Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a CAD system that enables communication between a first CAD application and a second CAD application in a manner providing associative interoperability is provided. In one illustrative example, a method is provided in at least one electronic device of communicating between a first CAD application and a second CAD application. The method begins by storing native data and a sub-set of native data. A plug-in is provided having an application program interface API and being accessible by the second CAD application. The plug-in conveys the sub-set of native data to the second CAD application. The system for carrying out the method includes a first CAD application and a second CAD application. Native data and a sub-set of native data relating to an object modeled on the first CAD application are stored in a first memory store.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a CAD system that enables communication between a first CAD application and a second CAD application in a manner providing associative interoperability is provided. In one illustrative example, a method is provided in at least one electronic device of communicating between a first CAD application and a second CAD application. The method begins by storing native data and a sub-set of native data. A plug-in is provided having an application program interface API and being accessible by the second CAD application. The plug-in conveys the sub-set of native data to the second CAD application. The system for carrying out the method includes a first CAD application and a second CAD application. Native data and a sub-set of native data relating to an object modeled on the first CAD application are stored in a first memory store.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a user of a computer aided design application to go back to a prior state in the design process of a modeled object without deleting the intermediate steps between that particular prior state and the final or current state. The method includes providing a modeled object in a current state. A rollback function is activated to provide a user with a representation of the modeled object in the prior state without deleting or altering the current state. The modeled object is modified in the prior state to result in a first alternate current state. The current state remains accessible by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for use with a CAD system that enables communication between a first CAD application and a second CAD application in a manner providing feature interoperability. In at least one electronic device, a method of sharing data between a first computer aided design (CAD) application and a second CAD application is provided. The method includes the first CAD application storing the data in the form of feature information and feature history relating to a modeled object. The second CAD application is provided with access to the feature information and feature history stored by the first CAD application. The second CAD application reads the feature information and the feature history stored by the first CAD application, such that the second application can evaluate, recreate, regenerate, and/or model the modeled object, the feature information, and the feature history.