Engineering productivity underpins manufacturing success. How you protect the IP in CAD drawings must therefore improve - not impede - engineering team workflows. 

HaloCAD is the only CAD file security solution that is designed specifically with the engineering workflow in mind. From simple installation to custom configuration, follow these three steps to get your engineering team using HaloCAD. 

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1. Choose the right HaloCAD plug-in for your needs

All HaloCAD solutions extend Microsoft file protection software to your CAD files by default. Integrated at application layer, HaloCAD secures your CAD drawings with customizable sensitivity labels (that work like Microsoft labels) without affecting engineers’ user-experience. 

To get started with HaloCAD, you first need to choose the right HaloCAD application for your needs. 

‍HaloCAD for CAD applications. For users of AutoDesk AutoCAD, PTC Creo, Dassault Systemes Draftsight or Siemens NX etc. This is a licensed standalone plug-in for organizations that do not store their CAD files in a PLM and enforces file protection through user engagement. 

‍HaloCAD for PLM. For users of AutoDesk Vault, PTC Windchill, Dassault Systemes Solidworks or Siemens TeamCenter etc. This licensed solution integrates with your respective PLM application and enforces file protection based on defined rules. 

‍HaloCAD Reader. For collaborators who don't have the HaloCAD solution, but want to view HaloCAD-protected files. This free solution enables users to open and read CAD files without installing the full version. 

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2. Install the HaloCAD add-on 

Install HaloCAD for CAD applications

‍Set up app registration. Register an application in Microsoft Entra ID and assign API permissions. 

1. Run the HaloCAD Installer. Install HaloCAD via ‘Graphical Mode’ (interface-based method driven by a wizard), Silent Mode (non-interactive method using command lines) or a System Center Configuration Manager (deployed on targeted computers across your enterprise).
2. Input app registration retails. Enter registry settings, such as App ID, Redirect URI and Tenant ID. 
3. Launch the CAD application. Log in to your Microsoft account and start using HaloCAD. 

The HaloCAD installation process is the same for all CAD applications. See our installation manuals for more details. 

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Install HaloCAD for PLM

1. Set up app registration. Register an application in Microsoft Entra ID and assign API permissions. 
2. Certify HaloCAD for PLM. Create a self-signed certificate or request from a Certificate Authority (CA).
3. Run the HaloCAD for PLM Installer. Install HaloCAD via ‘Graphical Mode’ (interface-based method driven by a wizard) or Silent Mode (non-interactive method using command lines). 
4. Input app registration details. Enter registry settings and upload your certificate. 
5. Configure HaloCAD for PLM. Integrate with Secude’s HaloENGINE (which enables seamless integration with existing business applications) and set rules in the Classification Engine. 
6. Launch HaloCAD for PLM Service. Start using HaloCAD for PLM.

The HaloCAD for PLM installation process varies according to each PLM’s own requirements and configuration. See our installation manuals for more details. 

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Install HaloCAD Reader

To install the HaloCAD Reader, you need to have administrator rights and make sure HaloCAD (full version) is not already installed. 

‍Set up app registration. Enter your Microsoft Entra tenant information.

1. Run the HaloCAD Reader Installer. Install HaloCAD via ‘Graphical Mode’ (interface-based method driven by a wizard), Silent Mode (non-interactive method using command lines) or a System Center Configuration Manager (deployed on targeted computers across your enterprise).
2. Input app registration details. Enter registry settings, such as App ID, Redirect URI and Tenant ID. 
3. Launch the Reader. Authenticate with Microsoft to start using HaloCAD Reader to open and view HaloCAD-protected files.
   
   

3. Configure usage settings

To seamlessly secure your CAD drawings without interrupting your engineering workflows, you need to configure the permission levels, usage rights and sensitivity labels. 

As an administrator, you can configure labels (user rights) in the Microsoft Purview portal or enable your engineers to create labels and action rules themselves based on the sensitivity of the CAD file.

‍1. Set basic permissions. Select the permissions labels and associated user rights.

2. Set custom permissions. Add custom permissions for specific roles in your company or team, including:

3. Set sensitivity labels. Choose security labels to meet your specific requirements. The permission levels associated with each sensitivity label are automatically imposed on the CAD file when you apply it. For example: 

1. Labelling a CAD file with ‘View’ permission only allows users and recipients to access the content. 
2. Labelling a CAD file with 'Co-Owner' permissions will grant the user full access to the file (including the ability to view, edit, print, copy, and export the file) as well as change rights (labels). 

4. Customize sensitivity labels. Create, configure, and publish sensitivity labels for various levels of content sensitivity based on your organization's classification taxonomy (i.e. names or terms that are familiar to your engineering users, like Personal, Public, General, Confidential, and Highly Confidential). 

‍5. Edit sensitivity labels. Cancel, remove and relabel any sensitivity labels (i.e. if you bring external partners onto the project), as well as revoke access to files at any time or apply "No Protection" labels. 

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Seamless and secure CAD file protection

Your engineers and designers are not cybersecurity professionals, so HaloCAD makes your CAD file security as easy as possible to use. Not only are the sensitivity labels automatically added to CAD drawings when they’re created, but the familiar processes and controls (i.e. similar to Word, Excel or PowerPoint) ensure engineers can collaborate seamlessly and securely - both with colleagues and external partners. 

To see how engineering teams use HaloCAD in practice, check out our use cases and case study.

‍HaloCAD for Engineering: 

✅ Protects CAD in transit and at rest

✅ Supports multiple CAD applications and PLM environments 

✅ Ensures seamless and secure collaboration for engineers

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