Create a rectangle
 

Ok, so this is a real noob question. I'm trying to create a rectangle while i'm watching a tutorial. It says to select the rectangle tool (I think it is the two point rectangle) only I don't have that available. I have the 3D Sketch bar open, but all I see in the Draw tab is:
Line
Helical Curve
Arc
Spline
Equation Curve
Point Bend

I tried right clicking on the ribbon and customising the user command. I added Rectanle (Two Point) to Part | 3D Sketch, but I didn't see anything change in the Ribbon. Any suggestions?

Re: Create a rectangle
 

It sounds like you actually should be using "Create 2D Sketch" to do what you want. 99.9% of the time for FRC-type situations, you should only use 2D sketches for simple extrudes, revolves, etc, as these parts are all relatively simple. CIM motors, gears, sprockets, aluminum extrusion, etc. can all be modeling using only 2D sketches.

The only real reason to use 3D Sketches is to create complex/surface modeling features, such as guide curves for loft operations or contour splines for surface modeling. These features are only useful for creating complex curves, like ergonomic handles for consumer products or the body panels for a car.

Re: Create a rectangle
 

You need to create a "2D Sketch". You can't draw rectangles in a 3D Sketch because they're 2-Dimensional shapes. I always have my Inventor set up to create a 2D Sketch whenever I create a new part.

Re: Create a rectangle
 

The previous comments all give the correct advice, you need to create a 2D Sketch and then the Draw panel is displayed with all the basic sketch tools you need.

Let me know if need any more help.

Also, try these videos for basic Inventor help.

http://curriculum.autodesk.com/stude...2/category_id/

Re: Create a rectangle
 

Thanks for everyone response. I figured out what I did wrong. It looks like a clicked on "Create 3D Sketch" and I didn't know how to get out of it. I've since found the "Create 2D Sketch". :)