Presentation export to vector artwork for Illustrator

[Anonymous]

I am technical writer/engineer with a problem. I use our engineers drawings (3D Models) for the basis of documenting complex mechanical/electrical assemblies. My problem is this. I can edit the engineering 3D models as an exploded presentation very easily. But, the problem is I can't seem to be able to "snapshot" my exploded view as vectored artwork to import into Adobe Illustrator to dress up for human consumption. I don't need a working 3D model within Illustrator. Just a snapshot of my exploded presentation artwork.

SUMMARY:

1. Have iam file
2. Create ipn file from iam
3. Modify/explode ipn file to visually edit as needed for user manuals/submittal documents

PROBLEM:

Capturing ipn file in a "flat-file" vector format that I can edit in Adobe Illustrator.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Bill

[JDMather]

Can you create a idw or dwg from the ipn and then save as pdf. 

[Anonymous]

I've tried that, but the result is always "flat" drawing view from a default head-on view. Not an actual representation of the 3D image as it is on my screen.

Everytime I try the export from the presentation file (ipn) as PDF, I get a Bitmap PDF.

This is kind of frustrating. I was getting vectored PDFs at some point and thought Autodesk got it working with the latest version. But it stopped and I really don't know why. Why would the export PDF function even default to a bitmap when the original artwork is vector?

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:

 But, the problem is I can't seem to be able to "snapshot" my exploded view as vectored artwork.

 I don't need a working 3D model within Illustrator. Just a snapshot of my exploded presentation artwork.

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I don't understand the problem description -  can you post a small mock-up assembly/ipn.

I suspect that in the idw/dwg file are using only Top, Front or RSide view.

Are you aware that you can have Inventor create any custom view?

[kelly.young]

Hello @Anonymous were you able to get your .IPN to export a flat view for your use?

From what was stated prior you are unable to do it with the built in Inventor functions, would doing a screenshot not work? I'm guessing you want the vector lines. 

Were you able to create a simplified example or screenshot of what you are needing?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Xun.Zhang]

Hi Bill,

The simple way just to save or export to PDF format which is original vector artwork for Illustrator. 

Open the PDF file directly with Illustrator and you will get what you want.

Thanks