2014 Inventor reflections - Can't see

[Anonymous]

I am using 2014 Inventor and it used to be that I could see the reflections when using chrome or another reflective color. If I create a ball I can see it but otherwise I can not see it. Also when creating a .idw drawing it used to show the reflections on the drawing. Is it possible to do this in 2014?

I am at a loss trying to figure it out.

[JoAnn_Hogan]

Go to the big I in the corner (Application Menu) > Options > Colour Tab > Reflection Environment > And choose for eg Parking lot.

Please let me know if this works. You can definately see reflections in Inventor 2014

[Anonymous]

Yes, I can see the reflection as long as I create a ball - I have a different picture other than the parking lot but I can definately see it on the ball, Clear as day. The problem I am having is seeing it on anything else, Say a box or something with flat sides. I know in 11 or 12 I could see it easily but the last couple of revisions - No luck. Also used to be able to see the reflections when I printed out the .idw prints and now it just looks grey, No reflection.

[JoAnn_Hogan]

Are you using a default picture or one of your own?

[Anonymous]

yes. Like I said, For some reason it shows up on the ball but nothing else. I used the same picture on older versions of Inventor with no issues.

Thanks

[JoAnn_Hogan]

• Do you have all the latest service packs installed and if so are they installed correctly in the correct sequence?
• You could also try updating your display drivers through your windows manage console
• If all else fails try a repair through your control panel if that still doesn't work, Uninstall and reinstall

[Anonymous]

I believe we have all of the service packs installed. This has been a issue with 2013 for me as well. I don't remember for sure if 2012 worked or not.

Thanks

[JoAnn_Hogan]

Are you by any chance using the Chrome.dds file?

[Anonymous]

I changed it back to the parking lot picture & it works as it should. Aparently my picture file is not working for some reason. It is odd that it works on a ball but nothing else.

I will try a different picture.

[JoAnn_Hogan]

I am glad it works now. Please mark my post as solved and do not hessitate to contact me if you get stuck again 😃

[Anonymous]

one more question, What type of file can I replace the parking lot with so it works corectly?

[JoAnn_Hogan]

There are many converters online. Maybe have a look at this one: http://www.easy2convert.com/jpg2dds/

Basically you have to convert a normal picture to a .dds file (Cube Map Image)

[Anonymous]

Is there any other format that will work other than the DDS? - The reason I ask is I used both a JPG & PNG and they both work as a reflection on the ball but nothing else.

[JoAnn_Hogan]

JPG and PNG would work but the reason for converting the image to .dds is because it is actually making a sphere so you can see it from any angle, where as a JPG/PNG is just a flat surface. Please see the attachment.