How to open IDW files on your device
If an error occurs when you try to open IDW file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate IDW files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.
IDW File Extension
- File type Inventor Drawing
- File developer Autodesk
- File category CAD Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) IDW file?
IDW (Inventor Drawing) files contain technical drawings created with Autodesk Inventor software. It is the default file type used to save design and engineering data for a 3D model or an assembly. The file contains vector graphics, raster images, text, associated comments and sheet parameters.
IDW files can be saved in various versions of Autodesk Inventor and are compatible with other CAD applications. The drawings can be exported as DWG, DFX or PDF files. IDW files can also be printed directly from Autodesk Inventor.
How to open IDW file?
There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .IDW files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.
Step 1. Install a program that supports IDW files
In order to open IDW file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with IDW extension.
Programs that can open IDW files
Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, IDW files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.
Remember!
Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on IDW files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to IDW files.
Step 2. Associate given software with IDW files
A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting IDW files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with IDW files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open IDW files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open IDW files.
Step 3. Check whether no other errors related to IDW files occur
When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the IDW file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:
- File with IDW extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
- File data is corrupted
- Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the IDW file is stored
- File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the IDW file was saved and then deleted
- User account is not privileged to perform operations on IDW files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
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