Loading VBA project performance issue

When working with Inventor 2012, you may have noticed that the first time you create a new drawing in a session, you get a message in the bottom left saying Loading VBA project.

This slows down the time before you see a drawing template on the screen infront of you.

In order to speed up the performance, select the checkbox Load VBA on start-up, from Tools > Application Options > General TAB.

After that, the next time you start Inventor the VBA module will be loaded on startup, rather than when you need to create a drawing.

Unable to Turn Visibility Back on in an IPN

In an Inventor 2012 IPN, presentation file, you may have found that after turning a parts Visibility off, a right click > Visibility, does not turn it back on.

Autodesk Vault Webclient Does not Show Items/Files

When working in the Autodesk Vault Webclient for Vault Collaboration/Professional 2011/2012 you may have noticed that your Items and/or Files are not showing. Instead you just see a status icon saying Loading:

Enabling the Vault Add-in for 3DS Max

Here is a handy tip for those of you that have Product Design Suite (with 3DS Max Design) or 3DS Max and wish to utilise Vault (Asset Tracking).

Before you try logging in to Vault from Asset Tracking, go to the Application Menu > Manage > Asset Tracking > Options > untick Disable Asset Tracking.

Once this setting is unticked you will be able to log into Vault and start managing your files as with Inventor and AutoCAD.

Hatch Grip

The new Hatch Grip functionality is very powerful, giving you direct manipulation of Hatch objects. Hover over the Grip Centre mark to stretch, move, change the origin, angle or scale.

Viewport Control

In AutoCAD 2012 t is easier than ever to set up or modify your viewports, 2D and 3D views and visual styles directly from the drawing window.

If you click on these options you will be given a quick list of options to chose from, saving time finding these settings on the Ribbon or in Options.

View menu:

Autodesk DWF Writer now available for 64bit Operating Systems

DWF publishing helps you enhance collaboration and easily exchange project information with extended teams. Download the free Autodesk DWF Writer to securely share 2D and 3D data as DWF files - no matter what design application you are using. Now available for 32 and 64bit versions of Microsoft Windows.

• Built-In 2D and 3D publishing - Publish 2D or 3D designs automatically with built-in DWF publishing from many of the Autodesk design applications.
• Publish rich design information - Select the preferred 32bit Autodesk DWF Writer plug-in - SolidWorks 2006, CATIA (V5), or Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2.0 - to publish 3D models including intelligent design information.
• Publish from Microsoft applications - A Microsoft Windows system printer driver, DWF Writer allows you to publish easily and directly from Microsoft applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio and Project applications.

For more information and/or to download for yourself see the Autodesk page here.

123D Sculpt Released for iPad

Autodesk's mobile applications have a new addition in the form of 123D Sculpt for the iPad.

Autodesk 123D Sculpt app for iPad allows you to Sculpt and Paint interesting and realistic 3D Shapes. This app is Free for a limited time period.

It is easy to get started. Choose a shape from the library of Creatures, Humans, Vehicles and more. Then push, pull and paint to make the sculpture your want. When you are done, take snapshots in the camera room or create animated QuickTime turntable movies to upload to YouTube or email to friends.

Current Service Packs for 2012 Products

We thought it was about time we highlighted the currently available Service Packs for the 2012 Autodesk products, which are included in the new Product Design and Factory Design Suites:

- Inventor Fusion SP2

- Autodesk Mudbox SP3

- Autodesk Showcase SP1

- Factory Design Tools SP1

- Autodesk 3DS Max Design SP1

- Autodesk Sketchbook Designer SP1

These can all be found on the Autodesk website, or listed on our own Micro Concepts Website. Alternatively, click on the relevant link above!