Autodesk Inventor

How to Create a Drawing in Autodesk Inventor?

Creating a drawing in Autodesk Inventor involves several steps to ensure that your design is accurately represented. This article will guide you through the process step by step, allowing you to effectively use Autodesk Inventor’s tools for your drawing needs.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Workspace

Before you create a drawing, start by either opening an existing drawing file or initiating a new one. To do this:

  • Launch Autodesk Inventor on your computer.
  • Click on the “File” menu and select “New” to create a fresh drawing.
  • Alternatively, navigate to your existing drawings, select the desired file, and open it.

Step 2: Inserting Components into Your Drawing

Once your workspace is ready, you can begin adding components to your drawing.

  1. Navigate to the Insert tab located in the ribbon at the top of the interface.
  2. Click on the Block Definition panel, then choose the Write Block option. This allows you to define what content will be included in your drawing.
  3. In the dialog box that appears, select the Objects option to specify what items to include in the drawing.
  4. Click on Select Objects, which will allow you to use your mouse or pointing device to select the parts you want to draw from your model.

Step 3: Making 2D Representations

If there’s a need to create a 2D version of your drawing, follow these steps:

  1. Transition to Paper Space within Inventor. This is where your drawing will take shape.
  2. Right-click on the layout tab, then choose the option to Export Layout to Model. Follow the prompts provided to create a 2D representation that you can manipulate further.

Step 4: Saving Your Drawing as a DWG File

To export your drawing in a more universally accepted format, you may want to save it as a DWG file. Here’s how:

  1. Click on the File menu again, and navigate to Export then select Export to DWG.
  2. In the dialog that appears (DWG Model File Export Options), you will be prompted to choose the types of objects you wish to export. Make your selections accordingly.
  3. Click OK to finalize the process, creating a new DWG file of your drawing.

Step 5: Opening an Existing Autodesk Drawing

If you need to open an Autodesk drawing for viewing or editing:

  1. Select the Start tab and click on Open Files.
  2. Alternatively, you can click on the Application menu, choose Open Drawing, or right-click a file tab and select the Open option.
  3. You can also access the drawing by utilizing the Quick Access toolbar and selecting the Open Find option.

FAQ

1. What types of drawings can be created in Autodesk Inventor?
Autodesk Inventor allows users to create both 2D and 3D drawings, including detailed technical illustrations and schematics that represent engineering designs.

2. Can I use templates when creating drawings in Autodesk Inventor?
Yes, you can utilize template files with the .DWT extension which can be loaded into Autodesk Inventor to establish consistent styles and dimensions in your drawings.

3. Is Autodesk Inventor suitable for collaborative work on drawings?
Yes, Autodesk Inventor supports collaborative features that allow multiple users to work on drawings by sharing files and utilizing cloud services for enhanced teamwork.

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.