Mesh Enabler
Digitally signed app
Subscription App
OS:
Language:
Description
The Mesh Enabler application converts mesh features to solid base features or surface features. This function can be applied to individual or multi-selected mesh features or mesh feature folders.
After installing Mesh Enabler, right click on one or more imported mesh features of interest, and convert them into Base features (solids, surfaces, or composites) through a new context menu command.
The graphical mesh data is converted into B-Rep Model data that can be used similar to imported solids and surfaces.
About This Version
Version 1.0.16, 4/3/2024
Support Autodesk® Inventor® 2025.
Works great in IV2025.
I'm running in inventor 2024 pro, build 272, release 2024.2. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU with the latest drivers confirmed.
got a blue screen after trying to convert a mesh using the solid body only option. tried again with the composite solid / surface option and the routine did complete at which point i saw a different colored solid on the screen which seemed to have similar mesh-like faces. I was able to interact with Inventor but shortly after and before I could interact with the new element in Inventor, my graphics card kicked out an error and closed down Inventor. I did save that .ipt file before inventor shut down. when i attempt to open that file, inventor seems to go on an infinite loop which I let go about 3 minutes before shutting inventor down manually
only returns a mesh
it does not, i just think it returns converted ipt and the mesh. The mesh is in the way when you want to interact with the ipt. Delete the mash manually and it will work as intended. At least it doeas for me.
We are using network licences, how to add this tool to Inventor 2022? Cant download it, as it says I dont have a subscription... :(
This amazing
Annoying.
Keeps crashing when trying to convert a model.
I used this reguarly to convert STL files, now it no longer works, there is no base feature and the units are wrong. Need to fix this ASAP
Please update to work with 2023/2024 Inventor. Thanks.
Has Autodesk fixed this problem yet? I'm thinking about getting a scanner and would need the mesh enabler to convert the .stl files. Do you have to pay for the mesh enabler?
I pay my subscription but the features keep reducing.
Has worked in the past, now doesn't work in 2023 or 2021.
Either '1 mesh feature failed to convert to base feature' OR it converts but isn't a solid and you can't edit the model it correctly.
Please fix we need to modify STLs in Inventor
Version 1.0.15 Does not work with Inventor 2023.2 (Windows 11 Enterprise, OS Build 22000.1696, Version 21H2) We used the tool for several users in the past (W10, Mesh Enabler 1.0.12). After installing Mesh Enabler 1.0.15 with system account, Mesh Enabler DOES NOT APPEAR IN Add-In Manager 2023. I also can't find the earlier versions like 1.0.14 or 1.0.13. Too bad that even the system requirements were not specified. Can you please place link here to download versions 1.0.14 and 1.0.13?
Does not work for a building scan, only for small objects
I know I used to use an older version of this software with Inventor 2020 on my old computer. Is there any way to access the older version that supported Inventor 2020?
Does not work with inventor 2021
Great for editing STL files for 3d printing. I've been using it for years now, and just got it working in Inventor 2023. Just make sure to load it in the add-in manager. Thanks for developing and updating it!
It will install but it will not stay loaded in the plugin window, always 'unloads itself"
A new version 1.0.14 is being published to work with Inventor 2023.2 build. Thanks for your patience.
Can you please provide repair for inventor 2023.2 update?
Thanks a lot.
A new version 1.0.14 is being published to work with Inventor 2023.2 build. Thanks for your patience.
Quick alternative sollution. just wish it had a progress indicator so I know if it's still working or did Inventor crash.
Doesn't work for inventor 2023
It doesn´t work on 2023 please fix
Works now
We need an update, please
Works now
Please update for inventor 2023.1... And more vertex please
Works now
When loaded in the home environment, the Add-in automatically unloads again. .DLL file-location etc. is correct.
Great job, Thank you very much
When it works it`s a great help to modify your models. But it struggle`s with some complicated models.
I can agree with that but I haven't found a solution for that problem yet.
thanks
很好好的
awesome addon but a few days ago stopped working, just says "1 mesh feature failed to convert to base feature." please help
great job !
To the folks who see all the "doesn't work!" reviews, don't stress it.
I'm running build 287, version 2022.2, and it works just fine! Zero issues. Just remember, that just like any add-in, you need to load/enable it in the add-in manager before it will work :)
(it's possible it didn't work prior to this date, which would mean that the other reviews are outdated and not relevant, so don't stress them)
Thank you so much, i can confirm it works fine
nice
Thank you so much for this update!!
Please update the app, very usefull and no alternative found.
Thank you a lot in advance ofr developpement.
------
Update for rev. 1.0.13:
Work OK.
But still show an update available, when you follow the link in the App manager, it redirect to the App "QuickViews" by Symetri.
This is really a critical add-in ... it would be great if it was just a built-in feature of Inventor but if not - please keep it compatible with the latest versions!
Still does not work in Inventor 2022, no respone to e-mail from Rocky Zhang whatsoever. No alternative way to convert meshes. Please update as soon as possible. We need it desperately.
Plese update for 2022
Hi
When it is compatible with Inventor 2022
Alternative ?
This is a great and very useful addin... I depend on it in my daily workflow... Have directly emailed the developer with no response... I suggest everyone email frequently and perhaps we will get somewhere. rocky.zhang@autodesk.com
please update to 2022!!!
Like others, I rely on this. I need to update to 2022 and need this to keep my workflow!
Please, Upgrade 2022
I use this Add-In constantly, but it needs to be updated to support Inventor 2022. This plugin is the only thing holding be back to 2021, I want to be in the future!
This. UP :)
Please, Upgrade for INV 2022 to support.
Updating my note: It's working fine now with 2022 ver.
Please, update 2022
PLEASE update for Inventor 2022.
No funciona para Inventor 2022 , tuve que descar inventor 2021 ... Espero actualizacion
Doesn't work with 2022, please update it.
Please make this compatible with 2022 version! It doesn't show up in the add-ins window, so I can't even enable it to see if it will convert my mesh to solid. Thanks!
Doesn't work with 2021
Need to be updated. Doesnt work with 2022 inventor.
Not even the mentioned button appears
Great for tinkering with STL Files, but it doesn't seem to work in the 2021 version of Inventor.
Same for me.
2019 does not work too.
There is a missing step in the instructions that you need for 2021 (and probably the others). Make sure to pull up the "add in" option under the tools tab....and click on the mesh converter to make sure it is activated. They really should document that!
Can you make sure the addin is loaded after installation? Or read the online help here： https://apps.autodesk.com/INVNTOR/en/Detail/HelpDoc?appId=6950391119076900441&;appLang=en&os=Win64 If you still have problem please let me know.
It works for 2021 Professional version for me. The publisher, Rocky Zhang, even said he updated it for 2021 below. Version 1.0.10 works just fine. Anyways, for anyone that is installing the .msi file, remember to close Inventor first. I thought the installation was taking forever, but it was because I didn't close Inventor first. After installation, go into Environments and checkmark 'Loaded/Unloaded' and 'Load Automatically' under 'Load Behaviour'. Good luck!
YES! Thanks Kerry Hicks- After loading in the "+add ins" menu it is working. Thank you too, for the follow up Rocky Zhang.
ok
I have a similar problem. What did "+ add in" menu get to work? Please tell me because access to Rocky Zhang' s URL is prohibited and I can not see it
The link from Rocky isn't working- I was able to get Mesh Enable working by going to "Environments" clicking on "Add-Ins" and enabling the mesh enabler plugin by clicking the "Loaded/Unloaded" checkbox.
Thanks. Wayne Newberry. I couldn't see that "Loaded/Unloaded" checkbox. but I solved it by changing 2022 to 2019.
Just Tried and it seems to work! Thanks!
It works probably fine, I installed it twice as shown in the comments here but then i noticed that the readme states, that it only supports up to 5000 triangles. Sadly this makes is useless to me.
Someone got a hint how i can convert 70000+ triangle 3d-Scan-Data (STL) to solid/surface?
The Build-in feature of Inventor just cant handle so many facets too.
Mine says that it does convert, but it may take a ng time. Then it took... less time than logging in and starting this message
It's a bit late for your project, but other that might struggle with the low poly limit: You could try to reduce the number of triangles in a software like MeshMixer (remesh/cut relevant section -> smoothen -> reduce to 5000 triangles). (The smoothening will help average out rugged sufaces from an stl) Good luck!
Thank you so much for making this, i looked for answers on how to convert the file to an object for hours, but found no answer. Luckily, I stumbled uppon this saving grace and I am pleased to say that it works. (only issue is that it does not appear uppon first instalation, you have to download it twice and override it, but otherwise it does its job).
Make it compatible with Inventor 2021 please!
Published the 1.0.10 version to support Inventor 2021. Thanks for your patience.
Thank you for that complaint...it saved me a lot of time trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.
merhaba anil özkan bu problemi çözebildiniz mi
Don’t forget to go to Environments -> Add-ins & enable it from there.
THANK YOU!
Hello, when will the version for inventor 2021 be available? Thanks
YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Thank god for your comment, i can't believe Autodesk haven't put this in the installation instructions.
50 internet points to you.
Thank you, they should definetly write this somewhere
Thanks!!!!! Why didn't they put that in the install instructions? I was so confused...
Thanks!!!
good
First time I installed this, it didn't work to make solid objects, it did automatically surfaces that I couldn't edit. I reinstalled it and than it works.
Great
It is a little finicky, but by doing a solid extrude and then importing a mesh over and then making the mesh a solid, I was able to use the combine feature to make a cut (requires two solids).
Even more amazing, it was a cut from a JPG that I edited a bunch and changed to a PNG, that I converted to a SVG, that I converted to a STL, that I then converted using this tool from a mesh to a solid.
If you aren't getting the option when right clicking, make sure that you are right clicking on the mesh object under the mesh tree. Also, as others have said make sure to enable the add-on. It isn't automatic.
Please fine tune! It is a great addition!
This tool is especially helpful when i need to modify .stl files of 3d printable designs that have no sourcecode available.
very noce
Reading all the Reviews where users couldn't figure out how to use Mesh Enabler - this isn't a Help forum - go over here and ask for help
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/bd-p/78
I installed this newer version of mesh Enabler for use with autodesk inventor but I had to revert to an older version. It only converted my .stl files so long as inventor was set to use inches in and the ANSI standard. But the moment i switched over to using mm in the ISO standard, the .stl convertion was unable to produce a solid body output. This review should probably be under a bug reporting site but I cant find that so I hope the Autodesk team finds this here.
Worked on Inventor 2018 after doind this:
Thanks Luis Gaiato! I thought it woudn't work.
Thanks!
THANK YOU!!!!
thk
Very importont information. Tahnk you! Would be helpful if this information will be implemented in the description.
Thank you so much, I thought it didn't work on my machine!
perfect hint. Thank you!
Thank you!!!!!
You are the best :D funny this was not mentioned in the original instructions..
Even though it is listed the 1.0.7 version (the only one that works with Inventor 2019), if you click on download, it will download the old 1.0.6 version. Please correct the file on the database, or correct listing if you don't have the latest release yet. Thanks.
The version number is corrected now, please check the latest version. Thanks for your feedback.
I used this tool in 2015 and was able to multi-select mesh surfaces to convert (it worked very well). But now in 2017 the ability to multi-select meshes is not available. I can only select 1 mesh at a time, process, then select again etc. I'd give 5 stars if I could multi-select again.
One star in the place of zero stars. Did not work for even a simple mesh conversion.
You should post over in the Inventor forum and include the file. It has worked for me for many years.
Enable it on "Environment > Add-ins> Autodesk Mesh enabler" with a double click. Mark the automatic load box.
Thank you
THIS. This. Yes. Thank you.
i just got this and used it on 2018 and it worked a treat. stopped me banging my head against the wall with some imported bearings that i couldnt balloon in an assembly drawing. thanks for a great add on and also thanks to anyone who commented with additional information on setting up and using this. cheers guys
Just tried this with Inventor 2018 and it worked great on an imported .OBJ file (Kohler sink)
mate , can yu please send me the .exe file of mesh enable , thank you ! bikalpabasnet@hotmail.com
Hello, when will the version for inventor 2021 be available? Thanks
Mesh enabler 1.0.6 only generates surface, will not creare a solid. previous version worked fine.
I used Inventor 2017 on Windows 10 and the newest Version of Mesh but ist Crash.
Same problem for me! Inventor 2017 with Windows 10 and newest MeshEnabler version. Hopefully there's going to be a fix.
Doesnt do what its say it does, spent hours, ends up making something that isnt a solid and you cant print it anyway. Wast of time!
Waiting to see it in the 2018 version. Great work!
- tried to enable in Environment > Add-ins> Autodesk Mesh enabler, but there is only the advise: Fail to load Uninstalled, booted, installed ... same problem. I dont know why.
When it converts the .stl to part, the size changes (it grows a little bit). I wonder, have anybody else experience this? Does anybody know how to correct this issue? Thanks!
If it outputs as a solid, go to 3D Model > Modify > Direct > Scale and scale it down to the size you need. I had the same problem and it took me a while to get it corrected.
Good god this addin really is a must have for work with shape generation. Can't believe it isn't standard with inventor
i want to update. error all over
Iv'e downloaded the application. Enabled add-ins on 2017 Inventor, but the option "Convert to Base Feature" never shows up.
You need to enable first. Environment > Add-ins> Autodesk Mesh enabler (double click then Ok).
I can convert and edit all my files (*.stl to *.ipt) Really helpful, thanks.
Good day Miguel any idea if mesh enabler can work with Autodesk 2014 im still old school lol
@Phillip, Not sure, I used it with Autodesk 2017 Student Edition. Sorry, but you should try it.
Works great with Inventor Prof 2015
I used this with Inventor 2017, it took 5-10 min to convert the part, however i am only running this on a laptop. Thanks
Demorei para conseguir baixar, mais no final deu certo. Tive que baixar o inventor que eu não tinha e logo apareceu a aba de Download.
Works
thank
Buongiorno, ho a disposizione inventor 2016 per studenti in italiano. Ho cliccato su installa, è andata a buon fine ma non riesco a trovare quel nuovo menù. Cosa posso fare?
Avevo lo stesso problema e ho risolto in questo modo: > Dal menù aprire la sezione "Environments" > Sotto il gruppo "Manage" slezionare "Add-Ins" (come simbolo ha un "più" grigio) > dalla finestra che si apre, sotto la scheda "Applications" selezionare dall'elenco "Autodesk Mesh Enabler" e porre la spunta sulle voci "Loaded/Unloaded" e "Load Automatically" > premere "Ok"
I use this tool to import .stl-files from thingiverse, in Inventor. I can convert to solids and edit the designs. Just don't forget to set the load behavior in the Add-in Manager, on "Load Automatically" .
Hi! This article is very informative, but I'd you help me with a thing. I imported a stl. file in Inventor 2016 and I applied the app to convert a Base Feature, and I want to convert it in a solid, but what I got was a surface, I mean "the solid" created is empty. Also, I cannot calculate the properties (mass, volume...) and the software doesn't allow me to do any operation. Inventor doesn't recognize it as a solid. I wish you could help me with this.
Can't get it to work. Restarted application, stl loads, but no conversion to solid.
You need to change the load behaviour in the Add-in Manager, this is accessed through the 'Tools' tab & then the '+ Add-Ins' Icon. If you tick 'Load Automatically' (bottom right hand corner) it should activate the add on every time you start inventor.
no puedo descargarlo alguien que me ayude tengo una cuenta de estudiante !
A mí me funcionó y tengo cuenta de estudiante. Tienes que acceder con tu cuenta de estudiante para que se te habilite el botón para descargar (pero si pudiste descargarlo, supongo que ya accediste, así que solo tienes que buscar el botón para descargar).
Downloaded 3D DXF from manufacturers website Opened DXF in Inventor: Locks up Opened DXF in Rhino 5: OK Saved as STL and 3ds-file with Rhino 5 Imported STL in Inventor: OK, I see the mesh, but it's no solid. Applying Mesh Enabler on imported STL/Saved as IPT: Locks up Imported 3dm in Inventor: Result is an 'empty' modelfile Downloaded 3D DXF again from manufacturers website and gone trough the whole process again: No change I have no 'mesh knowledge' Please, what now? I need the solid. Mesh Enabler was THE promise. Thx and best regards
I suddenly had a problem with this add-in and just had to re-inable it on the tool menu. It works great as long as you have it running.
I suddenly had a problem with this add-in and just had to re-inable it on the tool menu. It works great as long as you have it running.
.... well it is, but the addin isn't loaded correctly. You have to go to Tools>Addins then find it in the list, then enable it.
Install the add-in on a working student edition of inventor 2016, but after installing add-in inventor crashes either during splash screen or after splash screen but before home page opens. Inventor stalls out (doesn't shut down.) Requires force-quitting After waiting long enough it does seem to get past the splash screen, but it still stalls for ages at the home screen (open recently used files screen.)
It works well. I used it with 3DPrintTech 2.0 (also free) to split/partition and snap fit large STL on smaller printers. Easy-peasy.
I haven't download the program yet, but I wonder about that which version of inventor does it work with? I will load inventor hsm pro v2016, any problem?
The installation seems to work but once I am in Inventor Pro 2013 and 2016 the option "convert to base feature" is missing when right clicking on my object. If I go to Tools / Exchange app manager I can see Mesh enabler 1.0.4 listed in there with a green check mark saying its up to date. So it seems to be loading but the menu entry is not there. How do I fix this?
Hey, i had the same issue. I fixed it by going to Tools and clicking on Add-Ins. I noticed that mesh enabler wasnt being loaded for my model, so i selected it and checked the boxes. Hope this works for you!
Thanks Jack Caldwell...that solved the problem for me too!
Even though I am a valid Subscription Customer I am not able to download this App. Can somebody help?? I need the app really really urgently.
same here :(
Me as well what gives?
Same problem here. Signed in and "Subscription App"
I too am unable to see the the download despite being on Subscription. As luck would have in I need this urgently to create a Shrinkwrapped part of some Catia files which at the moment are only meshes.
Every time I've tried to use Mesh Enabler for a part that really isn't that big, the program crashes. I keep seeing that the bug has been fixed but I'm still having this problem.
Hi Stan, Does the crash happen to Inventor 2015 RTM? Which Mesh Enabler version you installed?
Great job!
I can't seem to get the download link to appear. I am signed in and i click the subscription app button but nothing happens besides more dialogue. Would really like to use this app.
I have same issue as you guys, no download link. I'd love to be able to use this feature.
how to get the subscription account?
To become a subscriber, please contact your reseller to help you. You can also find some info from below pages: http://www.autodesk.com/subscription/overview http://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/account-management/account-access/autodesk-account/signing-autodesk-account .
I can't find it either. I'm signed in, but this download isn't an option
I am in the same boat. I have logged in, gone to subscription page, and no download. Has anyone figured this out? What a cool tool that addresses a need in my class...wish I could utilize it.
Where is the link? I click Subscription App but it doesn't let me download. I logged in to the Education Community and Autodesk Subscription Center there is no link neither.
Hey Eric, I was having the same problem and customer support was no help. I think their license server was down for a bit for educational licensing because now I can download it.
I am having the same issue as you. Can't find the link.
Thanks a lot. We are able to convert a stl object to a surface during a demo with our customer.
This is exactly what I've been needing! Saved me a few times, and couldn't be simpler! The only thing I guess I could ask for would be tools to automatically reduce the mesh size within the tool - but there are plenty of other programs for that (try Meshmixer!)
This works very well! The only problem is that I cannot figure out how to import designs that were exported as mm. They import as inches and show up very large.
You may have solved this already but just in case: When you are importing the model you can click on options and a window will appear. Here you can select the units, by default they should be set to "Template Units" and here you could change it to whatever unit you need.
I've installed the addin, and I'm attempting to do a mesh convert from the file as an .IPT, and after accepting the operation, it just seems to hang. I mean I cannot do a single thing after starting it. A few mouse clicks later, and the 'busy wheel' appears, and Inventor 2015 SP1 is no longer responding.
I am having the same problem for bigger .stl files i want to convert. Smaller are converted fine. I have waited for hours but nothing happens. Is there a solution besides waiting? EDIT: It's done, after a few hours and filling my RAM up to 25GB.
I have the Autodesk student version of inventor. How can I download and install this?
I tried to convert a .stl file and it crashes Inventor 2015. I have changed the star rating from an original 2 stars to 4 stars now. Rocky fixed the issue and it seems to work fine now. Thanks Rocky.
If you are using Inventor 2015 SP1 you can encounter the crash, for RTM it should not. I am fixing this issue and will publish the newer version. Thanks for your feedback.
Thank you Rocky for looking into it. I am using 2015 SP1 so I look forward to the new version when it is available.
2015 Froze for me but the base feature seems to have been created. Looking forward to the fix.
A new version is published for fixing the crash issue, please check it.
Seems to work fine now after Rocky fixed it up. Thanks Rocky! This next comment doesn't really have anything to do with how the Mesh Enabler works other than how you import then use the Enabler: Make sure you know what your units are of the .stl file (inch or mm) when opening the file and change it in your options to match before opening it to keep it at the correct values. I opened a customer model and it looked correct until I made a measurement and it was 12" the real measurement was 0.473 or 12mm. The customer exported in mm and I imported in inch. So it sees the 12 as the value and the import doesn't know or care what it is but as soon as I changed my import option to mm the .stl came in fine and matched what the customer had. Once the .stl was open, I click on the part, then right click, select Convert to Base Feature, I selected output to solid, OK and it was done and worked correctly.
Jeremy, I am having the same problem with it importing in inches when it should be in mm. How did you change the option to import in mm?
Evan, What I did is when you go to open your .stl file single select the file you want to open so it is highlighted and down at the bottom there is an Options button, click that and it opens a window, under Units there is an Import Units button, switch that to mm or in depending on how your file was saved out originally. That should do it. Keep in mind I believe it keeps as a default when you change that and you may have to go back and return it to whatever units you normally save in. Hope this helps.
Great job! Thanks Rocky!
A new version is published for fixing the crash issue, please check it.
When it works, works good. Can run the same file twice in a row. One time converts meshes, next it won't.