CAD Revision Checklist
A clear revision helps prevent confusion when an existing CAD file needs to be updated.
Whether you are changing a dimension, moving a hole, updating a profile, or preparing a revised version of a drawing, the requested changes should be clearly identified.
Use this checklist before submitting a CAD modification or revision request to SYNCCAD.
1. Confirm the Source File
Before requesting a revision, make sure you are using the correct source file.
Check:
- File name
- Revision number
- Revision date
- Drawing number, if applicable
- Current CAD version
- Related reference files
If multiple versions exist, clearly identify which file should be modified.
2. Identify What Needs to Change
Describe each requested change clearly.
Examples include:
- Change a dimension
- Move a hole
- Add a hole
- Remove a feature
- Change a profile
- Modify a slot
- Update a mounting pattern
- Change a simple 3D feature
- Update drawing information
Avoid relying only on a general instruction such as “please update the CAD.”
3. Mark the Changes
A marked-up drawing or image can make revisions easier to understand.
Useful markup may include:
- Arrows
- Circles
- Revision clouds
- Dimension changes
- Notes
- Before/after references
For example:
Hole diameter: 8 mm → 10 mm
This is much clearer than simply stating that the hole needs to be changed.
4. Check Dimensions
Review the dimensions associated with the requested changes.
Check:
- Overall dimensions
- Feature dimensions
- Hole diameters
- Hole locations
- Spacing
- Thickness
- Angles
- Radii
- Internal dimensions
Make sure the new dimensions are unambiguous.
5. Check Units
Confirm whether the dimensions are in:
- Millimeters
- Inches
- Another specified unit
Do not assume that the unit is unchanged if the revised reference comes from another source.
6. Check Geometry
Before submitting the revision, identify all geometry affected by the requested change.
For example, moving a hole may affect:
- Hole spacing
- Edge distance
- Nearby features
- Mounting interfaces
- Related drawing dimensions
The scope should make clear which related features should or should not change.
7. Check Related References
If the revision depends on another component, drawing, or file, include the relevant reference.
Examples:
- Matching component
- Assembly reference
- Mounting pattern
- Existing enclosure
- Related drawing
- Previous CAD version
This can help clarify the intended relationship between the files.
8. Confirm the Desired Output
Specify what you want delivered after the revision.
For example:
- Revised STEP file
- Revised STL file
- Revised DXF
- Revised DWG
- Updated PDF drawing
- Another agreed format
The required output should be clear before the scope is confirmed.
9. Check the Revision Description
A useful revision description should answer three questions:
What is changing?
Where is it changing?
What should the new result be?
For example:
Change the four mounting holes from Ø6 mm to Ø8 mm while keeping their existing center locations.
This gives a much clearer revision instruction than:
Make the holes bigger.
10. Check for Conflicting Information
Before submitting, compare the references you intend to provide.
Look for:
- Different dimensions
- Different hole locations
- Different thicknesses
- Different geometry
- Different revision numbers
- Different units
If references conflict, identify which information should take priority.
Use this quick checklist before submitting:
- Correct source file selected
- Correct revision identified
- Requested changes clearly described
- Changes marked where useful
- New dimensions specified
- Units confirmed
- Related geometry identified
- Supporting references attached
- Conflicting information resolved
- Required output format specified
Example Revision Request
A clear revision request could look like this:
Source:
Mounting_Plate_Rev_B.step
Change:
Move the two upper mounting holes 5 mm toward the center.
Hole size:
Keep existing hole diameter.
Reference:
See attached marked-up drawing.
Output:
STEP.
This provides a defined starting point for scope review.
“Make It Like the New Drawing”
If the new drawing contains several changes, identify which changes should be applied to the CAD file.
Multiple Source Files
Submitting several similar CAD files without identifying the current revision can create uncertainty.
Unclear Before-and-After Dimensions
A revision should clearly state the existing condition and the desired result when necessary.
Unmarked Images
A photograph can show the desired change, but it may not identify the exact feature to modify.
Changes Affecting Other Features
A modification may have consequences for related geometry. If the intended relationship is important, describe it in the request.
1. Submit the Source File
Provide the existing CAD file or drawing that should be revised.
2. Provide Revision Instructions
Explain exactly what should change and provide marked-up references when useful.
3. Review the Scope
SYNCCAD reviews whether the requested changes can be clearly defined from the supplied information.
4. Confirm Scope and Price
If eligible, the $48 Simple CAD Job scope and price are confirmed before payment.
More complex or unclear revisions may require additional review and a custom quote.
5. Complete Payment and References
CAD preparation begins only after payment is received and all required references and information are complete.
6. Deliver the Revised File
For eligible Simple CAD Jobs, the target delivery time is 48 hours after payment and receipt of all required information.
A CAD revision is based on the supplied source file, instructions, and references.
SYNCCAD does not independently validate:
- Engineering design intent
- Structural performance
- Safety
- Material suitability
- Manufacturing compatibility
- Final tolerances
- Assembly performance
- Product performance
The customer remains responsible for confirming that the revised CAD file represents the intended design.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company.
Yes, provided the changes are clearly defined and the overall request fits the confirmed scope.
Can a DWG file be converted to DXF?
This may be possible depending on the source file, required output, and supported workflow. Some drawing information or application-specific features may not transfer exactly.
It is recommended when the changes are not immediately obvious from the written instructions.
Eligible modifications to existing CAD files can be reviewed.
Identify the exact source revision that should be used.
The conflicting information should be resolved before the scope is confirmed. Identify which reference represents the intended design.
Yes, eligible CAD revision requests can be reviewed for the required output format.
No. The $48 price applies only to eligible, clearly defined Simple CAD Jobs.
For an eligible Simple CAD Job, the 48-hour period begins after payment is received and all required references and information are complete.
Related Resources
- Preparing a CAD Request
- CAD File Requirements
- How to Choose a CAD Format
- CAD File Modification
- Simple CAD Job Scope
- CAD Service FAQs
Need a 2D CAD Drawing?
Share your sketch, drawing, or existing CAD file for a scope review. Eligible Simple CAD Jobs cost $48, with a 48-hour target turnaround after payment and complete required references. For eligible, clearly defined jobs. The 48-hour delivery period starts after payment and all required references are received.