1. Introduction
The DigitalArchi Compute WebApps Hub is a cloud-based platform that enables users to compile Grasshopper, Python, and C# scripts—individually or in combination— into standalone web applications. These applications allow users to analyze complex Grasshopper geometry definitions directly within a standard web browser. Each web application connects to the user’s local Rhino–Grasshopper canvas, enabling direct interaction with 3D models and associated data (real-time data streaming)..
By running all computations on a secure dedicated cloud infrastructure, the platform eliminates the need for locally installed design-specific scripts or high-performance hardware. Users can enjoy non-frozen Grasshopper UI while having access to powerful computational workflows anytime, anywhere, through a simple web interface.
2. Interface Overview
When users access the Hub, they are presented with the main dashboard. The interface is organized into three primary sections:
- Sidebar (Left): Provides a navigation menu for switching between User Mode and Developer Mode.
- Main Panel (Center): Displays input configuration options and visualizes 3D results
- Input Tabs: Allow users to select how data is provided, including File, Text, or Live Streaming Link inputs.
3. Run a Simulation (User Mode)
Step 1: Select a Tool
- Ensure " Run Tool (User)" is selected in the sidebar.
Use the dropdown menu to choose the specific Grasshopper definition you want to run (e.g., Toolpath_Generator).
Step 2: Choose Permitted Tool(s) and Input Method
You have access only to the tools for which an administrator has granted permission. These tools are displayed in a dropdown list.
You can provide input parameters (DA-JSON data) in three ways using the radio buttons:
Option A: File Upload (Manual)
Best for standard users who have a pre-saved JSON parameter file.
- Select " File Upload".
- Drag and drop your .json file into the box.
Look for the status message: “Using Uploaded File”.
Option B: Direct Paste (Quick Test)
Best for quick debugging or small edits.
- Select “Direct Paste”.
- Copy your JSON text and paste it into the text area.
- Look for the status message: “Using Pasted Text”.
1- Live data streaming from GH canvas, sending input parameters to the server
2- Select Live Input option (A) , type the memory-ID (B), hit Check the data
3- After confirming data (if you wish) click Run Computation
Step 3: Run & Visualize
- Click the blue " Run Computation" button.
- Wait for the " Computation Complete" status.
- View the interactive 3D model in the browser window.
(Optional) Download the resulting .3dm or .json files from the Downloads section.
** Users can instantly modify input data—either partially within the editor or by uploading entirely new datasets—and re-run the computation. The system’s memory management optimizes performance, enabling accelerated processing and near-instant updates to the results.
4. Developer Mode (Admin Only)
This section is for administrators who want to publish new tools to the Hub.
- In the Sidebar, select “
Developer Hub (Admin)”. - Upload: Drag your Grasshopper definition file (.gh or .ghx).
- Name: Give it a clean, recognizable name (e.g., Paneling_System).
- Click “Publish to Hub”.
- The tool is now instantly available to all users
** Technical Notes: Setting up the Live Link**
The Live Link connects your local Grasshopper directly to the Cloud Server.
Architecture
- Grasshopper: Sends data silently to db/upload/…
- Web App: Reads that data instantly from the server’s data bank.
Grasshopper Setup
To use the Live Link, you must use the official DigitalArchi Gate Template Sender Component in your Grasshopper definition.