AutoCAD Files

When you open an AutoCAD file in Autodesk Inventor, you can select the AutoCAD data to translate:

• Model space, a single layout in paper space, or 3D solids.
• One or more layers.

You can also place 2D translated data:

• On a sketch in a new or existing drawing.
• As a title block in a new drawing.
• As a sketch symbol in a new drawing.
• On a sketch in a new or existing part.

If you translate 3D solids, each solid becomes a part file containing an ASM solid body. Blocks are translated as sketch symbols.

You can import AutoCAD (DWG) drawings into a part sketch, a drawing, or a drawing sketch overlay. The converter takes the entities from the XY plane of model space and places them on the sketch. In drawings, you cannot convert certain entities, such as splines. You can choose to import AutoCAD blocks as Autodesk Inventor sketch blocks.

You can export Autodesk Inventor drawings to AutoCAD. The converter creates an editable AutoCAD drawing and places all data in paper space or model space in the DWG file. If the Autodesk Inventor drawing has multiple sheets, each is saved as a separate DWG file. The exported entities become AutoCAD entities, including dimensions.

You can open a DWG file and then copy selected AutoCAD data to the clipboard and paste into a part, assembly, or drawing sketch. The data is imported at the cursor position.

The options for importing and saving AutoCAD® files in Autodesk Inventor are:

• Selection of layers.
• Window selection of entities.
• Saving files in DWG format.
• Support for DXF files back to version 12.
• Creation of AutoCAD®Mechanical files, if AutoCAD Mechanical is installed.

Note: Mechanical Desktop files can be linked to Autodesk Inventor assemblies without importing.