To Open or Import AutoCAD DWG Files as an AnyCAD Reference Model

Note: To learn about importing Mechanical Desktop 2009 files in Inventor, see Importing Mechanical Desktop 2009 files.

Open an AutoCAD file directly as an Associative DWG and create 3D Inventor models of 2D layouts.

The following workflows are available:

Open DWG files

To open an AutoCAD DWG file directly in Inventor:

Import or place associative DWG Underlay files into a part or assembly

To import a DWG into a part:

  1. Manage tab Insert panel Import

    Optionally, 3D Model tab Create panel Import

  2. In the applicable dialog box, set the Files of type to view the available files.
  3. Select the file to import and click open.

To place a DWG in an assembly:

  1. Assemble tab Component panel Place
  2. In the Place Component dialog box, select your file and click Open.
  3. Place the DWG in the graphics window of your design.

Use the Project DWG Geometry command to project DWG underlay geometry and then extrude the projected sketch.

After you project DWG block geometry you can extrude the DWG geometry and create 3D features as desired.
Tip: To quickly open your AutoCAD DWG file back in AutoCAD, right click on the DWG node in the model browser and select Open in AutoCAD from the context menu.

Import or place non-associative DWG files into a part or assembly