK offers AGPL-3.0 and commercial licensing. Source code for the framework’s application foundations is available as an add-on to a xeokit SDK licence; the agreement defines the delivered code and development rights. xeokit Data Engine and third-party components have separate terms. Read about the framework and licensing.
Tell us about the business challenge, your users and the systems you already have. We will help define a practical starting point and how to bring the solution to life.
Włodzimierz Kurpiński
CCO, Creoox AG
A 30-minute discovery call about your project, with no slides.
Book a discovery call ↗Prefer to write instead? Send us a message.
Reviewed
Prepared by Creoox AG, the provider of xeoVision, using the official product materials below and the framework scope described on this website. Products and terms can change; confirm the requirements and current terms for your project.
Cloud services, hosting options, regional availability, pricing and partner ecosystem.
IFC processing, outputs, own-environment deployment and runtime targets.
Direct RVT/RFA processing, outputs and independence from an Autodesk installation or APS.
Model translation, derivatives and metadata workflows.
Browser viewing and custom application development.
Downloading processed model data for local or offline viewing.
Regional availability of selected APS APIs, including Model Derivative.
Free and paid API tiers and usage-based billing.
This comparison is maintained by Creoox AG, the developer of xeokit and the xeoVision framework. Autodesk, Revit and the other Autodesk product names referenced here are trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Creoox AG and xeoVision are not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Autodesk. Product names identify the products discussed. This comparison applies only to the workflows and deployment options expressly described.
