Content Viewing System
What is the Content Viewing System?
Sutram includes a built-in content viewer that lets you preview, play, and interact with a wide variety of file formats and links directly in the browser, without needing to download files or install external software. Project teams can view documents, images, CAD models, videos, audio, and more — all within the project workspace.
The system is built with a privacy-first approach. External services like Microsoft Office 365 and Autodesk Platform Services (APS) are opt-in at the project level, giving project owners full control over how their data is handled.
Plan Requirements
Not all viewing features are available on every plan. Here's what's included:
| Feature | Basic | Pro | Plus | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal file viewer (PDF, text, code, data) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Image display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Office viewing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video/Audio link embedding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web link metadata | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Image file support with compression | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video file support with compression | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio file support with compression | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CAD/BIM file viewing (Autodesk) | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Markdown editor (AI-assisted) | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Content item comments | - | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Supported File Formats
Images
Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP
Images are displayed directly in the browser with full-resolution display, zoom and pan controls, and EXIF metadata extraction. No configuration needed.
Available on: All plans
PDF Documents
Format: .pdf
PDFs are rendered natively in the browser with search, page navigation, zoom controls, and download.
Available on: All plans
Markdown Files
Extensions: .md, .markdown
Markdown files are converted to HTML with syntax highlighting for code blocks, task lists, tables, footnotes, and auto-linked URLs. Size limit: 5 MB.
Available on: All plans
Microsoft Office Documents
Formats: Word (.docx, .doc), Excel (.xlsx, .xls), PowerPoint (.pptx, .ppt)
Office documents can be viewed using two strategies:
Option 1: Microsoft Office 365 Viewer (Cloud-Based)
- Full fidelity rendering — exactly as in Microsoft Office
- Excel supports multiple sheets, formulas, and charts
- PowerPoint supports animations and transitions
- Fast (no conversion delay)
Privacy note: The file URL is sent to Microsoft servers, where the file may be temporarily cached. Only enable this if your organization permits Microsoft cloud services.
How to enable: Go to Project Settings → Integrations → Microsoft Services → Toggle ON "Allow Microsoft Office 365 Viewer"
Option 2: LibreOffice Conversion (Privacy-Preserving)
When Microsoft services are disabled (the default), Office files are automatically converted to PDF locally on the server:
- Fully private — no data leaves your infrastructure
- Converted PDF is cached for instant subsequent views
- 1–5 second conversion delay on first view
Limitations: May lose some formatting. Excel files are paginated. PowerPoint animations are lost.
Available on: All plans
CAD/BIM/3D Files (50+ Formats)
Sutram supports industry-standard CAD file viewing through integration with Autodesk Platform Services (APS) — the same technology behind Autodesk's own cloud viewers.
Supported Formats
| Category | Formats |
|---|---|
| AutoCAD | DWG, DXF, DWT |
| Revit (BIM) | RVT, RTE (RFA not supported as standalone) |
| Inventor | IPT, IAM, IDW, IPN |
| Fusion 360 | F3D, F2D, F3Z |
| 3ds Max | MAX |
| Navisworks | NWD, NWF, NWC |
| Alias / VRED | WIRE, VPB |
| SolidWorks | SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW |
| CATIA V5 | CATPart, CATProduct, CGR |
| Siemens NX | PRT |
| Neutral | STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, STL |
| 3D Models | OBJ, FBX, GLTF, GLB, DAE |
| Other | DWF, DWFX, DGN, IFC (BIM) |
| ZIP Archives | ZIP (when containing CAD files, with setting enabled) |
How It Works
- Upload a CAD file to your project
- Conversion starts automatically in the background (typically 30 seconds to 5 minutes)
- A notification appears when the file is ready for viewing
- Click the file to open the full 3D viewer in the browser
Converted files are cached — uploading the same file again loads the viewer instantly.
Viewer Features
- 3D navigation: rotate, pan, zoom, fit-to-view
- Model tree: hierarchical component browser
- Properties panel: object metadata and attributes
- Measurement tools: distance, area, angle
- Section planes: cut-away views
- Exploded views: for assemblies
- Camera modes: orthographic and perspective
- Fullscreen mode
ZIP File Support
For complex models with multiple files and dependencies (linked Revit files, assemblies with external references, models with textures):
- Create a ZIP archive containing all model files
- Name the main file clearly (e.g.,
main.rvt,assembly.sldasm) - Upload the ZIP — Sutram sends it to APS, which auto-detects the main file
Requirement: "Include ZIP files in CAD conversion" must be enabled in Project Settings.
Setting Up Autodesk APS
This is a Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) integration. You provide your own Autodesk credentials, and APS usage is billed directly to your Autodesk account.
- Create an app at aps.autodesk.com (free tier: ~100 credits/month)
- Go to Project Settings → Integrations → Autodesk Services
- Toggle ON "Allow Autodesk CAD Viewer"
- Enter your Client ID and Client Secret
- Optionally enable "Auto-convert CAD files after upload" and "Include ZIP files in CAD conversion"
- Click Save
Available on: Pro plan and above
Text and Code Files
Plain Text
Extensions: .txt, .log, .conf, .cfg, .ini, .properties, .yaml, .yml, .toml, .rtf
Displayed with monospace font.
Code Files (40+ Languages)
Extensions: .js, .jsx, .ts, .tsx, .py, .rb, .ex, .exs, .java, .c, .cpp, .h, .go, .rs, .php, .sh, .sql, .html, .css, .vue, .svelte, .dart, .kt, .swift, and more.
Displayed with syntax highlighting, line numbers, and readable formatting.
Available on: All plans
Structured Data Files
| Format | Features |
|---|---|
CSV (.csv) |
Interactive table with column headers and sortable columns |
JSON (.json) |
Pretty-printed with syntax highlighting, collapsible objects |
XML (.xml) |
Pretty-printed with tag highlighting |
Available on: All plans
Video Links (Embedded)
Supported Platforms:
- YouTube (
youtube.com,youtu.be) - Vimeo (
vimeo.com) - Dailymotion (
dailymotion.com,dai.ly) - Wistia (
wistia.com,wi.st) - Loom (
loom.com) - TikTok (
tiktok.com,vm.tiktok.com,vt.tiktok.com)
Features: Embedded player, watch progress tracking (resume where you left off), duration display, thumbnail previews, platform metadata, fullscreen support.
How to add: Click "Add Video Link" in your project content, paste the URL, and Sutram automatically detects the platform and fetches metadata.
Available on: All plans
Audio Links (Embedded)
Supported Platforms:
- Spotify: Tracks, albums, playlists, podcasts
- SoundCloud: Tracks and playlists
- Apple Podcasts: Episode links
- Podcast Platforms: Anchor, Fireside, Buzzsprout, Podbean, Simplecast, Transistor, Megaphone
- Custom Audio URLs: Direct MP3, OGG links
Features: Embedded player, artwork display, artist metadata, duration, playback controls.
How to add: Click "Add Audio Link" in your project content and paste the URL.
Available on: All plans
Web Links
Any HTTP/HTTPS URL can be added as a content item. Sutram automatically fetches the page title, description, and favicon for display. Clicking the link opens it in a new tab.
How to add: Click "Add Web Link" in your project content and paste the URL.
Available on: All plans
Uploading Files
How It Works
- Click Upload Files or drag and drop files into your project
- The system validates file size against your plan limits
- Files upload directly to storage with a progress bar
- After upload, files are automatically processed based on type:
- Images, videos, audio (Pro+): Compressed/optimized in the background
- CAD files (Pro+): Sent for conversion via Autodesk APS
- Office files: Converted to PDF on first preview (if Microsoft viewer is disabled)
- A notification appears when processing is complete
- All project members see the new file in real-time
File Status
- Uploading: File is being uploaded
- Processing: Compression or optimization in progress
- Converting: CAD conversion via Autodesk in progress
- Ready: File is ready for viewing and download
Previewing Content
Preview Modal
Click any content item to open the preview modal. The modal adapts to the content type:
- Files (images, PDFs, Office, CAD): Inline viewer with download button
- Video/Audio links: Embedded player
- Web links: Opens in a new tab with metadata preview
Navigation
- Arrow keys: Navigate between items (left/right)
- ESC: Close the modal
- F: Toggle fullscreen
- Download button available for all file types
Real-Time Conversion
For CAD and Office files that require conversion:
- The modal shows a "Converting..." indicator
- Conversion happens in the background
- When complete, the viewer loads automatically — no page refresh needed
- You can leave the modal open and watch the conversion complete
Downloading Files
- Click the Download button in the preview modal or content list
- The browser downloads the file with its original filename
- Download links expire after 1 hour for security
Configuring Integrations
All external service integrations are controlled per project in Project Settings → Integrations.
Microsoft Office 365 Viewer
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Allow Microsoft Office 365 Viewer | Off | Enables cloud-based Office viewing with full fidelity |
No credentials needed. When disabled, Office files fall back to local PDF conversion.
Autodesk Platform Services (CAD Viewer)
| Setting | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Allow Autodesk CAD Viewer | Yes | Master toggle for CAD viewing |
| Client ID | Yes | Your APS Client ID |
| Client Secret | Yes | Your APS Client Secret (encrypted in database) |
| Bucket Name | No | Custom bucket name (auto-generated if blank) |
| Auto-convert CAD files | No | Convert CAD files immediately on upload |
| Include ZIP in CAD conversion | No | Process ZIP files containing CAD files |
Validation rules:
- Credentials are required when the CAD Viewer is enabled
- ZIP support requires auto-conversion to be enabled first
Troubleshooting
"Preview not available for this file type"
The file format is not supported. Download the file and open it in the appropriate application.
"File too large for preview"
Text and code files have a 5 MB preview limit. Download the file instead.
"CAD Viewer Not Configured"
Autodesk APS credentials are missing. Go to Project Settings → Integrations → Autodesk Services and enter your Client ID and Client Secret.
"Office document conversion failed"
Try enabling Microsoft Office 365 Viewer in Project Settings for better compatibility. If using LibreOffice conversion, the file may be corrupted — try re-uploading.
Video/Audio link shows "Invalid URL"
Verify the URL is valid. Try copying it directly from the platform (not a shortened link).
CAD conversion stuck
Wait up to 10 minutes for complex models. Refresh the page. Check Autodesk service status at status.autodesk.com. Try re-uploading the file.
File Size Limits
| Content Type | Preview Limit | Upload Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Images | No limit | Plan-dependent |
| No limit | Plan-dependent | |
| Markdown | 5 MB | Plan-dependent |
| Code/Text | 5 MB | Plan-dependent |
| Office | No limit | Plan-dependent |
| CAD | No limit | Plan-dependent |
| Video/Audio links | N/A | N/A (links only) |
Upload limits depend on your subscription plan:
- Basic: 10 MB per file
- Pro: 500 MB per file
- Plus: 1 GB per file
- Max: 2 GB per file
Complete Format Support Matrix
| Category | Formats | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Images | JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP | None |
| None | ||
| Markdown | MD, MARKDOWN | None |
| Office | DOCX, DOC, XLSX, XLS, PPTX, PPT | Project setting (optional) |
| CAD (2D) | DWG, DXF, DWF, DWFX | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| CAD (3D) | STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, FBX, GLTF, GLB, DAE | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| BIM | RVT, IFC, NWD, NWF, NWC | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| SolidWorks | SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| CATIA | CATPart, CATProduct, CGR | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| Inventor | IPT, IAM, IDW, IPN | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| Fusion 360 | F3D, F2D, F3Z | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| 3ds Max | MAX | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| Revit | RVT, RTE | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| Alias / VRED | WIRE, VPB | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| Siemens NX | PRT | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| Navisworks | NWD, NWF, NWC | APS credentials (Pro+) |
| Code | JS, TS, PY, RB, EX, and 35+ more | None |
| Data | CSV, JSON, XML | None |
| Text | TXT, LOG, CONF, YAML, TOML, RTF, etc. | None |
| Video Links | YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, TikTok, Wistia, Loom | None |
| Audio Links | Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, and 7 more | None |
| Web Links | Any URL | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I preview files without downloading them? A: Yes, most file types can be previewed directly in the browser. Only unsupported formats require downloading.
Q: Is my data sent to external services? A: Only if you explicitly enable it. Microsoft Office 365 Viewer and Autodesk APS are opt-in per project. When disabled, all processing happens locally on the Sutram server.
Q: Why does my CAD file take so long to load? A: CAD files need to be converted to a web-viewable format by Autodesk. This typically takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on complexity. Once converted, subsequent views are instant (cached).
Q: Why does my Excel file look different in the preview? A: If the Microsoft Office 365 Viewer is disabled, Excel files are converted to PDF locally, which may lose some formatting (formulas shown as values, wide sheets paginated). Enable the Office 365 Viewer in Project Settings for full fidelity.
Q: Do I need to pay for Autodesk APS? A: Autodesk offers a free tier (~100 credits/month). For higher usage, you subscribe directly with Autodesk. Sutram does not charge for APS usage — you use your own credentials (BYOK model).
Q: What happens to CAD conversions when I delete a file? A: When a file is permanently deleted (from trash), the associated Autodesk resources are automatically cleaned up.
Q: Can I view files on mobile? A: Yes, all viewers work on modern mobile browsers (iOS Safari, Android Chrome). Very large CAD models may have reduced performance on mobile devices.
Q: Where can I see my video watch progress? A: Video links track your watch progress automatically. When you reopen a video, it resumes from where you left off.