How To Extract A Material Library Into Excel In Autodesk Inventor?

In this guide, you will learn how to extract a Material Library into Excel so that it can be used in other applications like MS Word or MS Powerpoint. It is also known as SDF file format and it is mainly used for exchanging graphics data between Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge and Autodesk 3ds Max. So, to extract a Material Library into Excel in Autodesk Inventor? Let's get started.

Are you having trouble extracting a material library into Excel in Autodesk Inventor? It seems like you are not the only one having this type of dilemma.

Luckily, this article can help solve this problem because it contains a comprehensive guide on how to extract a material library into Excel in Autodesk Inventor.

What is Autodesk?

Autodesk is a company that creates software for people who innovate things. The primary industry they cater to is construction, infrastructure design, and building design. It is also the company behind Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks Manage, and 3ds Max.

What is a Material Library in Autodesk?

Before jumping into the step-by-step guide, it is important that you understand what a Material Library is first to know why the typical extraction process to Excel is challenging. The Autodesk Material Library is composed of various shared sub-libraries of textures and materials. These are installed in some Autodesk products such as 3ds Max, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Autodesk Inventor.

However, take note that not all Autodesk products have Autodesk Material Library installed by default. If you plan on installing it using other Autodesk Product, you can follow these steps:

1. Download the Material Library to your local system.
2. Unzip the folder.
3. Double-click on the .msi file for every sub-library if you want to install it individually.

Suppose you already installed the default material library on your computer, but it was accidentally removed; you can follow this reinstallation procedure:

1. Put the media installer on your disc drive or download it online.
2. In File Explorer or Windows Explorer,  look for these folders:
   *  ContentADSKMaterialsCM
   *  ContentADSKMaterialsILB
3. Open the folders mentioned above, then run the Microsoft Installer files. This is located in the 2 files, then accept the default values.

Steps on How to Extract a Material Library into Excel in Autodesk Inventor

Now that you have a better understanding of Autodesk Inventor and Material Library, let’s move on to the comprehensive guide on how to extract a material library into Excel in Autodesk Inventor:

1. Go to the Format drop-down menu. Click on Styles Editor.
2. Select the material node found on the leftmost side of the monitor.
3. Press shift, then select all the materials in the Material Style pane.
4. Click on Export, then assign a name for the document.
5. Open it on Excel and begin editing it.

If you want to import it back to Autodesk Inventor, you can use the Import button in the Styles Editor.

What to Do if the Method Above Does not Work?

The steps mentioned seem pretty easy to follow. However, it might not work if your Autodesk inventor is a newer version. This is because Autodesk Library must be compatible with the Autodesk product that you are currently using.

To ensure that the method mentioned above works well, the Autodesk product must be compatible with the Material Library in terms of the year. If you are using several Autodesk products with different year versions, you need to install several Material Libraries. For example:

• You are a user of Autodesk InfraWorks 2018 and Autodesk Revit 2018; you need to install both Autodesk Material Library 2018 and 2019.
• You are Autodesk InfraWorks 2019 and AutoCAD Civil 3D 2018; you need to install both Autodesk Material Library 2018 and 2019.

Final Word

Extracting the Material Library into Excel from Autodesk Inventor might sound complicated. However, the steps needed are easier than you think, so there is no need for you to feel overwhelmed. Without a doubt, Autodesk Inventor is excellent software, and navigating it is manageable as long as you get the hang out of it.

Summary: Extract a Material Library into Excel in Autodesk Inventor

• Open a new part file.
• Under the ribbon at the top, select the Manage tab.
• Select Material Editor.
• Select Browse to choose a Material Library.
• A window should pop up. Choose an appropriate Material Library, then click Open.
• You should see a list of materials in your new window. Click the Data tab, then Export.
• Save this Excel file to the location where you want it to be available for future use. This file will be used in the next step of this process.