Sketch tab > Insert panel > ACAD doesn't work.

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to do the tutorial "Part 1 - Create parts from DWG files". I set the active project to tutorial files. I then clicked the New Icon, not the drop-down menu as per instructions. In the "Create New File" dialog box, I clicked the English folder, and then double-clicked the Standard (in) ipt template. On the ribbon, I clicked the Sketch tab. The Insert panel > ACAD doesn't respond when I click it. It doesn't appear to be active because it isn't dark black like it should be. I'm using Inventor 2016 Pro. Any suggestions on why I can't access the ACAD? I include a screenshot that shows the condition of the Sketch tab. Thanks!

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Anonymous

I'm wondering if you're having the issue where there is a message hidden behind other windows indicated something the log is filled.  For a test toggle through your Windows and see if that message is out there.

@TheCADWhisperer or @mcgyvr did this appear in any Inventor version or was it only Inventor 2017.

[TheCADWhisperer]

Alt Tab

Do you see a hidden error message behind Inventor?

If Yes, simply close the error dialog box and then it should work.

If No, then attach your *.dwg file here.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea what you mean by a hidden message behind Inventor! There are no other windows open. Also, you said attach your file here. But, where is here?

[Mark.Lancaster]

If you have this problem..  There's a message/dialog that gets hidden behind the Inventor screen and you have to ALT+TAB to see it.   That's what is meant by an hidden message/dialog.. 

To attach a file, select the attachment information below your reply..

[Anonymous]

I clicked Alt+Tab. The only thing that appears is another smaller version of the Inventor screen.

[Mark.Lancaster]

Just to confirm..  You are doing this ALT+TAB after you start your sketch and import an AutoCAD drawing?

[Anonymous]

The instructions say nothing about starting a sketch. And, I can't import an AutoCAD drawing because on the sketch tab nothing is available to choose under the insert panel.

[Mark.Lancaster]

Sorry I missed that what you're were trying to saying..

Its not working because you're not in a sketch..  You can't bring an AutoCAD drawing into a sketch until you start a sketch.  Sometimes tutorials assume you know things and skip steps.

What version of Inventor are you using?

Starting with Inventor 2016 you can import a dwg underlay and project geometry from it.

[mcgyvr]

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@Mark.Lancaster wrote:

Sorry I missed that what you're were trying to saying..

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@Mark.Lancaster Finally.. I thought you guys were losing it.. 

I was just about to step in and start slapping people 

[Mark.Lancaster]

@mcgyvr Do you mean something like this?

[Anonymous]

I finally got the "ACAD" under "insert" to work. But, when I selected eBox2.dwg and opened it, the included screenshot shows what I got. An empty "Layers and Objects Import Options" dialog box.

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Anonymous

Not check to see if that message is waiting for your input..  ALT+TAB to check... 

[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I finally got the "ACAD" under "insert" to work. But, when I selected eBox2.dwg and opened it, the included screenshot shows what I got. An empty "Layers and Objects Import Options" dialog box.

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@Anonymous

Make sure you have installed all updates for Inventor..

That type of issue has been a problem in the past.. (2016 I believe for me)

You might also try to uninstall DWG TrueView and reinstall it from here.. Then restart your computer and try again..

https://www.autodesk.com/products/dwg/viewers

What many of these guys are talking (window/warning hiding behind the Inventor program) about was a problem in 2017 products and didn't effect 2016 products..

The blank layers is a different issue.. Making sure you are 100% up to date and reinstalling DWG TrueView "should" fix that.. 

[mcgyvr]

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@Mark.Lancaster wrote:

@mcgyvr Do you mean something like this?

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@Mark.Lancaster  Great movie!!!

I wish you would have said "Surely you mean something like this?" 

Then I could have responded with "Yes and don't call me Shirley" 

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@Anonymous wrote:

... when I selected eBox2.dwg and opened it...

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Attach the eBox2.dwg file here and end all doubt.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! It took a lot of time to get this problem resolved but, with your assistance, the program now works like it should.