topic Loading Inventor Files on other computers in Inventor Forum

Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:28:10 GMT

When I have been working on something for a while at my house, and I'm not done, I export the file as CAD format and save it as a STL File to my flash drive. The next day when I go to school, try to open it back up on a different computer, I open it but I cannot edit the model. I can view it but I can't do anything to the object; not even see dimensions.

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Mark.Lancaster — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:36:52 GMT

STL file is used for 3D Printing, so don't use that format to transfer files.. But when you convert to any format it becomes a dumb solid. Is there an reason why your version is different than your school?

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:36:04 GMT

I am fairly new to this program. I have the STEM course so my teacher wanted us to learn 3D printing. I was interested and downloaded the Student Version. I am pretty sure that it is a different version at my school. I can find out tomorrow.

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Mark.Lancaster — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:41:18 GMT

For clarification... When you save a file in Inventor you can move forward to a newer version, however you are unable to go backwards. If your Inventor version is newer than your school, you will need to at least convert it to a STEP file format. But as I stated earlier it becomes a dumb solid and no longer contains the sketches, dimensions, and features you made in your Inventor version.

My advice is to have your school upgrade to the version you have or the latest. Its free...

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 22:07:10 GMT

Both are 2015 but I dont know if my school has the Educator Version or the Student Version. But if I am saving my file as the wrong file, what file do I save it as? Also, when I want to print, I just export the finished copy as a STL File on to my flash drive?

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Mark.Lancaster — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 22:11:07 GMT

If the version are the same there's no need to convert your files.. It doesn't matter if its the student version or the education one. Its still the same.

If you need a STL file, export it and take both with you on your flash drive.

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 22:11:50 GMT

That is what I did but when I get to school and I try to open it, I cannot edit it and my teacher said it might be saved as a "Read Only" file.

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Mark.Lancaster — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 22:46:24 GMT

Which file did you open? The actual Inventor file or the STL one? If the latter, like I said its a dumb solid...

If its read only, go into Windows Explorer, right mouse click on it and select properties. Remove the read-only attribute.

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 23:22:05 GMT

Windows Explorerer? Like the "Internet"? And I open the STL File that I save from my flash drive and it is not a dumb solid. I see all the edits I've made I just cannot edit it. I start a 2D sketch on the plane, and try to start a command; I cannot.

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 23:22:48 GMT

Also, what file would I save it as? You said an STL is only for printing.

Re: Loading Inventor Files on other computers

Mark.Lancaster — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 23:35:33 GMT

In Inventor.. Part files are saved as IPT and assemblies as .IAM.. Just select the save button.

Next copy your IPT to your flash drive and take it to school with you. If you are workign on an assembly then you need all the files they make up the assembly/model. Then you can edit all the stuff you created by opening the IPT or IAM on your flash drive. When you are ready to print in 3D, then export your file to .STL. But the STL file is not designed to take a model from one computer to the other.

Also how much computer training/knowledge do you have? Windows Explorer means the file management tool under Windows and has nothing do with the internet

Finally where is your instructor? If they are teaching this class they should know this stuff and be helping you.