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Use the CoLab Integration for PTC Creo Parametric

Learn how to sign in, upload models, and understand upload behavior when using the CoLab integration for Creo Parametric.

The CoLab integration for PTC Creo Parametric lets you upload CAD models directly from Creo to CoLab for design review and collaboration, without manual exports.

Prerequisites

Before using the integration, ensure that:

  • You have a valid CoLab account

  • You have access to at least one CoLab workspace

  • The CoLab integration is installed in Creo Parametric

Open the CoLab Integration

  1. Open your model in Creo Parametric

  2. Navigate to the Applications tab

  3. Click CoLab

This opens the CoLab window:

Sign In

  1. In the CoLab window, click Sign in with CoLab

  2. Your browser will open for authentication

  3. Enter your CoLab credentials

If prompted to authorize the integration:

  • Review the requested permissions

  • Click Accept

Once authentication is complete, close the browser window and return to

Creo.

Upload a Model

  1. Click CoLab

  2. Confirm the selected file

  3. Choose a Workspace from the dropdown list

  4. Click Upload to CoLab

After the upload completes:

  • Click Open in CoLab to view the model

  • Click Close to exit the dialog

  • Click Upload to Another Workspace to upload the same file elsewhere

ℹ️ Notes on Drawings and Family Table Instances

When uploading certain file types, preprocessing occurs before upload:

  • Drawings: Creo generates PDF files

  • Family Table Instances: Creo generates accelerator files

This may cause a short delay before the upload begins.

Signing Out

To sign out of the CoLab integration:

  1. Open the CoLab window

  2. Click Sign out in the top right corner

Limitations

  • Missing components are skipped silently
    If an assembly contains missing components, they are silently skipped and may result in incomplete or failed rendering in CoLab.

  • Inseparable assemblies and embedded components are not supported
    If an assembly is inseparable, or contains inseparable assemblies or embedded components, the upload is rejected.

  • Non-Creo files are not supported
    Assemblies containing CAD files in formats other than Creo (for example, using Creo Unite) are not supported.

  • Creo Design Exploration Extension (DEX) is not supported
    Files created using the DEX extension are not supported.

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