AutoCAD is an industry-leading computer-aided design (CAD) software used extensively across diverse sectors, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and many others. Known for its flexibility and advanced capabilities, AutoCAD helps professionals create precise 2D and 3D drawings effectively and efficiently. This significantly enhances organisational productivity, improves accuracy, and elevates overall design quality. Selecting the appropriate AutoCAD training course tailored to your expertise and career goals is essential to maximise the benefits offered by this powerful software.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top AutoCAD courses available, each carefully designed to cater to different skill levels and professional ambitions:

AutoCAD Course Options:

1. AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT Essentials

This course is ideal for absolute beginners or individuals with limited prior experience. AutoCAD Essentials provides a solid foundation by introducing core features and basic functionalities. Participants will gain proficiency in creating and modifying drawings, executing fundamental commands, and confidently navigating the software’s interface. It is perfect for newcomers aiming to develop their AutoCAD skills from scratch.

2. AutoCAD Beyond the Basics

Designed specifically for users with existing AutoCAD experience, this intermediate course revisits fundamental concepts and introduces advanced features. It emphasises improving drafting efficiency, mastering layers and blocks, and refining workflows. It’s particularly suitable for professionals who wish to enhance their current knowledge and capabilities.

3. AutoCAD Advanced

Intended for seasoned AutoCAD users, the Advanced course delves deeper into complex and specialised functionalities. Participants will explore advanced commands, customisation techniques, detailed 3D modelling methods, sophisticated plotting, and effective data extraction processes. This course is ideal for professionals looking to master the complete range of AutoCAD’s capabilities or refresh their knowledge after extended use.

4. AutoCAD Electrical Fundamentals IEC

This specialised training course is perfect for experienced AutoCAD users seeking targeted instruction in electrical design according to IEC standards. Participants will master the efficient use of AutoCAD Electrical tools, project management configurations, and creation of precise electrical schematics. It is highly beneficial for professionals moving into electrical engineering roles or those wishing to enhance their electrical design expertise.

Final Thoughts

Each AutoCAD training course is specifically designed to meet varying skill levels and professional needs. Whether you’re just starting your journey, refreshing your skills, exploring advanced features, or specialising in electrical design, there’s a suitable AutoCAD course available for you.

If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our expert team is here to offer personalised advice. Feel free to contact us by calling 01254 301 888 or through our contact form here.

Autodesk is a global leader in developing software for design and engineering professionals. Its extensive suite of applications is used by architects, engineers, construction designers, manufacturers, 3D artists, and production teams.

As of September 2024, Autodesk’s portfolio consists of 112 distinct software programmes, a number that continues to grow due to frequent acquisitions and innovations. These tools support multiple industries, including architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), manufacturing, and media & entertainment. Over 10 million users across 185+ countries rely on Autodesk software to bring their designs and ideas to life.

This article presents a comprehensive list of Autodesk products, categorised for ease of reference.

Complete List of Autodesk Software

1. AutoCAD Family

• AutoCAD – Industry-leading 2D and 3D CAD software for design, drafting, and modelling.
• AutoCAD for Mac – macOS version of AutoCAD with native Mac features.
• AutoCAD Architecture – Tailored for architects, featuring built-in architectural design tools.
• AutoCAD Civil 3D – Used by civil engineers for infrastructure design and analysis.
• AutoCAD Electrical – Provides electrical design tools, essential for electrical engineering.
• AutoCAD Freestyle – Simplified CAD software for quick, basic design work.
• AutoCAD Inventor LT Suite – Combines AutoCAD LT and Inventor LT for 3D mechanical design.
• AutoCAD Land Desktop – Older civil engineering and land development software.
• AutoCAD LT – Lightweight 2D drafting software with essential CAD features.
• AutoCAD LT for Mac – macOS version of AutoCAD LT.
• AutoCAD Map 3D – Integrates GIS data with CAD for mapping and planning.
• AutoCAD Mechanical – Designed for mechanical engineers, featuring specialised mechanical design tools.
• AutoCAD MEP – Built for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) professionals.
• AutoCAD OEM – Customisable AutoCAD platform for developers to build their own applications.
• AutoCAD P&ID – Used for piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) creation.
• AutoCAD Plant 3D – Offers tools for plant design, including piping and equipment layout.
• AutoCAD Raster Design – Converts raster images into vector drawings for editing.
• AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite – A package that includes both AutoCAD and Revit Architecture.
• AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite – A package combining AutoCAD and Revit MEP.
• AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite – Bundles AutoCAD and Revit Structure for structural design.
• AutoCAD Structural Detailing – Software for steel and concrete detailing.
• AutoCAD Utility Design – Used for electrical and utility infrastructure design.

2. 3D Modelling & Rendering Software

• Autodesk 3ds Max – Professional 3D modelling, animation, and rendering software.
• Autodesk 3ds Max Design – Tailored for visualisation in architecture, engineering, and construction.
• Autodesk Maya – Powerful 3D animation and modelling software used in the entertainment industry.
• Autodesk Mudbox – Digital sculpting and texture painting software.
• Autodesk Softimage – 3D animation software (discontinued).
• Autodesk MotionBuilder – Motion capture and character animation software.
• Autodesk Smoke – Video editing and visual effects software.
• Autodesk Stitcher Unlimited – Panorama creation software.

3. BIM & Infrastructure Software

• Autodesk BIM 360 – Cloud-based construction management software.
• Autodesk Revit Architecture – Building Information Modelling (BIM) software for architects.
• Autodesk Revit MEP – BIM software tailored for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing professionals.
• Autodesk Revit Structure – BIM software for structural engineering.
• Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional – Advanced structural analysis software.
• Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite – A suite for civil infrastructure professionals.
• Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler – Tool for visualising and planning infrastructure projects.

(more…)

Autodesk Inventor is a powerful tool for mechanical engineers, enabling precise 3D design and efficient workflow management. However, even experienced users may not be maximising its capabilities. By leveraging these five time-saving tricks, you can optimise your workflow, reduce design time, and improve productivity.

If you’re looking to master Autodesk Inventor, our Autodesk Inventor Training Courses provide expert-led sessions to enhance your skills.

1. Discover the New Features in Autodesk Inventor 2025

The latest version of Autodesk Inventor introduces several enhancements designed to improve efficiency. Key updates include:

• Refined Finish Features – Gain enhanced control over surface finishes, allowing for precise adjustments and reducing rework.
• Upgraded Sheet Metal Tools – A more intuitive interface simplifies the creation and modification of sheet metal designs.
• Assembly Modelling Enhancements – Improved visualisation options and performance upgrades enable faster handling of complex assemblies.

By incorporating these new features into your workflow, you can speed up design processes and enhance collaboration.

2. Boost Efficiency with Keyboard Shortcuts and Automation Scripts

Keyboard shortcuts can dramatically reduce design time by eliminating the need to navigate menus. Here are a few essential ones:

• Sketching
  • L: Line tool
  • R: Rectangle tool
  • D: Dimension tool
• Modelling
  • E: Extrude
  • F: Fillet
  • M: Move

Additionally, iLogic automation scripts streamline repetitive tasks. By setting up custom scripts, you can automate common design processes and ensure standardisation across projects.

3. Integrate Inventor with Fusion 360 and AutoCAD for Seamless Workflows

Integrating Autodesk Inventor with Fusion 360 and AutoCAD creates a seamless workflow across multiple design environments. Here’s how:

• Fusion 360 Integration – Utilise cloud-based collaboration, generative design, and simulation tools to expand Inventor’s capabilities.
• AutoCAD Compatibility – Open and reference AutoCAD DWG files directly in Inventor, ensuring a smooth transition between 2D and 3D design.

By leveraging this integration, engineers can work more flexibly and efficiently across multiple platforms.

4. Optimise Large Assemblies with Best Practices

When dealing with large assemblies, performance can slow down if not managed properly. Follow these best practices to optimise your assembly modelling:

• Use Simplification Tools – Reduce model complexity by suppressing unnecessary details in large assemblies.
• Leverage Model States – Manage different design variations in a single file without duplicating work.
• Apply Constraints Consistently – Use mate and flush constraints efficiently to ensure stable and accurate assembly positioning.

These practices not only improve performance but also make collaboration and troubleshooting easier.

5. Design Sheet Metal Parts Efficiently

Sheet metal design is an essential aspect of mechanical engineering. Autodesk Inventor’s dedicated Sheet Metal Environment offers specialised tools for:

• Creating Flanges and Bends – Easily apply bends and define material thickness for manufacturing.
• Utilising Bend Tables – Maintain consistency in bending parameters based on material properties.
• Generating Flat Patterns – Automatically convert 3D sheet metal designs into ready-to-manufacture flat patterns.

Using these tools correctly ensures manufacturability while reducing design errors and material waste.

Master Autodesk Inventor with Expert Training

Want to take your Autodesk Inventor skills to the next level? Our Autodesk Inventor Training Courses offer hands-on learning with industry experts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, our tailored courses will help you master essential time-saving techniques and advanced design strategies.

By implementing these Autodesk Inventor tricks and continuously enhancing your skills, you’ll be able to streamline your design processes, reduce errors, and boost overall efficiency.

Start improving your workflow today by enrolling in our Autodesk Inventor courses!

The world of electronics is evolving rapidly, and for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) designers, keeping up with the latest tools and industry standards is crucial. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced professional aiming to refine your expertise, the right training can make a significant difference. Here are three top PCB design courses that will help you elevate your skills and enhance your career prospects in 2025.

1. Mastering eCADSTAR for Advanced PCB Design

For those looking to become proficient in modern PCB design software, mastering eCADSTAR is a must. This advanced design tool integrates the latest technology with intuitive features to streamline the PCB design process.

Course Overview:

This comprehensive course is designed for both beginners and seasoned professionals who want to deepen their understanding of eCADSTAR. Participants will explore essential functions, design principles, and advanced techniques to optimise their workflow. Training is flexible, with online and in-person options tailored to different learning preferences.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Software Proficiency: Gain expertise in eCADSTAR’s features to improve design efficiency.
• Flexible Learning Options: Choose between online, on-site, or hybrid training based on your needs.
• Industry Expert Instruction: Learn from experienced trainers who hold industry-recognised certifications.

For more details on the eCADSTAR training course, click here.

2. IPC Certified Interconnect Designer (CID) Course

Industry standards play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and manufacturability of PCBs. The IPC CID certification is an internationally recognised qualification that validates a designer’s understanding of PCB layout and design principles.

Course Overview:

This structured two-day training programme covers key topics such as component placement, track routing, PCB layout strategies, and industry best practices. In addition, it delves into reliability, testing requirements, and documentation, equipping participants with a strong foundation in professional PCB design. The course culminates in a certification exam, which enhances credibility in the industry.

Key Benefits:

• Globally Recognised Certification: The IPC CID is a mark of quality and expertise in PCB design.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential design principles and manufacturing considerations.
• Career Advancement: Helps designers secure better job opportunities with competitive salaries.

For more information, check out the IPC CID training page.

3. IPC Certified Interconnect Designer Advanced (CID+) Course

For professionals looking to go beyond the basics and achieve expert-level competency, the IPC CID+ certification is the next step. This advanced course is designed for experienced designers who want to master high-level PCB concepts and ensure compliance with international standards.

Course Overview:

Building upon the knowledge acquired in the IPC CID programme, this course explores advanced topics such as high-speed design principles, material properties, impedance control, assembly testing, and panelisation strategies. The training also emphasises quality lifecycle tracking and documentation for seamless manufacturing processes. Like the IPC CID, the course ends with a certification exam that validates the designer’s expertise.

Key Benefits:

• Advanced Skill Development: Master complex PCB design elements and industry standards.
• Professional Recognition: Gain a certification that sets you apart in the field.
• Global Career Prospects: IPC CID+ is recognised worldwide, opening doors to international job opportunities.

To learn more about this advanced certification, visit the IPC CID+ training page.

Elevate Your Career with the Right PCB Training

Investing in professional development is essential for staying competitive in the PCB design industry. Whether you’re looking to improve your software proficiency with eCADSTAR or attain globally recognised certifications with IPC CID and IPC CID+, these courses offer the knowledge and credentials to help you advance. By mastering the latest design tools and adhering to industry standards, you can unlock higher-paying job opportunities and establish yourself as a top-tier PCB designer in 2025.

On December 6th, 2024, we proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone, our 25th anniversary. Over the years, we have achieved significant success, navigated challenges, and grown into the thriving organisation we are today.

Quadra Solutions was established in 1999 by Steve Dobson, Simon Dobson, Rob Hargreaves, and Keith Watkins. To provide a deeper insight into our incredible journey, James sat down with founders Steve and Rob to reflect on the past 25 years, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the highlights that have defined our story.

James: Can you share the story of how the company was founded? What inspired you to start the business 25 years ago?

Steve: Keith Watkins, Rob Hargreaves, Simon Dobson, and I originally worked together at another company. When that company was sold, its focus shifted, presenting us with the opportunity to start planning for what would eventually become Quadra. The name “Quadra” reflects the four of us, each bringing unique skills and expertise, as we set out to take control of our own futures. Shortly after, we became resellers for Autodesk and Zuken.

James: Can you recall the early days of the business? What were some of the initial challenges and successes?

Rob: In our early days, we worked from a modest rented space—a small room with a team of just five, including Steve Taylor, our IT Manager. One of our greatest challenges was building trust and credibility with potential customers. As a new company, we needed to prove that we could deliver services that not only met but exceeded their business needs.
Despite these initial obstacles, our dedication and hard work led to early successes, establishing a strong foundation for the company’s future growth.

James: How has the industry evolved since you started, and how has the company adapted to these changes?

Steve: The industry has evolved significantly since we began, particularly with key players like Autodesk and Zuken. Autodesk, for example, has adopted a strategy of consolidating its reseller network in the UK, choosing to work with fewer but larger distributors. This shift challenged us to elevate our performance and align with the higher standards Autodesk required.
Similarly, the landscape for Zuken has transformed over the years. In the early days, there were numerous resellers across the UK and Europe. However, as the EDA market faced tougher trading conditions, Quadra emerged as the sole UK distributor. We also took on responsibilities for key regions, including Benelux and Scandinavia, allowing us to expand our reach and strengthen our position in the market.

James: What has been the most rewarding moment for you during these 25 years?

Rob: One of the most rewarding aspects of the past 25 years has been the consistent recognition we’ve received from both Autodesk and Zuken for our exceptional performance. Another milestone was the launch of our dedicated training suite in 2014, which has since delivered high-quality, face-to-face training to hundreds of delegates. Supporting individuals in advancing their careers and achieving success has been an incredibly fulfilling part of our journey.

James: How has the demand for our services changed over the years?

Steve: Over the years, we’ve seen a transition from merely supplying tools for design data creation to an increasing demand for software and services aimed at managing that data. In the realm of PCB design, manufacturing and assembly customer requirements have evolved dramatically. Modern designs now require greater levels of compression and compactness, with smaller feature sizes and faster data rates.
This shift has been fuelled by advancements in electronic components and the rising demand for miniaturisation, enabling the development of more portable and efficient devices.

James: Can you share some of the most notable projects or collaborations the company has been involved in?

Rob: Although much of our work is bound by NDAs and cannot be shared in detail, we take pride in our collaborations with customers across a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, nuclear, rail, medical, and motorsport. These partnerships have enabled us to contribute to groundbreaking projects that drive innovation and progress in these highly specialised fields.

James: What does the 25th anniversary mean to you on a personal level?

Steve: The 25th anniversary holds deep personal significance, as many of the customers we partnered with 25 years ago remain with us today. This enduring loyalty brings us great satisfaction, reflecting the strong relationships we’ve built and the support we’ve provided for their growth over the past quarter-century. It stands as a testament to the trust and collaboration that have been central to our journey.

James: Tell us more about Quadra’s values?

Steve: We value honesty and integrity in all our interactions with suppliers and customers. At Quadra, we go the extra mile to understand our customers’ needs and actively engage with them. Our commitment is to consistently develop and deliver the right solutions.

James: What is your vision for the company over the next 25 years?

Rob: Our vision for the next 25 years is to keep adapting and evolving to meet our customers’ needs while staying at the forefront of engineering innovations. By remaining flexible and forward-thinking, we aim to not only meet the demands of an ever-changing industry but also play a role in shaping its future.

James: Finally, if you could sum up the past 25 years in just three words, what would they be?

Steve & Rob: Challenging, fun, rewarding.

Discover Our Top 5 AutoCAD Courses

In the fields of engineering and design, AutoCAD proficiency is a crucial skill. Developed by Autodesk, AutoCAD software is the go-to tool for professionals like engineers, architects, and product designers. It’s invaluable for creating detailed 2D and 3D models, transforming initial sketches into accurate prototypes. AutoCAD simplifies the process of visualising and refining complex structures, making it a powerful asset in project planning and design execution. For aspiring and seasoned professionals alike, mastering AutoCAD can open up substantial career opportunities.

At Quadra, we recognise the significance of AutoCAD skills in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re just beginning or aiming to expand your skill set, our selection of courses is tailored to help you excel.

Here are our top recommendations to get you started on the path to AutoCAD mastery.

1. AutoCAD Essentials

This three-day course is perfect for beginners, covering the fundamental tools of AutoCAD. You’ll learn everything from basic drawing and editing commands to layering and plotting techniques.

Why this course is great:

• Foundational Skills: Provides a comprehensive foundation, covering core AutoCAD tools and commands.
• Practical Techniques: Learn to enhance your drawings with professional-grade text and dimensions.
• Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive sessions that foster understanding and retention.

2. AutoCAD Beyond the Basics

For those who already know the basics, this course takes your skills to the next level with advanced drawing, editing, and productivity tools.

Why this course is great:

• Intermediate Skills: Enhances your abilities by building on fundamental concepts.
• Efficiency Techniques: Discover ways to streamline your workflow with advanced tools.
• Real-World Applications: Learn techniques that directly translate to real-world design tasks.

3. AutoCAD Electrical Fundamentals IEC

This course is focused on electrical design, with tools and features specific to electrical schematics and IEC standards.

Why this course is great:

• Electrical Focus: Tailored to those looking to specialise in electrical AutoCAD design.
• Industry-Specific Tools: Access tools specific to electrical schematics, enhancing project accuracy.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Understand IEC standards and how to apply them effectively.

4. AutoCAD Advanced

An advanced course for seasoned users, this training covers complex aspects such as 3D modelling, rendering, and customisable workflows.

Why this course is great:

• Expert-Level Training: Perfect for users looking to push their skills to an expert level.
• 3D Capabilities: Learn advanced techniques in 3D modelling and visualisations.
• Customisable Workflows: Equip yourself with skills to tailor AutoCAD to your specific needs.

Each of these courses is designed with your growth in mind. At Quadra, we’re committed to helping you reach new heights in your AutoCAD journey.

Ready to get started? Explore our course offerings by clicking here and take the first step towards mastering AutoCAD.

A solid relationship to champion British manufacturing

Our success is powered by our commitment to continually explore new opportunities. We can only make this possible with three elements: people, knowledge, and innovation.

We value and respect these three key elements and never underestimate their potential when brought together. It’s because of our faith in the power of people, knowledge, and innovation that we made a great decision during the coronavirus pandemic – to unite with a UK-based PCB manufacturer, Hi5 Electronics. True artisans of the industry renowned for their reliability and outstanding quality.

New beginnings based on firm foundations

In 2021, Quadra Solution’s two owners, Steve Dobson and Simon Dobson were approached by Craig Southern, the owner of Hi5 Electronics with a fantastic proposition. The company had to adapt to keep Hi5’s mission alive and not move away from its vision. It was clear that the three experienced leaders together had a winning combination, one that could address the challenges and uncertainties that Hi5 was facing and take it to a higher level.

It was agreed that Quadra Solutions and Hi5 Electronics would join forces, empowering them both to be the ultimate ambassadors of British manufacturing with a shared determination to deliver the best PCB services to their clients.

What this means to you, our customers…

We never make any decision without stepping into our customers’ shoes first. We asked ourselves, ‘will this decision be better for our customers?’ And the answer was a resounding yes!

Quadra will remain your design technology partner, continuing to offer our award-winning PCB design bureau, and continue to be specialists in CAD software solutions for mechanical, construction and PCB design industries. None of this will change.

The strong collaboration will result in a one-stop-shop for everything from the designing of the PCB concept to the finished product with the added bonus of only ever having one point of contact for the entire process.

That’s not all. The joining of companies allows us to share our expertise and knowledge, reduce risks and development costs, increase efficiencies, access new markets, drive growth, and get you to market faster.

We can achieve outcomes that might not have been possible previously.

We’re delighted that you’re a part of this new chapter too

As you already have an established relationship with us, there really is no need to take your prototyping work elsewhere. Now we can manage this for you guaranteeing the highest levels of expertise and quality that you have come to expect from us.

In this article, we will discuss why you should switch to eCADSTAR and how we can help.

Knowing how to make the most of eCADSTAR’s useful features and resources can help you avoid those early user mistakes. If you’re new to eCADSTAR, here’s how we suggest getting started:

Request an online demonstration so you can see eCADSTAR in action and its capabilities.

Start with the basics. The first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with the program’s GUI & basic selections, such as its file menu, tabs, and icons. You can then go on eCADSTAR’s interactive tour, and work through the inbuilt DIY training.

Browse through the list of tutorials available on the site. These tutorials will teach you how to use more advanced features, so they’re a handy resource if you’re looking for a quick way to learn something new in your spare time. FAQ’s are available from the start page.

At Quadra Solutions, we are committed to helping eCADSTAR users with our online resources.

eCADSTAR is a great tool for beginners and advanced users alike. Our aim is to remove the steep learning curve by providing a streamlined experience including set-up and installation, Migration ,Library management, Schematic capture through to PCB design.

Our website has a wealth of videos and guides to help you get started with eCADSTAR and how to migrate your designs from CADSTAR.

We also have a team of technical experts on hand who can help answer your questions about how to use the software effectively and to answer any queries you may have, even if you are not a subscriber yet. You can call, request a teams session or email our support desk. This service helps to get eCADSTAR implemented and up and running within the design office quickly.

The eCADSTAR software provides an intuitive user interface, which makes it easier for new users to pick up on their first day using it, whether your preference is using ribbons, shortcut keys or right click assist menu’s, eCADSTAR provides extensive options for customisation to suit your personal work flow.

And if you’re still new to schematic and PCB design software, our eCADSTAR essentials training course will cover everything you need to know to get started.

Our team will walk you through the basics of eCADSTAR in a 4 day training course that introduces the software and its key features.

The course takes you through the PCB design process from Library management and Schematic Capture to PCB design and Manufacturing outputs.

Speak with an experienced eCADSTAR representative who will help answer your questions about how best to use our tools, along with any other questions that come up as a result of using them. Whether you’re looking for more information on licensing or our support options, we will answer any questions or concerns you might have.

We have produced a series of eCADSTAR getting started guides to help you out.

The Getting Started Guides are available here and cover the following topics:

eCADSTAR Online Training Courses

CADSTAR to eCADSTAR Migration

eCADSTAR Tutorial Videos

eCADSTAR has been designed as an easy-to-use but sophisticated tool for designers at all levels of knowledge and experience. eCADSTAR’s intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to use the software, but advanced users will also appreciate its versatility. With sophisticated tools for High Speed, Creepage, Signal Integrity, Power Integrity, Spice Simulation, IBIS AMI and more.

Even your mechanical team will appreciate what eCADSTAR has to offer, eCADSTAR’s 3D environment includes mechanical checking, which means mechanical constraints can be checked at PCB design level.

We hope this blog post has given you a good idea of what to expect when starting out with eCADSTAR. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions about our tools or software, so please feel free to contact us at any time.

Back in the day, to view Inventor files without the use of Inventor itself we had to use Inventor View. Now, this was, for the longest time perfectly acceptable. In fact, Autodesk themselves used it as part of the Vault offerings to view their ‘own’ data. Click here to view.

While Inventor View served its purpose, it did/does have some limitations.

When accessing files via Inventor view, we are actually seeing the Part / Assembly / Drawing as it was when it was last saved. Now with 3D data, this shouldn’t ever be an issue, but with 2D data there are considerations.

Do we want to view the drawing as it was last saved (3 weeks ago for example)? or should we be seeing it as it currently is. (taking into consideration the 3D data that has been updated more recently than the last 3 weeks).

With inventor view, we only see the data as it was last saved (this to be fair is probably a good thing in the case of a released drawing) we cannot view truly up-to-date data.

Read Only Mode

With the current crop of inventor, we now have access to Inventor Read Only Mode. Now, this does exactly as it says on the tin, it IS Inventor, but it IS Read Only!

Using actual Inventor, but with all the ‘creation’ tools removed, we now know that we are looking at the current data, as its stands today, not 3 weeks ago when not was last saved. This means, an Assembly for example now has up-to-date constraints, Drawings show a clean/current view taking into consideration any recent 3D changes.

With Inventor View, we can only view (including Zoom, Pan, and Orbit) and print models/drawings. When opening the same data with Inventor Read Only Mode, we have access to all the tools in full Inventor but without any editing capabilities. We can interact and query the model browser, use the inspect tools (measure, interference analysis etc), access the BOM in an Assembly and so on.

Inventor Read Only Mode is installed automatically as a ‘partner product’ to the full Inventor install, which means if you already use Inventor 2020 or newer, you already have access to the software.

Anyone can get Inventor Read Only Mode. So your colleagues, shop floor personnel, Customers etc can view your Inventor data in full fidelity as it was meant to be viewed.

To gain access to Inventor Read Only Mode, just download and install the Inventor trial (full Inventor) HERE.

An Inventor Read Only Mode shortcut  is created which remains available even after the trial expires (30 days)

Best of all, Inventor Read Only Mode is FREE!

Tools available with Inventor Read Only Mode

Parts

Assemblies

Drawings

In the image below, the top row shows full Inventor Professional, giving us up-to-date information

On the second row, Inventor ‘Read Only’ (left) & Inventor View (Right) can be seen with the saved information displaying correctly

At this point, I have updated and saved the IPT, and then activated the IDW. Full Inventor has automatically updated the IDW with the latest 3D changes and a save is pending.

On the lower half, we can see the reloaded Inventor ‘Read Only’ has updated the IDW. It has been done to reflect the true current state of the IPT, BUT Inventor View is still showing us the ‘as saved’ data which is now stale.

Finally, now that I have saved the IDW (top right) within full Inventor Pro, both Inventor ‘Read Only’ AND Inventor View have access to the latest design

The difference between Model Space & Paper Space (and how to use it).

So, many users of AutoCAD either don’t know about Paper Space or don’t know how to use it.

There are many reasons for this, people who have used AutoCAD for many years and they learned it 20 years ago and it did what they wanted so they haven’t continued with learning new techniques.

Others have seen it but don’t understand the benefits or feel that they just don’t need it.

All of the above are reasonable arguments but this doesn’t mean they are right.

Let’s set out the premise of the different spaces

Model Space; (MP)

Model space is the environment you draw what you want to make, i.e. The Model.

This is to be drawn at 1:1 (all detail views can be displayed in Paper Space – More about this later), the format of the “1:1” can be unitless but it is a better practice to use the correct unit, mm, meters, kilometres, inches, feet etc.  This setting is in the Drawing Units Dialogue

This will allow you to have full control and give continuity of how the non-continuous line types such as hidden, centre & phantom are displayed.

Paper Space; (PS)

As the name suggests this environment is all about documentation. Essentially you place a piece of paper in PS and then cut holes in it to view the Model at various scales (or NTS).

There are several ways to achieve this that we don’t have time for in a blog. But what follows may help to explain a little.

Working in Paper Space

In the following video, we will create a Drawing that will always print at 1:1, the drawing has 2 views. 1 will contain all the elevations and will display at 1:2 the other is a detail of the slot hole that will be displayed at 2:1.

After adding some MText with a field extract the View Ports scale, we will make a simple change to the bearing footprint, you will see the changes in both the 1:2 and the 2:1, we will then change the scale of the viewports and after a regen, the fields will update to reflect the change.

If you are creating drawings of a similar type (elevations view and details) in MS you will probably appreciate the impact of small detail changes on multiple views. One change in a design could impact many views, you can see from the video that many views can be updated by changing the model in one place. Of course, there will also be a lot of copying and scaling of various sections of the model to achieve detailed views to allow accurate manufacture, assembly or building.

My opinion on the advantages

If you are to produce an accurate and streamlined drawing process the use of Paper Space for laying out drawings is a key part of that strategy. The ease at which one can creatin and modify drawings far exceeds anything that can be achieved using Model Space alone in a very short time scale. The use of Paper Space along with annotative annotations and some other tools will change your workflow for the better and more importantly it will make you faster and sage time!