How to Adjust Parts List Column Widths in an Inventor 3D PDF
Question details
The user needs to modify parts-list column widths or add new columns when exporting Autodesk Inventor models to a 3D PDF parts manual.
- Product
- Autodesk Inventor / PDF
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting a 3D model into a 3D PDF format to create a well-formatted parts manual.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unable to easily change the column widths or insert custom columns, likely due to restrictions in the default 3D PDF export template.
Before modifying your parts list, ensure you have access to both the original Autodesk Inventor assembly file and the specific 3D PDF template file you plan to use for publishing.
Edit the 3D PDF Template Settings in Inventor
Check and modify the table properties within the supplied 3D PDF template used for publishing the manual.
Autodesk Inventor uses specialized templates to generate 3D PDFs. The layout of the parts list, including column widths, is largely dictated by these template files.
Open the supplied 3D PDF template in the appropriate Inventor template editor or publishing software.
Navigate to the parts-list table settings within the editor to review the available layout controls.
If the template exposes column-width or new-column controls, manually drag the column borders or add the required columns, then save the updated template.
Modify the Parts List in Inventor Before Exporting
If template controls are locked, adjust the parts list configuration directly within the Inventor assembly environment.
Edit Exported PDF Layouts Easily with WPS Office
If Autodesk Inventor's 3D PDF templates restrict your column adjustments, you can export the document and seamlessly edit the standard 2D table layouts, text, and manual formatting outside the 3D content box using WPS PDF.
- 1. Open the Exported PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your exported Inventor 3D PDF parts manual.
- 2. Enter Edit Mode: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab and click on 'Edit Content' to make the text and 2D table elements selectable.
- 3. Adjust the Layout: Click on the parts list table located outside the 3D viewing area to drag and adjust column widths manually or add supplementary text fields.
- 4. Save the Modified Manual: Once your layout adjustments are complete, click 'Save' to retain the final parts manual formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I change the column widths directly in my Inventor 3D PDF output?
In many cases, the column widths are locked by the predefined 3D PDF template or the export format settings within Autodesk Inventor. If the template editor doesn't expose these controls, the layout is fixed during export, and you may need to edit the final PDF manually with a PDF editor.
Can I add custom columns to the 3D PDF parts list in Inventor?
Yes, provided the 3D PDF template you are using supports custom properties. You must configure these custom columns in Inventor's Bill of Materials (BOM) prior to publishing, and ensure your specific PDF template maps to these new fields.
Is it possible to edit a 3D PDF after it has been exported?
While the embedded interactive 3D model itself cannot be easily edited without specialized 3D software, the surrounding 2D elements like standard text, static tables, and headers can be fully modified using a robust PDF editor like WPS PDF.
