topic Re: Model Annotations in STEP file in Inventor Forum

Model Annotations in STEP file

AMontembeault — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:10:05 GMT

Working with 3D model annotations, I am exploring the possibility of annotating my models with notes I don't intend to share with my suppliers. When generating a 3D PDF of my part, and attaching a STEP file, I am able to exclude said notes from the #D PDF, but it doesn't seem that I am able to directly exclude them from being embedded in the STEP file. I be clear, there is info I do want included in the STEP - GD&T, specific notes, etc. I just don't want my suppliers reading my design notes and collaborative communications. Is there a way to exclude such specific annotations from the STEP file, but keep everything else?

Re: Model Annotations in STEP file

kacper.suchomski — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:15:32 GMT

The STEP 214 format contains information about geometry and colors. The STEP 242 format also has annotations. The format selection can be changed in the dialog during export.

Re: Model Annotations in STEP file

AMontembeault — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:19:41 GMT

We're using the 242 format. That has nothing to do with my question. I would like to selectively choose which annotations get saved in the STEP file, otherwise all of them get saved and are visible to other parties.

Re: Model Annotations in STEP file

kacper.suchomski — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:09:09 GMT

What happens when you hide descriptions in a model before export?

Re: Model Annotations in STEP file

AMontembeault — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:20:46 GMT

I created views to have "layers" of annotations and selected only the views with information I wished to share. For example, in a "master" view I have all of my GD&T and other supplier relevant notes visible and everything else hidden, and in a "design input" view I have all of my personal design notes visible, and all of my GD&T hidden. When I create my 3D PDF, I choose to only publish the "master" view, and that works correctly, creating a PDF that only shows the intended annotations. However, when I generate and attach the STEP file during the publishing process, it ignores what I intended to publish, and includes all annotations, regardless of view, in the STEP file.

Re: Model Annotations in STEP file

johnsonshiue — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:34:53 GMT

Hi! I guess you may want to create design views to hide the notes or bodies that you don't want to export. Then activate the design view and export the part to STEP. The invisible annotations and bodies should be excluded.

Many thanks!

Re: Model Annotations in STEP file

AMontembeault — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:35:19 GMT

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to work. Regardless of how I create the STEP file, either as a standalone file or as part of the 3D PDF generation (attachment), all PMI data is transferred to the STEP file. It doesn't matter what design view I have active, or what annotations I have visible or invisible, it all gets added.

I want my GD&T information and certain textual notes to be included in the STEP file for my supplier. I do not want my annotations containing notes of proprietary information added to the STEP file. Perhaps there is a different process I should be using?

Re: Model Annotations in STEP file

johnsonshiue — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:40:05 GMT

Hi! I guess I must have not followed your request correctly. I am able to create Design Views and use the Design Views to control which annotation stays visible. If possible, please share the files here or send them in zip to me directly (johnson.shiue@autodesk.com). I would like to understand it better.

Many thanks!