Autodesk Inventor

Can Autodesk Inventor Viewer? | Tutocad

by Wei Zhang
6 min read

Supported File Types for Autodesk Inventor View

Autodesk Inventor View is a powerful application designed to facilitate the viewing of technical drawings, specifically in the IDW and DWG formats. While both formats yield similar visual outputs, IDW is the proprietary format utilized by Autodesk Inventor, making it the preferred choice for documents created within that environment.

Steps to Download Autodesk Inventor View 2021

To get Autodesk Inventor View 2021, follow these steps:

  1. Access the Vault Client 2021 setup file from Autodesk’s official website or your software repository.
  2. Initiate the installation process by running the setup.
  3. Proceed through the installation wizard until you reach a page where components can be selected.
  4. Ensure that the checkbox for Inventor View 2021 is checked.
  5. Complete the installation by following the remaining prompts and clicking "Finish."

Viewing Files in Autodesk Inventor 2021

To view files in Autodesk Inventor 2021, adhere to the following steps:

  1. Open Autodesk Inventor.
  2. Click on the "File" menu located at the top left corner.
  3. From the dropdown, select "Open."
  4. In the new dialog box, choose the file type that corresponds to the format of your document.
  5. Navigate to the directory containing the Inventor file and select it.
  6. Finally, open the file by either double-clicking it or by clicking the "Open" button.

Installing Autodesk Inventor View

To install Autodesk Inventor View, perform these actions:

  1. Download the installer for the appropriate version of Autodesk Inventor View. Place the file in a temporary location on your hard drive.
  2. Double-click the self-extracting executable file to start the extraction and installation process.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions presented by the installer to complete the installation.
  4. After the process is finished, click "Finish" to exit the installer.

Types of Files Created with Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Inventor allows users to create four primary types of files that are essential for mechanical design:

  1. Part Files (.IPT): These represent individual components within a design.
  2. Assembly Files (.IAM): These files compile and organize multiple part files into a cohesive 3D representation.
  3. Presentation Files (.IPN): These are utilized for demonstrating the assembly and disassembly of components.
  4. Drawing Files (.DWG or .IDW): These files provide 2D representations of parts and assemblies.

Compatibility with SolidWorks

Users may wonder about the compatibility between Autodesk Inventor files and SolidWorks. It is indeed possible to open Autodesk Inventor 2018 files in SOLIDWORKS 2018 SP01 and later versions. However, to ensure that part files (.IPT) are imported as features, a version of Autodesk Inventor 11 or later must be installed. Alternatively, Autodesk Inventor View offers a way to import files without needing the full version of Inventor installed.

Overview of Autodesk Inventor View

Autodesk Inventor View is a free-to-use application that allows users to share and view Autodesk Inventor data without needing access to the full Autodesk Inventor software. This viewer provides high-quality visualization and printing capabilities for parts, assemblies, and drawings. Additionally, files can be viewed and printed directly from the file system of Windows, enhancing accessibility for users without advanced design tools.

Viewing STEP Files for Free

There are various software options available for viewing STEP files at no cost:

  1. Geomagic Verify Viewer: A straightforward tool specifically designed for viewing STEP files.
  2. GOM Inspect: Another easy-to-use application that facilitates STEP file viewing.
  3. FreeCAD: Open-source software that supports multiple file formats, including STEP files.
  4. VARICAD Viewer: A specialized viewer that can handle STEP files effectively.

Understanding IAM Files

The .IAM file extension pertains to assembly files created with Autodesk Inventor. These files contain structured assemblies composed of multiple .IPT files that function together as a product prototype. Autodesk Inventor 2022 is capable of opening .IAM files for further design or modification.

Resolving File Issues in Inventor

If difficulties arise with files within Autodesk Inventor, users can resolve these issues through the following steps:

  1. Add the path of the problematic referenced file to the active project.
  2. Reload the assembly to refresh the references.
  3. If necessary, delete the reference to the missing file or replace it with an alternative file.

Creating a Project in Autodesk Inventor

To initiate a new project in Autodesk Inventor:

  1. Open the Inventor application.
  2. Navigate to the "Projects" menu to access the Projects Dialogue Box.
  3. Select “New” to start a new project.
  4. Choose the “New Single User Project” option and click “Next.”
  5. Enter an appropriate project name in the Project Name field (e.g., “InventorTest”) and select a corresponding folder.
  6. Continue through the prompts by clicking “Next” and “Finish” to create your project.

Viewing IPT Files

To access .IPT files in Autodesk Inventor View:

  1. Use Windows Explorer to locate your IAM, IDW, or IPT files.
  2. Right-click on the desired file and select "Open With."
  3. Choose Autodesk Inventor View from the list of applications to view the file.

Opening IPT Files in SolidWorks

To open .IPT files using SolidWorks, follow these steps:

  1. Launch SolidWorks and click on the "Open" button in the Standard toolbar, or select "File" and then "Open."
  2. Adjust the "Files of type" setting to either Inventor Part (.ipt) or Inventor Assembly (.iam).
  3. After setting the appropriate file type, click "Options" if necessary before opening the file.

Disabling Read-Only Mode in Autodesk Inventor

To toggle off the read-only mode in Autodesk Inventor, use the following procedure:

  1. Execute the Vault Open command without any instance of Inventor running.
  2. Open Autodesk Inventor.
  3. Go to Vault Options under the settings and adjust the Open file behavior settings to the “Last Run Version” option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use Autodesk Inventor View on different operating systems?
Autodesk Inventor View is primarily designed for Windows operating systems. Compatibility may vary based on specific versions, so it is advisable to check Autodesk’s official resources for detailed system requirements.

2. Is Autodesk Inventor View available for commercial use?
Yes, Autodesk Inventor View can be utilized for both personal and commercial purposes, as it is a freely distributable viewer provided by Autodesk.

3. Can I print files directly from Autodesk Inventor View?
Yes, Autodesk Inventor View allows users to print various types of documents directly, providing an easy way to generate hard copies of designs.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.

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