topic .idw Files Created While using VIEWBASE Command in AutoCAD Forum

.idw Files Created While using VIEWBASE Command

DanielEvalle — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:35:06 GMT

Hello,

I don't know much about the use of .idw files, but have found that they have something to do with creating/using the VIEWBASE command, and if/when AutoCAD crashes the presence/absence/corruption of these files will lead to broken VIEWBASE objects when the originating .dwg is opened again. I haven't been able to find much info on what .idw files do or how to fix them, so could someone maybe enlighten me on what .idw files are?

Also, recently I have seen large dumps of .idw files in the folder with the originating .dwg (see screen capture below). I have been working in the .dwg for some hours, and creating multiple VIEWBASE objects so I can imagine there is a correlation...? Can anyone answer the following questions:

- Why is AutoCAD creating/dumping .idw files in the folder of origin of my .dwg?

- Can/Should I delete the .idw's once I have closed my .dwg?

- Is there a way to stop or limit the number of files created to keep my folders from getting bloated?

Thanks in advance for any and all information.

Re: .idw Files Created While using VIEWBASE Command

pendean — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:37:16 GMT

That's how that feature/command works.

You can easily test your remaining questions with that keyboard delete button 😉

Re: .idw Files Created While using VIEWBASE Command

AVCPlugins — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:49:11 GMT

These files are used by Inventor Server to redraw views. This is one of the reasons why ModelDoc views are so often buggy.
You can delete them at any time, they are not needed for any purpose, they are just garbage. Probably the programmers didn't know about the existence of the TEMP folder and decided to litter our working directories. You can file a complaint with Autodesk. I will support you 🙂

Re: .idw Files Created While using VIEWBASE Command

imadHabash — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 19:07:40 GMT

Hi,

>> what .idw files are?

An IDW file is a 2D vector drawing created using Autodesk Inventor, a program used to prototype and test mechanical products. It contains one or more views of a part or product. Inventor users create IDW files to show finalized versions of Inventor parts (.IPT files) and assemblies (.IAM files) to others.

>> Why is AutoCAD creating/dumping .idw files in the folder of origin of my .dwg?

I doubt that AutoCAD do it !! >> Click <<

I suggest to read more about VIEWBASE (Command) . >> Click <<