Add In Starting Point

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm working on adapting a Plugin I made for Solid Edge to Inventor. Unfortunately, I've found that the architecture of the Inventor API is completely different from that of Solid Edge, to the point that I'm confused as to where to even start. I need to create a new ribbon with several buttons on it. If I can get the ribbon and the buttons, I think I can implement the functionality I need. I've looked at the example Add In provided by the developer tools and found it confusing. For example, it creates its own Button Class and several classes that inherit from it. Is that absolutely necessary? 

I need some advice on where to start with this API.

Please and Thank you.

[Frederick_Law]

The one I use has a AddinGlobal and InventorButton class.

The InventorButton class take care of icons for the ribbon.

The AddinGlobal make a few thing easier to use, I think.

Getting the UI done is painful.  Sometime there are more UI code then working code.

I used to add button to my own ribbon but it kept moving location.  I end up adding button to Inventor Ribbons to keep command with the same group.  Also its easier to keep button at the same place.

Try setup the ribbon and buttons a few time to get used to it.  It'll get easier.