Cloud beta lets non‑Revit users append and write custom model properties

Autodesk opens beta for AEC Data Model GraphQL extensibility and rolls out Content Catalog integration

Software updates this week introduce a new way for project teams to add and edit model information without opening or changing the original BIM authoring file. The headline is a public beta for the AEC Data Model API with GraphQL extensibility, which lets users append and write custom properties to model elements via APIs and product interfaces. Alongside that, a cloud‑based Content Catalog (the integrated version of UNIFI Pro) is available to Autodesk Docs subscribers in the US data region at no extra cost. The announcement also summarized product notes for AutoCAD and included separate industry M&A news about a prefabrication software acquisition.

What the new AEC Data Model extensibility does

The beta builds on a prior change that unlocked element‑level data from authoring files, making individual element data readable outside the BIM model. The new step adds the ability to extend that element data and to write back custom properties, both through APIs and inside cloud product interfaces. That means project contributors who do not use the primary authoring tool can now add project data to model elements without editing or copying data into the original Revit file.

Why this matters to project teams

Modern AECO projects require more and larger sets of information than older workflows handled. Relying on a single, solitary BIM file as the main store for every piece of project data is becoming impractical. By enabling external data to be appended to model elements, teams can avoid bloating the native model file and can better protect intellectual property when sharing models with external parties. An example use case is linking cost figures from a contractor’s estimating database to specific elements without embedding those numbers in the Revit file.

How the capability is delivered

The extensibility is offered through the AEC Data Model API beta that includes GraphQL support. Users can already read and report properties with existing API functionality; the beta moves beyond read‑only access so authorized systems and users can write data back to the model data layer in the cloud. Autodesk also surfaced a product interface option so some actions are possible inside Autodesk Construction Cloud experiences, not just via code.

Access, governance and collaboration

The AEC data model is positioned as a cloud‑native layer for collaborative definition of model data. It runs inside Autodesk Docs and extends Docs from file‑level collaboration into granular data permissions, management, and sharing. The capability has been activated on more than 40,000 projects since its 2024 launch and is available to all Autodesk Docs subscribers. A public roadmap lists strategic focus areas and allows users to explore plans and vote on future functionality.

Beta process and customer input

The company is running an extensibility public beta that provides early access for testing and feedback before general release. Interested participants sign up for the beta via an opt‑in that subscribes them to an AEC newsletter and acknowledges the vendor privacy statement. Customer feedback during the beta is an intended input to refine how write capabilities and integrations behave across project workflows.

Content Catalog (UNIFI Pro integration)

Content Catalog is a cloud‑based digital asset manager designed to centralize BIM content, versioning, and access. The integration takes UNIFI Pro into the vendor’s product line as an official Content Catalog and aims to reduce time spent searching for families and other assets by providing a single, indexed source of vetted content inside the common data environment. At launch the feature is available at no additional cost to Autodesk Docs subscribers who store their data in the US data storage location. EU and Australia storage locations will be supported later.

AutoCAD and other product notes

The announcement also summarized AutoCAD capabilities and updates: 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools, automation for repetitive tasks, toolsets for industry specialties, and integration with cloud workflows. Several AI features and productivity tools were noted, along with details about cross‑platform support (desktop, web, mobile) and licensing limits for subscriptions. Performance claims cited studies commissioned by an outside consultant and were presented with standard caveats that results may vary.

Industry and integration context

The overall material bundled product news with industry activity. One embedded item covered an acquisition that strengthens modular and off‑site construction software offerings, noting how labor shortages and industrialized construction trends are increasing adoption of prefabrication tools. The acquisition item described customer reach and integrations with other project platforms.

Availability and next steps

The GraphQL extensibility beta is open to early testers via sign‑up. Content Catalog is available to Autodesk Docs subscribers in the US region at no extra cost, with wider regional availability promised later. The public roadmap, knowledge base, demo videos, and guidance on activating the AEC data model on a hub are published as part of the product materials for teams that want to try the new capabilities.

Technical and legal notes

Product information is subject to change. Some features rely on AI or machine learning and will document data use and transparency details in trust‑center resources. Standard legal and privacy links, and regional data‑residency constraints, apply to the beta and product access.