Who likes using inventor and why?

[Eric.Muetz]

As a long-time cad user, I find inventor cumbersome and excessively "needy" at best.  Why does it require so many mouse clicks to perform simple operations?  Why is one forced to edit a sketch vs. simply edit dimensions that should be clearly visible in the part environment. 

After one year of use, I still find myself having to redo operations because I didn't specifically click yet one more time that "yes, I really want to do the thing that inventor is displaying on the monitor" only to have it evaporate in an instant.  There is, after all, a handy Undo button if it turns out that I didn't want that result.

Please, I would like to hear the good about inventor.  Perhaps I am using it incorrectly.

[JDMather]

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@Eric.Muetz wrote:

  Perhaps I am using it incorrectly.

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I have used various CAD programs including CADKey, AutoCAD, Mechanical Desktop, SolidWorks, Pro/E (Wildfire and Creo), and Inventor over the past 35 years.  I like Inventor.

I strongly recommend that you tackle one issue at a time and post supporting file(s) to illustrate the issue.

You will be a pro in Inventor in no time.

[cadman777]

I like Inventor b/c it's simple but not simplistic. By simple I mean it has a few commands (compared to SW) that have many functions in the editor. The way I describe SW is this: It's command rich and work-flow poor. You have to memorize a zillion commands to get a job done, compared to Inventor where you use a few commands to get the job done.

Another thing I like about Inventor over SW and other 3d modelers is the way you can use Parameters to drive all parts of your model, so you can change one or a few Parameters (this is what you're complaint involves) and your whole model updates. SW is very difficult to use like that b/c you have to think ahead and plan ahead in linear order or your parameters will conflict.

One thing I hate about Inventor is Autodesk has delayed adding any (what I consider) substantial upgrades to it for over a decade. One such upgrade is FrameGenerator and BoltedConnections. If it's a true framing modeler, then there should be a CONNECTIONS library. I rarely use any of the tools on the Design tab b/c they impede workflow and bog down the computer.

Another thing I hate about Inventor is Autodesk expects their customers to add functionality to Inventor using a PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE. Let's face it, we're DESIGNERS not CODERS (for crying out loud!). Rhino3D has a GRAPHIC programming language called Grasshopper. Why couldn't Autodesk have bought rights to use a GRAPHIC programming language instead of a CODING programming language? The graphic programming languages have been around since at least the early 80's, and many of them were OpenSource. They are also WAY easier to learn and use, besides having piles more functions than Inventor's iLogic/VBA/VB.Net environment.

I've used a number of 3D CAD apps, such as Inventor, Rhino3D, SW, ProE-Jr, FastCAD, Microstation, CadKey with FastSurf, and some others I forgot. So when I say I like Inventor, it's b/c it suits my aptitudes and thought process.

If you need help learning Inventor, then you can either buy a book, go to a seminar, or buy these excellent tutorials. I would not suggest using Autodesk tutorials or Help to learn Inventor, b/c Autodesk doesn't produce anything substantial for learning Inventor step-by-step. It's always been that way. Also, this forum is the best TechSupport you will get for Inventor. Their VAR sucks! Also, I've been to seminars, and all they do is have you work your way through a book. So if you can afford the time, you're better off buying your own book and taking it at your own pace. Also, you won't get good at Inventor unless you use it every day for at least 6 months so you get real familiar with it. Also, you have to learn how to invent your own work processes for various kinds of projects. When you get to that point, you'll begin to be satisfied with your skill level.

One more note: I would not use Inventor to do SURFACE MODELING or SCAN PROCESSING and MESH EDITING. You need other kinds of software for that.

[vjonesAATM6]

>Why is one forced to edit a sketch vs. simply edit dimensions that should be clearly visible in the part environment. 

Inventor does allow you to edit sketch dimensions without actually editing the sketch. You need to make sure you have your priority selection as features and not bodies.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Eric,

Editing a sketch dimension does not require editing a sketch. You can right-click on the sketch (or Alt+V) -> make sure Dimension Visibility is on. Double-clicking the dimension allows you to edit the exact dimension. Or, you can go to Parameters table and find the parameter.

I have to admit that it is true in certain workflows, Inventor does require more clicks. For example, make a BOM View change or make a dimension style change. However, the same goes with most software packages. It is a design preference.

The point is to get the job done. Like it or not, Inventor is one of the popular professional mechanical design tools. It is not perfect but it has to be useable. I would not say I love my power drill. It just works and sometimes it breaks.

Please feel free to share any pain point. Forum experts can chime in and provide better alternative.

Also, you may want to look into Fusion 360. It is pretty easy to pick up and use. It offers more flexible design workflows (Mesh Design, Generative Design, and Freeform).

Many thanks!

[mluterman]

Inventor is a tool. Period. We also have accounting software here that is not "perfect". Nothing is. The more you use Inventor, the more confidence you will have using it (so it also becomes more "fun" to use), and you may be able to model your designs more efficiently from the start so you can avoid useless steps. This will take experience.

[Frederick_Law]

Number 1 reason: parameter, equation everywhere (not like other half baked CAD wanna be).

If there are dimension I need to change often, setup a user parameter and change it in parameter list (the f x button).

Don't need to know which sketch it's in.

[Eric.Muetz]

John,

Thank you. that is a helpful tip.  Not exactly what I was asking about in the original post.

"what you do like about inventor?"  So far, not an overwhelming response.

Let me give an example.

I like Solid Edge because it has a stream-lined and efficient work flow.

Regards,

Eric

[Eric.Muetz]

I see this question has touched some in a sensitive spot.  Not my intention. 

Some have expressed their likes of inventor and I thank you. 

Regards,

Eric Muetz

30+ year cad user in industry. AutoCad, IDEAS, Anvil, Solidworks, Solid Edge and inventor.

“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom.”
― Thomas Paine, Common Sense

[Eric.Muetz]

My experience is limited to using AutoCad, IDEAS, Anvil, Solidworks and Solid Edge over the past 30+ years. Perhaps the efficiency of Solid Edge has clouded my expectations. By comparison, Inventor wants to proceed with a janky disregard for the user. Not in being difficult to learn but being unnecessarily time consuming with its persistent need for user supplied mouse clicks. I see no need for supporting files since we all have access to inventor. For one example, we can all place parts in an assembly (or about any other operation) to experience the frustration of repetition. Ask if yourself, how does 'right-click for pop-up menu and pressing OK to proceed with the instruction just entered' add value? Isn't that what the UNDO button is for?

But then, a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right.


My quest is still stands. What do you like about inventor?

[JDMather]

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@Eric.Muetz wrote:

Please, I would like to hear the good about inventor.  Perhaps I am using it incorrectly.

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Environments>Dynamic Simulation.

Do you want to learn Inventor or are you merely expressing frustration?

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@Eric.Muetz wrote:
 I see no need for supporting files since we all have access to inventor. 

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My response to the question, "Why are you using (any) CAD?"

...and my answer...

I use CAD (specifically 3D CAD) because it presents a rich description of the Design Intent in a much more efficient way than using pictures or words.  If it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, it might be said that a 3D model is worth a thousand pictures (or at least top, bottom, front, back, left, right and inside pictures).  Furthermore, history-based parametric CAD programs like Inventor present a "recipe" (in the form of the timeline sketch/feature history) of how a design was done.  While I spent a few years in R&D where intellectual property was closely guarded secrets, most of my career has been spent in the scientific world where replication of observed behaviors is the "gold-standard" measure of "truth".  Until an observed event/behavior has been replicated by others - it holds little value in science.

Attach your files, Screencast Recordings here for illustration of the issues you are experiencing.

[Eric.Muetz]

Both. Unfortunately my current employer is vested with inventor with use of Vault.

So, the next best option to switching to better software is prodding the good folks who write inventor to fix some glaring deficiencies.  Is anyone there listening?

Those accustomed to Solidworks and inventor do not know the efficiencies they are missing out on.  Perhaps there are patent protections preventing this or indifference.  

[cadman777]

I agree with @JDMather. I can'tell you how many times people I've had dealings with think they can describe what they want. But when I draw a handsketch of exactly what they tell me, they find it's not what they want. The point is, words can't do what a picture can do.

When we advance to building things, it gets more complicated. A contractor may know what's in his mind to build, but putting that into instructions that can be explained to the fabricator who has to build it is another story. Obviously that's why we use Drafting, which today equates to 3d models and 2d drawings taken from those models. I can't tell you how much time I saved moving from 2d CAD to 3d CAD.

The big caveat with CAD is the abundance of data it generates. One of my biggest gripes with CAD software is the lack of functionality that enables the end user to manage the visual and numerical data with ease. For example, improved communication due to CAD enables a draftsman to create much larger projects. However, when every part needs to be detailed separately, that costs in time and effort. Structural steel software has 'automatic drawings'. But CAD like Inventor does not. So when a job has upwards to 1000 parts, the time invested in detailing is enormous. But when a structural software job has 1000's of parts, automatic detailing reduces that to mere 'checking' instead of generating drawings. The same holds true with the metadata generated and required in large projects.

Anyway, CAD is much better than manual drafting, and it's way better than words and sketches for building things. However, it has its limitations, whether through negligence on the part of the developers/businessmen or due to the structure of the software.

[Frederick_Law]

Using different CAD is like riding a bicycle and motorcycle.

Driving a 2 door, van and 40 ft truck.

Same but different.

Another Inventor goodie: Insert Constraint

Combine with pre-select highlight, select other popup, I can assemble fast.

All from the mouse without touching keyboard.

[sam]

In pysics the event is only true when it is observed. When Not Observed it doesn't exist.

[cadman777]

I agree with you, but don't hold your breath!

[rhasell]

Also, what about iLogic. My life would be incomplete without iLogic.

Almost forgot, The forum. Great members, always willing to help.

[lucmartzz]

@Eric.Muetz I faced the same feeling after using Inventor for 10 years and then had to learn  SE, I found difficult to click a command for move a component in the assembly enviroment instead of just drag, in some commands the only way to exit is by using the esc key, after some time I got better because "practice makes the master". But even after using SE for 10 years... I still like more Inventor, because of the big amount of tools for speed up the design process using design accelerators and other tools that SE has not or if it does, it is required to pay a lot of money.

The last final thing I would like to mention, it is a good investment for your employer in terms of cost vs benefit. The ammount of tools given on a Inventor Professional can not be compared to other cad packages, and it gets better with collections 🙂

By the way, did you already try right clicking a feature and use the option of show dimensions? Also, if you use filters you can select Feature priority and go directily over the model with right click and find the same option.

Please post your questions on the forum, we like to collaborate and someone will answer quickly. 

Respectfully.

E.M.

www.mwcadsolutions.com

[pcrawley]

In no particular order, (apart from how they come out of my head) I like Inventor because:  Stability (1 crash in last 4 months of constant use), maturity, Frame Generator, iLogic, Content Center, iProperties, BOM Editor, Model States, Positional Representations,  Styles Libraries, Design Accelerators (bolted connection etc), Shape Generator, parametric FEA studies, multibody workflows, derived component workflow, and Shared Views.  I have a Collection, so I'll also mention Nastran, Nesting, 3ds max, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Fusion, and Factory Utilities.

I count this forum as a major "like" - I learn something new every time I visit.  And we have several Autodesk employees here (seemingly full-time!) which you don't see with many/any other vendors.  Biggest frustration with the forum is unspecific rants where you have no idea what the question is.  It's much easier to help when you understand the problem.  (That was NOT a dig at the original poster - this was a good thread to start - thank you.)

Could Inventor be better?  Of course.  My biggest frustration with Inventor is the mixture of old UI and new UI - I wish it was more consistent.  But that's why the next release of Inventor is already open for constructive feedback over on the beta portal where you voice your opinions freely.

Yes, count me in with the "Likes using Inventor".

[BDCollett]

Asking why I like Inventor is like asking a builder why he likes a hammer. It's a tool, they know how to hold it and hit nails in. Some hammers are shaped differently but they all do the same thing in the end.

If you were handed a new hammer that you were not used to it would feel odd to use, but if you keep using it eventually it will hit those nails in just as fast.

1 Year is not long enough to get accustomed with something as complicated as Cad software.

You said "I like Solid Edge because it has a stream-lined and efficient work flow.", what does that mean?

You gave one example about changing dimensions in a sketch which was based on inexperience with Inventor, you can do that and a even further you can do it directly via parameters or even iLogic forms if you want to change them on the fly. 

Like I said in the other thread, I have recently been helping a whole company switch from Solid Edge to Inventor and Vault because they were fed up with the other software. That doesn't mean Inventor and Vault are perfect or any where near it but proves to me that Solid Edge might not be all you make it out to be (I have never used it).

Give us some more examples of things Solid Edge can do that you can't in Inventor or find frustrating. There are no hard feelings. We are all here to help each other use Inventor better and we all share frustrations but that is a common software problem, not limited to any package.