topic Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing in Inventor Forum

3D Sketch in Assembly missing

0x3FA5 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:23:02 GMT

"Start 3D Sketch" menu missing in the assembly environment.

Only "Start 2D Sketch" appears.

How to bring it back?

Thank you.

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

JDMather — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:36:10 GMT

Can you explain the need for 3D sketch in assembly?

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

0x3FA5 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:43:07 GMT

Right now, I would like to create some reference lines for future tube routing, as well as to create a quick visual reference for fitting ends. The design constraints are tube routing within a very limited space, so 3D sketch is the fastest and the most straightforward way to visualize this.

Did I understand your question correctly?

In short, the need for 3D sketch in assembly is the same as the need for 2D sketch, only 3D.

🙂

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

JDMather — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:35:10 GMT

Are you using Routed Systems within Inventor Professional?

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

0x3FA5 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:40:02 GMT

No, no need at this point, just creating a few configurations with different fittings.

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

0x3FA5 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:41:09 GMT

It's not the "absolutely must have" functionality, but definitely would be very handy. Is it possible?

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

JDMather — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:44:28 GMT

If you are not using Routed Systems, then create a part within the context of your assembly.

(You might want to set opacity of components to solid.)

Project Geometry your connection points and edges to avoid.

Create your 3D sketch.

This is basically what Routed Systems automates.

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

0x3FA5 — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:47:08 GMT

Yes, I think this will do what I need, just with additional part layer above the sketch.

I am wandering why there is a 2D functionality but not the 3D..

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

Anonymous — Tue, 12 May 2020 20:20:30 GMT

I would like to generate a 3d sketch to create a frame with frame generator. Frame Generator is not available in assembly sketch.

I am missing something im sure,

thanks for anyhelp

Robert

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

Anonymous — Tue, 12 May 2020 20:27:24 GMT

Sorry I asked to soon just create a new part.

3d sketch is available then.

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

Santhosh_Kum — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 11:07:37 GMT

im also facing same problem, how to enable 3D sketch in assembly at Inventor 2021

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

johnsonshiue — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 22:34:53 GMT

Hi! There isn't 3D Sketch in an assembly. The assembly level features are limited to traditional machining (remove material) features. If you want to create body geometry, you need to do it within a part, not in an assembly.

I suspect you would like to have more flexibility in terms of shape definition. You may want to look into Fusion 360, which allows you to define shape and construct components separately within one design. Also, it has dedicated Mesh Design and Freeform environments.

Many thanks!

Re: 3D Sketch in Assembly missing

Thomas_Design — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:42:50 GMT

Somewhat late to the party here. But 3D sketching in an assembly would be nice in order to show rigging in ISO view (without needing to create a part first) on lifting drawings.