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VEX CAD Inventor FAQ

Everything under Global applies to all versions of the library. Anything after that is VERSION SPECIFIC.

Feel free to ask us questions in #help on the VEX CAD Discord after reading all Global and Version Specific questions for the version you are using.

Version Specific

Library v1.3.0 FAQ

Library v1.2.0 FAQ

Library v1.1.1 FAQ

Library v1.1.0 FAQ

Library v1.0.0 FAQ

Global

How do I install the library?

The recommended file structure is to have a CAD folder anywhere on your computer, and place the latest release in this folder. Every new robot you create will be a new folder in the CAD folder. It also is highly recommended to make an Inventor project file to make everything run smoother (instructions below). People have found success using a Git Client like Github Desktop to consistently download the library without missing parts or corrupted files. It's important that you don't modify files in the library! If you do, they will update in every assembly you have with the modified part!

How do I make a new Inventor project file?

1. Open Project Editor 2024.
2. Click the New button on the bottom.
3. Select "New Single User Project".
4. Name the file something that makes sense, like "VEX CAD".
5. Set the "Project (Workspace) Folder, to a folder on your computer that will hold all of your CAD files, including the library and any robot CADs that you make.
6. Click Finish.
7. Back in the main Project Editior screen, right-click on "Frequently Used Subfolders" and click "Add Path"
8. Rename "Folder" to "VEX Library" and set the path to the location of your downloaded library in the main folder.
9. Click "Save" then "Close" on the bottom-right.
10. Set Inventor to use your new project file by clicking "Inventor" on the bottom-left.

How do I modify parts?

It's important that you don't modify files in the library! If you do, they will update in every assembly you have with the modified part!

To modify parts, copy the file you want to modify and paste it in your robots folder, we recommend making a Modified Parts in your robot folder. Modify the part with a sketch and extrude, then place this new part in your assembly!

How do I download Autodesk Inventor for free?

Follow this link for a free educational license. You may have to confirm your enrollment at a school with a document of some sort.

Does this library work on Inventor 2021, 2022, or 2023? Do I need 2024?

You will need Inventor 2024 for this library to work correctly.

How do I get dark mode?

Go to File, Options, and select Colors. Change your In Canvas Color Scheme to Dark.

If you want a gradient background, select the Background dropdown and select Gradient. Then go to Custom Schemes, Backgrounds and select the colors you want.

None of my parts have texture to them! They're all a solid color!

To fix this, you are going to want to place the iw_metal_02 file in your C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Inventor 2021\Textures\surfaces. Download this file here.

How do I get rid of all of the little orange circles?? I just wanna render ;9

Go to the View tab in the ribbon. At the very right, there is a drop down called Object Visibility. Turn off Construction Surfaces.

How do I use hinges and pneumatic pistons?

In your active assembly, place either your desired assembly (hinge or piston). In the part tree, right-click on the part, and click flexible. Then you should be able to move the piston or hinge as desired without breaking the part assembly.