How to Import an Autodesk Inventor 2013 Sketch to CorelDraw 5

In order to scale the boxes I make, I decided to go through the (somewhat painful) growth from 2D to 3D drawing.

I'd been importing Boxmaker pdf files to CorelDraw 5 and tweaking the files a bit to make the files ready for laser cutting.

I want to modify a few basic parameters to enable changing materials, while using the same part drawing.

I took some time at TechShop in San Jose to learn how to get my files from Autodesk Inventor 2013 to CorelDraw 5.

I saw this Instructable, but did not get the same results. It appears there are some changes between saving from Inventor 2013 to CorelDraw 6 instead of CorelDraw 5.

Export the Sketch

While in 2D Sketch Mode in Inventor 2013, go to the Browser and right-click the sketch icon.

This generates a pop-up menu, allowing you to export the sketch.

Select the Export Sketch As option

Choose How to Export the Sketch

Export the Sketch in a .dxf format.

I had inconsistent results going from Inventor 2013 to CorelDraw 5 when I selected .dwg, so I'm sticking with .dxf.

Import the .dxf File to CorelDraw 5

Now you're able to import the dxf file to CorelDraw 5, while retaining your original sketch measurements.

Confirm the Dimensions

I used CorelDraw 5's Segment Dimension Tool to add dimensions to the imported vectors. They are consistent with my original Sketch.

And Add Graphics and Send to the Laser

Now I'm able to change all lines to vectors (hairlines in CorelDraw), add any raster graphics, and print to the laser engraver.