Programmatically open, create, modify, and save Parametric Parts ( .ipt ), Hierarchical Assemblies ( .iam ), and Associative 2D Drawings ( .idw / .dwg ).
Reading and writing metadata like Part Number, Material, or Mass Properties for data management. Why is it Important? The use of this DLL is the foundation for Design Automation
using System; using System.Runtime.InteropServices; using Autodesk.Inventor.Interop; namespace InventorAutomation class Program static void Main(string[]png) Inventor.Application inventorApp = null; try // Attempt to get a running instance of Inventor inventorApp = (Inventor.Application)Marshal.GetActiveObject("Inventor.Application"); catch (COMException) try // If not running, attempt to start a new instance Type inventorAppType = Type.GetTypeFromProgID("Inventor.Application"); inventorApp = (Inventor.Application)Activator.CreateInstance(inventorAppType); inventorApp.Visible = true; catch (Exception ex) Console.WriteLine("Could not start Inventor: " + ex.Message); return; // Successfully connected - perform your automation here Console.WriteLine($"Connected to: inventorApp.SoftwareVersion.String"); // Example: Create a new part document PartDocument partDoc = (PartDocument)inventorApp.Documents.Add( DocumentTypeEnum.kPartDocumentObject, inventorApp.FileManager.GetTemplateFile(DocumentTypeEnum.kPartDocumentObject) ); Use code with caution. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Because autodesk.inventor.interop.dll manages a bridge to an unmanaged COM architecture, standard .NET garbage collection (GC) rules do not completely apply. Ignoring memory lifecycle rules will cause your application to leak memory or crash the Inventor environment. 1. Mind the Marshal.ReleaseComObject Rules
Document the fix
You can create, open, and modify parts ( .ipt ), assemblies ( .iam ), and drawings ( .idw / .dwg ).
: Usually set to False to avoid issues with event handling and specific COM types.
Ensure Inventor is installed on the target machine, or set Embed Interop Types to True in your development environment. 2. COMException (0x80040154): Class not registered
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly\GAC_MSIL\Autodesk.Inventor.Interop\ autodesk.inventor.interop.dll
or via standard installation folders, making it straightforward to start a project in Visual Studio. Integration
To develop a 3D solid text using the , you must first reference the library in your project and then use the EmbossFeatures or ExtrudeFeatures objects to turn a text sketch into a solid body. 1. Setup the Environment
// Example: Creating a new part document PartDocument oPartDoc = (PartDocument)invApp.Documents.Add(DocumentTypeEnum.kPartDocumentObject); Use code with caution. 4. Interop.dll vs. iLogic
Export Bill of Materials (BOM) data, custom iProperties, or physical properties directly to database systems or Excel. The use of this DLL is the foundation
: It is the foundation for creating both "Out-of-Process" executables (standalone apps) and "In-Process" Add-ins that run directly inside Inventor's memory space.
Once added, select the reference in your Solution Explorer and view its window. It is highly recommended to set Embed Interop Types to True . Embedding the interop types compiles only the specific API interfaces your application uses directly into your executable, removing the need to deploy the standalone DLL alongside your software. Step 3: Add the Namespace
: While "Embed Interop Types" helps, major API changes between Inventor versions can occasionally break code. Always test your scripts against the specific Inventor release version you are targeting.