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Table of contents
About this tutorial
Create a project to manage files.
| Category | New Users |
| Time Required | 20 minutes |
| Tutorial File Used | Start a new project file using the Arbor Press folder |
Note Click and read the required Tutorial Files Installation Instructions at http://www.autodesk.com/inventor-tutorial-data-sets. Then download the tutorial data sets and the required Tutorial Files Installation Instructions, and install the datasets as instructed.
This exercise explains the purpose and function of the Autodesk Inventor project file (*.ipj file). You do not need to complete this tutorial to complete any of the other tutorial exercises.
If you are working for a company that already uses Autodesk Inventor, the chances are good the company already has one or more existing project files. If so, consult the CAD Manager or a co-worker to determine the company policy regarding project files. You may be able to set the proper project file and move on to the other exercises.
This tutorial is intended to provide a "best practices" example in which a single project file controls all the searchable directories. The single master project file technique provides stability and simplicity. It also makes the data more accessible to document control systems such as Vault or Productstream.
- Learn about Project file options.
- Create a simple project file to introduce the concepts Inventor uses to manage files.
- Inventor is installed.
- Inventor is open in a blank document state.
- Desire to learn how to create Project files.
- Use Next or Previous at the bottom-left to advance to the next page or return to the previous one.
What are Projects?
Relationships exist between the various files you create with Autodesk Inventor. Projects files are text files saved in an xml format that specify the valid file locations for Autodesk Inventor data. For example, a part is usually linked to both an assembly and a drawing document. To avoid broken links or browsing for files that were not found, an understanding of Project files is essential.
If you plan on using a data management solution such as Autodesk Vault or Productstream, a clean file folder structure and a single master project file can ease the transition.
A single master project file provides:
- Simplicity
- Reduced file resolution failures
- Increased design re-use
Autodesk Inventor actively supports two types of projects:
- Single-user project
- Vault project (If Autodesk Vault is installed)
We recommend using Autodesk Vault for users whose sharing requirements extend beyond a single-user project. Vault provides a file check-out and check-in process which prevents files from being accidentally overwritten. Autodesk Vault also contains other powerful file management tools such as easily copying an entire design.
For more information on Autodesk Vault and the Autodesk Data Management Server, please refer to the Implementation Guide. This guide is delivered in .pdf format with Vault.
What Else Do Projects Control?
The following list summarizes a few of the purposes and features of projects.
- The Styles Library folder identifies where the program stores project-specific styles definitions.
- The Templates folder identifies where the program stores file templates.
- The Content Center Files folder identifies the root folder for the Content Library files of the project.
- The Libraries folders store standard components.
- The Frequently Used Subfolders create shortcuts to folders deeply nested within project locations.
You create, modify, and manage your projects using the Projects editor.
You can access the Projects editor dialog box from Autodesk Inventor, or externally from the Microsoft Windows Start menu.
Understand Projects
All projects contain the following parameters:
- Workspace location (or a workgroup location)
- Styles folder, Templates folder, and a location for Content Center Components
- Project options
Projects can also contain any of the following parameters:
- Included project file
- Library search paths
- Frequently used subfolders
A simple project typically contains a workspace parameter, and perhaps some subfolders and library search paths.