When you install Autodesk Inventor, a default ribbon, browsers, marking menu, and tools are available for each work environment. When you create a file or open an existing one, you also open the appropriate work environment for that file. You can set options for documents and the application, and customize the work environment further.

Application Options settings
Configure Default Templates
Document Settings
Measurement units
Projects
Command Alias input and behavior
Autodesk Exchange App Manager
Custom command aliases
Custom shortcut keys
Customize info tips in Inventor

Application Options settings

The settings in the Application Options dialog box control the look and feel of your Inventor application. Various tabs control the appearance of your display, the behavior and settings of files, the default file locations, and various multiple-user functions.

Application options remain in effect until you change them.

Access to Application Options is available at the bottom of the Applications menu under Options.

You can manage your Application Options settings, by storing and applying settings as a named file. Application Options settings can be exported to an XML file, making them portable across computers, and easily migrated to the next Autodesk Inventor release. Additionally, CAD Managers can use them to deploy a consistent set of user preferences for all users or specific groups.

Default Application Options settings

Application Options settings reside within the registry. Autodesk Inventor is delivered with two default Application Options settings:

Default Autodesk Inventor settings	Inventor_Default_Options.xml	It is equivalent to the default Application Options settings for previous releases. Text is displayed with icons.
AutoCAD related settings	AutoCAD_Related_Options.xml	These environment settings provide a similar feel to the AutoCAD product.

Select default Application Options settings during installation. You can change the default later by importing either Inventor_Default_Options.xml or AutoCAD_Related_Options.xml. Importing these files changes only the settings that differ between these two user preferences. It does not alter any other Application Options settings that you changed.

Note about default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor [version]\Preferences

Export Application Options settings to generate new user preferences

New user preferences are generated by exporting the current Application Options settings to a named (.xml) file. The export operation always uses the current Application Options settings, even if they have not been applied.

Modify Application Options settings

You can modify the Application Options settings at any time. Your current settings can be changed and exported to a file without applying them in the current session. However, once applied, the changes are written to the registry and the current user preferences are modified.

Switch between Application Options settings

Switch between saved Application Options settings by importing an XML file containing Application Options settings.

NoteIt is not necessary to include every Application Options setting in your XML file. A partial list of settings is acceptable to import, as long as a valid XML file is imported. In a partial list, the excluded settings retain their current values.

Display Appearance from Application Settings or Document Settings

Display appearance settings include the elements that compose the scene in the graphics area, such as visual style, ground plane, ground reflection, lighting style, and shadows.

Document Settings or Application Options control the model display parameters. Some parameters define the how the model appears in the graphics window when opened, others define how the model looks in the environment. Generally, the same parameters exist in the document as in the application options. However, when the Use Document Settings option is active, each document can open with a specific visual style, ground plane, lighting style, and so on. Documents are not required to use only the Application Option set of display parameters.

When opening non-migrated legacy documents, the default settings come from the application options appearance settings.

For new and migrated legacy documents, the display appearance settings also exist in the document. These settings are the means for displaying documents differently without changing application option appearance settings.

ImportantChanges to application and document settings do not change the current scene appearance. Document settings apply to that specific document when next opened. Thus, it is possible to change settings and forget having done so before next opening the document. Application options apply to any document opened after the settings are applied. The preference for using document or application settings is discussed in the procedures and references.

Procedures

Set application options for Autodesk Inventor

Click Options to access the Application Options dialog box.
In the Options dialog box, click the appropriate tab to enter values and select settings.
To apply changes immediately, click Apply. Unapplied changes become effective when you click OK and close the dialog box.

Export Application Options settings to a named file

Export Application Options settings to an XML file

Click Options.
Click Export in the Application Options dialog box.
In the Save Copy As dialog box, specify the name of the .xml file, and click OK.
Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:
Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor [version]\Preferences

NoteThe export operation always uses the current Application Options settings, even if they have not been applied.

Import Application Options settings from a named file

Click Options.
Click Import in the Application Options dialog box.
In the Open dialog box, navigate to an .xml file, and click Open.
Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:
Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor[version]\Preferences
Click Apply. Close the Application Options dialog box.
NoteIt is not necessary to include every application option in your .xml file. A partial list of application options is acceptable for Application Options settings import, if a valid .xml file is imported.

Import AutoCAD-related Application Options settings

Click Options.
Click Import in the Application Options dialog box.
In the Open dialog box, navigate to an .xml file, and click Open.
Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:
Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor [version]\Preferences
Click Apply. Close the Application Options dialog box.
See Set user preferences for complete information on how to set AutoCAD related preferences.

Import default Autodesk Inventor Application Options settings

Click Options.
Click Import in the Application Options dialog box.
In the Open dialog box, navigate to an .xml file, and click Open.
Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:
Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor [version]\Preferences
Click Apply. Close the Application Options dialog box.
See Set user preferences for complete information on how to set default Autodesk Inventor preferences.

Set the user preferences

User preferences are determined by some settings, including the options set using the Application Options dialog. These options are set during installation using one of two supplied sets of defaults. Optionally, set any or all these options to suit your way of working. The following two procedures provide instructions for setting these options to one of the two supplied sets of default options delivered by Autodesk.

Set AutoCAD related preferences

Click Options.
Click Import in the Application Options dialog box.
In the Open dialog box, navigate to an .xml file, and click Open.
Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:
Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor [version]\Preferences
Click Apply. Close the Application Options dialog box.
On the ribbon, click Tools tab Options panel Customize.
Select the Keyboard tab in the Customize dialog box.
Select the Use default multi-character Command Aliases checkbox.
Close the Customize dialog box.

Set default Autodesk Inventor preferences

Click Options.
Click Import in the Application Options dialog box.
In the Open dialog box, navigate to an .xml file, and click Open.
Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:
Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor[version]\Preferences
Click Apply. Close the Application Options dialog box.
On the ribbon, click Tools tab Options panel Customize.
Select the Keyboard tab in the Customize dialog box.
Clear the Use default multi-character Command Aliases checkbox.
Close the Customize dialog box.

Set the display appearance options

Click Options to access the Application Options dialog box.
In the Options dialog box, Display tab, Appearance section, click Use application settings.
To modify the settings, click Settings and enter changes.
To apply changes immediately, click Apply. Unapplied changes become effective when you click OK and close the dialog box.

References

Application options

Sets the options for tabs on the Application Options dialog box.

Access:

Click Options.

Click the name of the dialog box tab to display definitions of the options.

Part
iFeature
Assembly
General
File
Colors
Display
Content Center
Hardware
Drawing
Notebook
Prompts
Sketch
Save

Application options - General tab

Sets behavioral options for Autodesk Inventor operations.

Access:

OptionsGeneral tab

Start-up

Controls default startup behavior.
Start-up action	Check this box to enable startup dialog and document options.

File Open dialog	Display File Open dialog upon startup.
File New dialog	Display File New dialog upon startup.
New from template	Specify template and project files. The default template file is standard.ipt. You can browse for a template file, or type in a template file name and Autodesk Inventor searches in the Templates folder defined in the project file. The default project file is default.ipj. You can select from a list of known Autodesk Inventor project files.
Load VBA on start-up	Loads VBA on start-up. Turned off by default to save load time. When turned off, VBA loads only when you open the VBA Editor Macros dialog box Document with embedded VBA
Show Welcome Screen on start-up	Displays the Welcome screen upon startup.

Prompting interaction

Controls the appearance of tooltips and autocomplete behavior.
Show command prompting (Dynamic Prompts)	When this box is checked, command prompts are displayed in a tooltip near the cursor.
Show command alias input dialog	When this box is checked, the command alias input dialog box appears next to the cursor when you type the first character of a command name.
Show autocomplete for alias command input	When this box is checked, the Autocomplete list box is displayed when an ambiguous or incomplete command is entered. NoteAutocomplete has no affect on the user interface when Show command alias input dialog is not checked.

Tooltip appearance

Sets the tooltip display criteria.
Show Tooltips	Controls the display of tooltips when hovering over a command in the ribbon.
Seconds to delay	Sets the length of time (in seconds) for the tooltip in the ribbon to display. NoteYou can disable the display of tooltips by selecting the Show Tooltips checkbox.
Show second-level Tooltips	Controls the display of second-level tooltips in the ribbon.
Seconds to delay	Sets the length of time (in seconds) for the second-level tooltip in the ribbon to display. NoteYou can disable the display of tooltips by selecting the Show Tooltips checkbox.
Show document tab tooltips	Controls the display of tooltips when hovering over .
Show ToolClips	Controls the display of ToolClips when hovering over a command in the ribbon.

User name

Sets the user name for notes and other Autodesk Inventor functions.

Text appearance

Sets the text font for dialog boxes, browsers, title bars.

Enable creation of legacy project types

When this box is checked, Autodesk Inventor allows you to create Shared and Semi-Isolated project types.

Physical Properties

Controls how and when mass properties are calculated.
Calculate inertial properties using the negative integral	Controls how the inertial properties are reported in the Properties dialog on the Physical tab and on the clipboard.

Checked

When this box is check marked, the negative integral, and either the Global or Center of Gravity is selected in the Inertial Properties section on the Physical tab of the Properties dialog box. The data shown is the rigid body inertia tensor of the selected component. Some of the off diagonal elements (Ixy, Iyz, Ixz) can be negative, but some could be positive, depending on the coordinate system and the component mass distribution.

Not checked

When this box is cleared, the positive integral flips the sign of the off diagonal elements to report only the integral part of the value.

Update physical properties on save

When this box is check marked, the Update Mass command in the Update panel of the Manage tab executes before saving the file. By not requiring a manual update action, it helps ensure that mass properties are kept up to date. Select either Parts Only or Parts and Assemblies. Updating mass properties for assemblies can take considerable time.

Undo file size (MB)

Sets the size of the temporary file that tracks changes to a model or drawing so that actions can be undone. When working with large or complex models and drawings, consider increasing the size of this file to provide adequate Undo capacity. Enter the size, in megabytes, or click the up or down arrow to select the size.

NoteFor best results, increase or decrease the file size in 4-megabyte increments.

Annotation scale

Sets the size of nonmodel elements in the graphics window such as dimension text, arrowheads on the dimensions, degree of freedom symbols, and so on. You can adjust the scale from 0.2 to 5.0. The default is 1.0.

Grip Snap: Move and rotate assembly components

Selection

Sets the object selection criteria.
Enable Optimized Selection	Improves graphics performance while prehighlighting in a large assembly. When activated, the Select Other algorithm initially ranks only the objects closest to the screen. If you click through this first group of objects, the next group is ranked.
"Select Other" delay (sec)	Sets the length of time (in seconds) for the selection cursor to hover over geometry in the graphic window before Select Other displays. NoteYou can set to Off instead of a numerical value.
Locate tolerance	Sets the distance (in pixels) from which clicking selects an object. Enter a number from 1 to 10 or click the up or down arrow to select the distance.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Save tab

Specifies whether changes warrant forced checkout and save in multi-user modes. Save the file on close and save the file when saving another file that references it.

Access:

OptionsSave tab

Prompt to save for recomputable updates

When you close a file with unsaved changes, you are asked whether to save changes before closing. If you modified design information in the file, it is always true. Some system-level changes occur with little or no loss of design intent, and if not saved, can be recomputed later. In such cases, a prompt to save is not necessary.

Select the check box to see a prompt to save the file when any of the following events occur.
Clear the check box to omit the prompt. Autodesk Inventor performs the operations without notification.

System resolved file references

Autodesk Inventor can resolve some file references automatically and does not require you to provide a new file name, or the path of a moved file, or other information. This operation notifies you of system-level file resolutions.

Component/Mass Properties Update

When a document is opened and its referenced documents are saved out of context, additional auditing determines whether an update is required. In the process, you can opt to drop references (such as constraints or annotations) to deleted objects.

Typically, mass properties are not kept up to date. Small changes to referenced documents could affect one or more mass properties. Since mass properties can be recomputed at any time, separate from other information, updating the totals is not primary design information. (Audit and mass properties are not identical changes, but one often triggers the other to be out of date.)

If selected, you receive audits and mass property updates and a prompt to save the file.

Drawing View Update

When the check box is selected, you are notified when changes to a model require a drawing view to update. When the check box is cleared, you can manually update the view when you next open the drawing.

Prompt to save for migration

Autodesk Inventor's data format is migrated with only a new software release. Once migrated, an earlier release of Autodesk Inventor is not able to read the migrated data files. Migration occurs when you save the file.

To avoid repetitive migration of the same files, select the check box and save the migrated files on close. Or, clear the check box to omit the prompt.

NoteWhen you open a file and save a file in Inventor the file will be migrated to the new version. The file is not migrated if you do not save the file.

Do not list referenced files that default to "No" in the Save dialog box

If this check box is not selected, dependent files that only have these kinds of changes appears in the Save dialog box when a referencing document is saved. They default to No (Do Not Save). You can switch that setting between Yes (to force them to save) and No. If this box is selected, dependent files with only these kinds of changes do not appear in the list, and are not saved.

Save Reminder Timer

Turns on and off the Auto Save reminder notification function. With the save reminder on, the timer starts when you open Autodesk Inventor. The timer resets itself whenever you adjust the settings.

Set the time interval from 1 minute to 9999 minutes. The default time period is 30 minutes. After the time period you specify, the Save Reminder notification bubble displays only if your file needs a save.

In the Save Reminder notification bubble, you can:

Click within the bubble to launch a standard File Save request and save the active document.
Click X to close the bubble temporarily and continue the timer.
Click “Do not show this message again” to turn on or off the Save Reminder behavior.
Allow the display of the Save Reminder notification bubble to expire, and continue the timer.

The timer resets itself whenever you adjust the settings.

NoteOn the Prompts tab, you can turn off the Auto Save timer function.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - File tab

Sets the locations for files that Autodesk Inventor uses for various functions.

Default install locations for XP operating systems

%USERSPROFILE%

XP: C:\Documents and Settings\login-name

%PUBLICDOCUMENTS%

XP: Not applicable

%INSTALLDIR%

Resolves to the path for XP: C:\Program Files

Access:

OptionsFile tab.

Undo	Specifies the location of the temporary file that tracks changes to a model or drawing so that actions can be undone. To change the location, enter the new path or click Browse to search for and select the path. NoteTo set the size of the undo file, set the option on the OptionsGeneral tab.
Default templates	Configure Default Templates: Provides access to the Configure Default Templates dialog box where you can specify the default Measurement Units and Drawing Standards.
Default templates	The file path displays the default location of template files that Autodesk Inventor uses to create new files. To change the location, enter the new path or click Browse to search for and select the path. NoteThe location of the template files can be overwritten by the project file. (Click ManageProjects. Look in the Folder Options section of the Project File Editor to see the location.)
Design Data (Styles, etc.)	Specifies the location of external files, such as thread tables and default styles, used by Autodesk Inventor. Enter the path to the files, or click Browse to search for and select the path. NoteThe Folder Options settings of the project file default to use the Application Options Design Data folder but can be overridden to use a user-specified folder.
Default Content Center files	Specifies the default storage folder for parts placed from Content Center as standard parts. To change the location, enter the new path or click Browse to search for and select the path. NoteThe default location of content center parts can be overwritten in the project (Click ManageProjects. Look in the Folder Options section of the Project File Editor to see the location.).
Projects folder	Specifies the folder that contains shortcuts to project files. When you create a project file a shortcut is added to this folder. Enter the full path to the folder or click Browse to find the desired folder. NoteIf you change the Projects folder after creating projects, add the shortcuts for existing projects to make them display in the list in the Projects dialog box.
Default VBA project	Specifies the location and name of the default Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) project file. When you use Autodesk Inventor, it accesses the VBA project and makes the macros available as you work. If the specified file does not exist, it is created the first time you use Autodesk Inventor's VBA functionality.
Team WEB	Specifies the location and name of the default library file for iDrop parts. Access the iDrop library from Manage tab Web panel Team Web.
File Open	Opens the File Open Options dialog box. Set the representation that is loaded by default unless specified by the Options command from theOpen dialog box.
Quick File Open	You can accelerate file open times of the designated assembly by using the available cache to keep the participating files in memory. Enable Quick File Open Select to enable using available cache memory. Clear the selection to disable storing files in the cache. Cache the last opened assembly file Select to store the last active assembly file in the available cache. Cache files of the selected assembly Select to specify the assembly to store in the available cache. Use the browse function to navigate to required assembly file.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Colors tab

Sets the color scheme for the graphics window, appearance of the background, and optional background image.

Access:

OptionsColors tab

Design/Drafting

Displays the effect of the color choice in either the design or the drafting environment. Click Design or Drafting to view the effect of the active color choice in the view box.

Color scheme

Lists the available color schemes. Click to select from the available schemes. The view box displays the result of your selection.

Highlight

Sets the object selection behavior.

Enable Prehighlight

Shows prehighlighting when the cursor moves over an object. The command is activated by default. In the assembly and weldment environments, when turned off, prehighlighting does not show during component or part selection priority.

This setting does not affect Select Other, which always shows prehighlighting.

The Enable Prehighlight command also is available from the Select pull-down menu on the Quick Access toolbar.

Enable Enhanced Highlighting.

Allows the prehighlighting or highlighting of assembly components to show through other components. Enhanced highlighting displays when a component or constraint is either highlighted or selected.

Background

Applies a single color, saturation gradient, or background image to the graphics window background.
1 Color	Applies a solid color to the background.
Gradient	Applies a saturation gradient to the background color.
Background Image	Displays a bitmap in the graphics window background. This selection persists regardless of selected color scheme, but the file name is specific for each color scheme.
File name	Available only when Background image option is selected. Click to browse a .bmp image. The default directory is Autodesk InventorTexture. To avoid distorting the image, it should be the same size as the graphics window (both scale and aspect ratio). The image is stretched and cropped if it does not match the graphics window size. NoteLarge files affect the performance of Autodesk Inventor.

Reflection Environment

Specifies the image and image type for the reflection map.
File name	Click to browse to the appropriate image. The default directory is Autodesk InventorTextures. Your hardware graphics setting determines the available file types. Direct 3D supports Cube Map (.dds) and Sphere Map (.bmp, .jpg, .jpeg, *.png) file types. OpenGL supports Sphere Map file types.

Color Themes

Controls color of the application frame and the icons in the Ribbon.

Application Frame

Controls the color of the application frame. The application frame is the area around the ribbon. Options include Light and Dark.

Icons

Controls the colors of the icons in the Ribbon.

Cobalt Icon Color Theme closely matches icon colors in other Autodesk products.
Amber Icon Color Theme is similar to Inventor 2009.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Display tab

Default settings for the model display parameters. These settings are used to display the model when opening it or when displaying a new view on the current model.

Access:

OptionsDisplay tab

Appearance

Use document settings

Specifies that document display settings are used when opening the document or additional windows, also called views, on the document.

Application appearance settings are ignored.

Use application settings

Specifies that application options display settings are used when opening documents or additional windows or views on a document.

Document display settings are ignored.

Settings

Opens Display Appearance dialog box.

Interactive Component Appearance

These settings apply to all inactive components, regardless of their being enabled or not enabled, also referred to as background components. Components are inactive when they are not the edit target of an in-place edit within an assembly or when he component is not enabled.

Shaded	Specifies that inactive component faces display as shaded. Select the check box to enable the shading. Clear the check box to display inactive components in wireframe.
Opaque	If Shaded is selected, you can set the opacity for the shading. Enter the percent opaque or click the up or down arrow to select the value. Default = 25% opaque. Shaded for inactive component set to On, with 25% opacity. Shaded for inactive component set to On, with 50% opacity.
Display Edges	Sets the edge display for inactive components. When checked inactive models display edges based on the application or document appearance setting for model edges. If the model edges are set to use a single color, you can override that choice, for inactive components and select a different color. Thereby making it easier to discern between active and inactive states.
Color	Activates the color picker. Specify the color used to display inactive model edges.

Display

Display quality

Sets the resolution for the display of the model. Generally, the smoother the resolution, the longer it takes to redisplay the model when changes are made. When working with a large or complex model, consider lowering the quality of the display to speed up operation. For example, Rough setting temporarily simplifies detail on large parts but updates faster while Smooth setting temporarily simplifies fewer details but updates slower

Display quality set to smooth.

Display quality set to rough.

The smoother option uses enhanced display information stored in the components, resulting in a more accurate display with reduced resource load. It can be observed in smaller features of large parts or assemblies. This option works in conjunction with the Customize work environments in Autodesk Inventor option in Document Settings.

Display Quality set to smooth.

Display Quality set to smoother and Maintain Enhanced Graphics Detail enabled.

View transition time (seconds)

Controls the time required to transition smoothly between views when using viewing commands (such as Isometric View, Zoom All, Zoom Area, View Face, and so on). Zero transition time causes transition to be abrupt, which can make it difficult to understand changes in position and orientation. Three sets the greatest amount of time to transition between views.

Minimum frame rate (Hz)

With complex views (such as large assemblies), use this setting to specify how slowly to update the display during interactive viewing operations (like Rotate, Pan, and Zoom). Autodesk Inventor tries to maintain the frame rate you set, but to do so, may need to simplify or discard parts of the view. All parts are restored to the view when movement ends.

Set 0 to draw everything in the view, regardless of the time required.
Set 1 to have Autodesk Inventor try to draw the view at least one frame per second.
Set 5 to draw at least five frames per second.

NoteUsually, this setting has no effect on views because they update more quickly than this rate.

3D Navigation

Default Orbit Type

Select Free or Constrained to change the default behavior of the Orbit command.

	Free
	Orbit behavior is relative to screen.
	Constrained
	Orbit behavior is relative to model.

Zoom Behavior

Check or uncheck either of these checkboxes to change the zoom direction (relative to mouse movement) or the zoom center (relative to the cursor or screen).

	Reverse Direction Checkbox
	Controls the effect of mouse movement on zoom direction:
		Not checked
		Mouse cursor moving upward in the display zooms out. Rolling the mouse wheel toward the display zooms out.
		Checked
		Mouse cursor moving upward in the display zooms in. Rolling the mouse wheel toward the display zooms in.

	Zoom to Cursor Checkbox
	Controls whether the zoom action is relative to the cursor or display center:
		Not checked
		The zoom operates with respect to the center of the display.
		Checked
		The zoom operates with respect to the cursor position.

ViewCube...

Opens the ViewCube Options dialog which allows you to define the display and behavior characteristics of the ViewCube navigation command.

SteeringWheels...

Opens the SteeringWheels Options dialog which allows you to define the display and behavior characteristics of the SteeringWheel navigation command.

Origin 3D indicator

Turns on and off the display of the XYZ axis indicator and direction labels at the bottom left corner of the graphics window.

Show origin 3D indicator

In a 3D view, displays an XYZ axis indicator in the bottom left corner of the graphics window. Select the check box to display the axis indicator or clear the check box to turn it off. The red arrow indicates the X axis, the green arrow indicates the Y axis, and the blue arrow indicates the Z axis.

Show origin XYZ labels

Turns off and on the display of XYZ labels on the arrows of the respective 3D axis indicator directions. On by default. Available when Show origin 3D indicator is turned on.

NoteLabels are always turned on in the XYZ indicator displayed in the center of the sketch grid in the Edit Coordinate System command.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Display Appearance

Access:

OptionsDisplay tab, click Settings in the Appearance section.

Display Appearance settings specify how new document windows display the model.

Appearance	These settings apply to model edges whenever they are visible.
Display hidden edges dashed	Controls the display of model hidden edges as either solid or hidden lines: Checked Hidden edges are displayed as dashed lines. Not checked Hidden edges are displayed as solid lines.
Hidden Edge Dimming	Sets the percent of dimming for hidden edges. Enter the percentage of dimming to apply or click the up or down arrow to select the value. Range is from 10% to 90%. Unchecked and no dimming effect is applied.
Depth Dimming	Sets a dimming effect to convey the depth of a model. Select the check box to turn on depth dimming. Clear the check box to turn it off. Visual style is wireframe and Depth Dimming set to Off. Depth Dimming set to On. Visual style is Shaded and Depth Dimming set to Off. Depth Dimming set to On.
Model Edges
Use Part Color	Model edge color is derived from the component color.
One Color	Model edges display using the same color. Clicking the Color button displays the color picker.
Display Silhouettes	Select the check box to display silhouettes. Clear the check box to suppress the display. When the selected visual style has model edges set to visible, silhouette display is based on this setting. Default is off. Example Silhouettes for active component set to Off. Silhouettes for active component set to On. Silhouettes for inactive component set to Off. Silhouettes for inactive component set to On.
Initial Display Appearance	Sets the model appearance for any new window or view.
	Visual Style Select the preferred visual style used for component display. Projection Sets the view mode to Orthographic or Perspective camera mode. Ground Shadows When checked, displays model ground shadows. Object Shadows When checked, displays model object shadows. Ambient Shadows When checked, displays model ambient shadows. Ground Reflections When checked, displays model ground reflections. Ground Plane When checked, displays the model ground plane. Textures On When checked, textures display on solid model surfaces. Use Ray Tracing for Realistic Visual Style When checked, enables ray tracing when the Realistic visual style is selected. When unchecked you can manually enable ray tracing from the View tab in the ribbon. In the drop-down list specify the default ray tracing mode: Interactive Good Best

Application options - Hardware tab

These settings pertain to the graphical appearance and system performance. There are several factors that contribute to the end result, such as:

Operating System (OS) - determines which level of DirectX is supported.
Graphics hardware capability
Graphics hardware memory
Graphics hardware generation

These factors can be different in a number of ways, for example, the OS may support DirectX 10, but the graphics hardware may not. The reverse can also be true.

If graphics windows are open when any of these settings are changed, the new settings do not take effect until all windows have been closed.

Access:

OptionsHardware tab

The following graphics setting choices determine your graphics preference and can influence system performance.

Quality	This setting favors graphics presentation over system performance. For machines running Windows 7, turns on anti-aliasing and improves the visual quality of the graphics display. There is no impact or difference between Quality and Performance for machines running Windows XP.
Performance	This setting favors system performance over graphic presentation. Anti-aliasing is turned off for machines running Windows 7. This is the default setting.
Compatibility	This setting uses the same graphics processes as the Inventor 2009 and earlier releases. Advanced display options, such as Visual Styles and Realistic Appearance materials, are not available.
Software graphics	Specifies the use of software based graphics processing rather than hardware based. The setting has often been seen as a last resort for graphics choices. However, if the machine has an older graphics card, but a newer operating system, Windows 7, then it would be possible to use this option to access DirectX 10 supported features.

The supported operating systems are:

Windows XP Professional (32-bit)
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (64-bit)
Windows 7 (all versions in both 32-bit and 64-bit)

NoteAny changes in graphics options take effect when all document windows are closed in the Autodesk Inventor session.

Diagnostics displays a message box with results of diagnostic testing, which differ according to the selected Hardware Driver Type. When reporting a display issue, please click Diagnostics, then click OK, then paste the contents of the copy/paste buffer into the report. If a Customer Error Report has been generated and sent to Autodesk, this information was included in it.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

For more information, visit the CEV_ProdName_CEV Hardware Web Site.

Application options - Prompts tab

Sets the responses to questions in several Autodesk Inventor dialog boxes. These values are initially set by the response you select in the associated dialog box while using Autodesk Inventor.

To change a value, select the Prompt Text, right-click in the Response or Prompt columns, and then select a value from the context menu. Values that do not apply to the Prompt Text you select are shaded on the context menu.

Access:

OptionsPrompts tab

Prompt Text column

The Prompt Text column displays the text from several Autodesk Inventor dialog boxes.

Response column

You can preset the selections for the responses for several dialog boxes. The valid selections are:

OK
Cancel
Yes
No
Ignore (or Accept)
Retry (or Edit)

Prompt column

You can preset the selections for the prompts for several dialog boxes. The valid selections are:

Don't ever prompt again.
Don't prompt this session.
Prompt once per operation.
Always prompt.

Design Doctor

To suppress Design Doctor error messages for pre-existing problems from appearing, select the check box. Clearing the check box allows the Design Doctor error messages to appear if there are problems in the file requiring attention.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Drawing tab

Sets the options for working with drawings.

Access:

OptionsDrawing tab

Defaults

Sets the default behavior when creating drawing views.

NoteFor each individual view, override these controls on the Options tab of the Drawing View dialog box.

Retrieve all model dimensions on view placement	Sets the default for retrieving all model dimensions when placing a view in a drawing. When the check box is selected, all applicable model dimensions are added to each drawing view when they are placed. Clear the check box to retrieve dimensions manually after view placement.
Center dimension text on creation	Sets the default position of the dimension text. When creating a linear or angular dimension: Select the check box to center the dimension text. Clear the check box to have dimension text follow the mouse. NoteTo switch this setting temporarily, press the CTRL key when placing a dimension. Release the CTRL key to return to the default behavior.
Enable ordinate dimension geometry selection	Sets how the drawing geometry is selected when you create ordinate dimensions.
Edit dimension when created	Sets the default display of the Edit Dimension dialog box. When selected, the Edit Dimension dialog box displays when placing a dimension using General Dimension.
Enable part modification from within drawings	Enables or disables part modification from within drawings. Changes to a model dimension on a drawing change the corresponding part dimension.
View Justification	Sets the default justification for drawing views.
Section Standard Parts	Controls the sectioning of standard parts in the drawing view of assemblies. By default, the Obey Browser Settings option is selected. Section standard parts is turned Off by default in the drawing browser. The setting can be changed to Always or Never.
Title Block Insertion	Specifies the insertion point used when inserting title blocks. The locators correspond to the outermost corner of the title block. Click the appropriate control to set the desired location. NoteDoes not affect previously inserted title blocks. To change the position of an existing title block, right-click the corresponding drawing sheet in the browser and select Edit Sheet.
Dimension Type Preferences	Sets the preferred type for linear, diametric, and radial dimensions.
Default Drawing File Type	Sets the default drawing file type (.idw or .dwg) when creating a drawing using New Drawing on the Quick Access toolbar. Also, sets the default drawing file type used (.idw or .dwg) when searching for drawings in part, assemblies, and presentation environments . To search for a drawing, select the part, assembly or presentation in the browser, right-click and select Open Drawing. The search is performed in the current directory and maximally three subdirectories. If no drawing file with the matching name is found, the Open dialog displays. The Files of type option is set to Autodesk Inventor Drawings (.idw or .dwg).
Non-Inventor DWG File	Sets the default behavior in the Open Options dialog box when opening a non-Inventor DWG file.
Inventor DWG File Version	Sets the default Inventor DWG File Version. This setting applies when an IDW file is saved as an Inventor DWG file. The template controls the DWG version when a new Inventor DWG is created from a template. When an IDW or Inventor DWG is saved as an AutoCAD DWG file, the DWG version is controlled in the Options of the Save Copy As dialog box.
View Block Insertion Point	Sets the default insertion point of a view block to View Center or model origin.
Default Object Style	By Standard specifies by default the object style defaults to the style specified in the Object Defaults of the current standard. Last Used specifies when you close and reopen a drawing document, the last used object and dimension style is the default. The setting is applied from session to session.
Default Layer Style	By Standard specifies the layer style defaults to the style specified in the Object Defaults of the current standard. Last Used specifies when you close and reopen a drawing document, the last used layer style is the default. The setting is applied from session to session.

Line Weight Display

Display Line Weights	Enables the display of unique line weights in drawings. Clear the check box to show lines without weight differences. This setting does not affect line weights in printed drawings.
Settings	Click Settings to set line weights display in the Line Weight Settings dialog box.

View Preview Display

The following options allow control over the preview. The Bounding Box option displays the minimum graphics.

Show Preview As sets preference for preview images. The default is All Components. Click the arrow to select Partial or Bounding Box. Partial and Bounding Box options reduce memory consumption. The preview has no effect on the resulting drawing view.

Section View Preview as Uncut controls section preview with or without cutting components. Select the checkbox to preview the model as uncut or clear the check box (the default) to preview as cut. The preview has no effect on the resulting drawing view.

Capacity/Performance

Enable background updates

Switches the display of raster drawing views on or off.

Raster views increase your productivity when you work with drawings created for large assemblies. You can review a drawing or create drawing annotations before precise calculation of drawing views finishes. Precise drawing views are calculated in the background while you work with raster views.

Memory Saving Mode

Instructs Autodesk Inventor to be more conservative with memory both before and during view computation at the expense of performance. It conserves memory by changing the way components are loaded and unloaded.

Note

Drawing view creation and modification operations cannot be undone or reverted while the Memory Saving Mode option is enabled. The Undo/Redo commands in the application are disabled as a result. Can increase both capacity and the time it takes Autodesk Inventor to compute data.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Notebook tab

Controls the display of design notes in the Engineer's Notebook.

Access:

OptionsNotebook tab

Display in model

Sets the display of note indicators in the model.
Note icons	Displays note icons in the model. Select the check box to display design note to display icons in the graphics window. Clear the check box to suppress the display of an icon. NoteIf you attach multiple notes to a single item, only the first note displays a symbol.
Note text	Displays note text in pop-up windows in the model. Select the check box to display the text of a design note when the cursor pauses over a note symbol. Clear the check box to suppress the display of note text.

History

Sets archival options for design notes.
Keep notes on deleted objects	Retains notes attached to deleted geometry. Select the check box to save notes attached to geometry that is deleted. Clear the check box to delete notes when associated geometry is deleted.

Color

Sets the colors of elements in design notes. The color pad next to each item shows the current color setting. To change the color for an item, click the color pad to open the color dialog box and select the color.
Text background	Sets the background color for the comment boxes in design notes.
Arrow	Sets the color for arrows in design notes.
Note highlight	Sets the color for the highlighted component in note views.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Sketch tab

Sets preferences for sketching.

Access:

OptionsSketch tab

2D Sketch preferences

Constraint placement priority

Sets the preferred constraint type for automatic placement of constraints. Select one of the options.
Parallel and perpendicular	Looks first for constraints that define relationships between geometry, before looking at the coordinates of the sketch grid.
Horizontal and vertical	Looks first for constraints that define the orientation of sketch geometry in relationship to the sketch coordinates, before looking for constraints between sketch geometry.

Overconstrained dimensions

Sets the preferred behavior when placing dimensions on overconstrained sketches. Select one of the options.
Apply driven dimension	Applies a nonparametric dimension enclosed in parentheses. The dimension updates when the sketch changes, but cannot resize the sketch.
Warn of overconstrained condition	Displays a warning message when adding a dimension overconstrains a sketch.

Spline fit method

Sets the transition of the spline curve between points. Determines the initial type of solve for a spline.
Standard	Sets the fit method to create a spline with smooth continuity (G3 minimum) between points. Suitable for Class A surfaces.
AutoCAD	Sets the fit method to create a spline using the AutoCAD fit method (G2 minimum). Not suitable for Class A surfaces.
Minimum Energy	Sets the fit method to create a spline with smooth continuity (G3 minimum) and good curvature distribution. Suitable for Class A surfaces. Takes the longest to calculate and creates the largest files. NoteIf you adjust the spline tension of an existing spline, it is converted to a Minimum Energy fit method regardless of the fit method used to create it.
Minimum Energy - Default Tension	Sets the slider bar to a pre-determined tightness or looseness for a 2D spline. If a 2D spline created using a Standard or AutoCAD fit method is converted to a Minimum Energy spline, the slider setting is used. NoteIn a 2D or 3D sketch, the context menu option Spline Tension presents a dialog box with a slider bar. Use it to adjust the spline tension independent of the Application Option setting. For a 2D spline, in the Spline Tension dialog box, click Default to write the current tension setting to the Application Options.

Display

Sets the elements of the coordinate system and grid to display when sketching. Select the check box to display the element. Clear the check box to hide the element. NoteThe sketch grid uses the grid measurement units in the active file. To change the grid measurement units, select Tools tab Options panel Document SettingsSketch tab.
Grid lines	Sets the display of grid lines in sketches
Minor grid lines	Sets the display of secondary or minor grid lines in sketches.
Axes	Sets the display of sketch plane axes.
Coordinate system indicator	Sets the display of the coordinate system for the sketch plane.
Display coincident constraints on creation	Sets the automatic display of the coincident constraint dot when the constraint is created.
Constraint and DOF symbol scale	Sets the size of constraint and Degrees of Freedom glyphs in the graphics window. You can adjust the scale factor from 0.2 to 5. The default is 1.

Heads-Up Display

Enable Heads-Up Display (HUD)

The Heads-Up Display activates Dynamic Input so that numeric and angular values may be entered directly into the value input boxes when creating sketch geometry. Click the Settings button to open the Heads-Up Display Settings dialog box and change settings.

Heads-Up Display Settings dialog
Enable Pointer Input	When active, the starting point for a sketch element is displayed as Cartesian coordinates (X and Y values) in the value input boxes near the cursor. Disabling Pointer Input turns off the coordinate display of the starting point of a sketch element.
Pointer Input options	Use to switch the starting point for a sketch element between Cartesian and Polar coordinates.
Cartesian Coordinates	When selected, the starting point of a sketch element is displayed with X and Y values relative to the sketch origin of X = 0, Y = 0. This is the default setting.
Polar Coordinates	When selected, the starting point of a sketch element is displayed with length (L) and angle (A) values relative to the sketch origin of X = 0, Y = 0.
Enable Dimension Input where possible	When active, values are entered using a combination of both regular Cartesian and Polar coordinates depending on the type of sketch element being drawn. Dimensions are automatically placed on sketch geometry when the TAB key is used to toggle between value input fields. When this setting is disabled, values are entered using Delta X and Delta Y Cartesian coordinates only. Polar coordinates cannot be used. Dimensions are not placed on sketch geometry even when using the TAB key to toggle between value input fields.
Dimension Input options
Cartesian Coordinates	When selected, both positive and negative Cartesian X and Y coordinates are entered. The values are calculated based on the last pick point.
Polar Coordinates	When selected, values are entered using a combination of regular Cartesian and Polar coordinates depending on the type of sketch element being drawn. The values are calculated based on the last pick point. This is the default setting.
Persistent Dimensions
Create dimensions when inputting dimension value	When selected, persistent dimensions are automatically created and placed on sketch elements using the values entered in the value input boxes. The TAB key must be used to toggle through the value input fields. When disabled, no persistent dimensions are placed on sketch geometry. NotePersistent dimensions may be quickly toggled on and off while sketching by clicking Sketch tabConstrain panel Persistent Dimension on the ribbon.

Snap to grid

Sets the snap behavior for sketching tasks. Select the check box to turn on snap. Clear the check box to turn off snap.

Edit dimension when created

Sets the dimension edit box to open when a dimension is created. Select the check box to display the edit box. Clear the check box to place dimensions without displaying the edit box.

Autoproject edges during curve creation

Enables the capability to select and project existing geometry to the current sketch by "rubbing" the existing lines. The lines are projected as reference geometry. Select the check box to use Autoproject. Clear the check box suppress Autoproject.

Autoproject edges for sketch creation and edit

When you create or edit a sketch, automatically projects the edges of the selected face onto the sketch plane as reference geometry. Select the check box to create reference geometry automatically for new and edited sketches. Clear the check box to suppress creation of reference geometry.

Look at sketch plane on sketch creation

When selected, specifies that the graphics window reorients so that the sketch plane is parallel to the view for new sketches. Clear the check box to create a sketch on the selected sketch plane regardless of orientation to the view.

Autoproject part origin on sketch create

Specifies preference for projected part origin on new sketches. The check box is selected by default. Clear the check box to project the origin manually. Not available in assembly sketches.

Point alignment

When selected, infers alignment between endpoints of newly created geometry and points of existing geometry. Temporary dotted lines are shown to indicate the inferred alignment.

If not selected, inferred alignment relative to specific points can be temporarily invoked by passing the cursor over the points while in the sketch command.

3D Sketch

Auto-bend with 3D line creation

Automatically places tangent corner bends on 3D lines as you sketch them. Default setting is off. Select the check box to place corner bends automatically. Clear the check box to suppress automatic creation of corner bends.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Heads-Up Display (HUD) Settings

Sets the options for the Dynamic Input Heads-Up Display (HUD).

Access:

Choose Options. Then open the Sketch tab of the Application Options dialog box, and click Settings.

Enable Pointer Input	When active, the starting point for a sketch element is displayed as Cartesian coordinates (X and Y values) in the value input boxes near the cursor. Disabling Pointer Input turns off the coordinate display of the starting point of a sketch element.
Pointer Input options	Use to switch the starting point for a sketch element between Cartesian and Polar coordinates.
Cartesian Coordinates	When selected, the starting point of a sketch element is displayed with X and Y values relative to the sketch origin of X = 0, Y = 0. This is the default setting.
Polar Coordinates	When selected, the starting point of a sketch element is displayed with length (L) and angle (A) values relative to the sketch origin of X = 0, Y = 0.
Enable Dimension Input where possible	When active, values are entered using a combination of both regular Cartesian and Polar coordinates depending on the type of sketch element being drawn. Dimensions are automatically placed on sketch geometry when the TAB key is used to toggle between value input fields. When this setting is disabled, values are entered using Delta X and Delta Y Cartesian coordinates only. Polar coordinates cannot be used. Dimensions are not placed on sketch geometry even when using the TAB key to toggle between value input fields.
Dimension Input options
Cartesian Coordinates	When selected, both positive and negative Cartesian X and Y coordinates are entered. The values are calculated based on the last pick point.
Polar Coordinates	When selected, values are entered using a combination of regular Cartesian and Polar coordinates depending on the type of sketch element being drawn. The values are calculated based on the last pick point. This is the default setting.
Persistent Dimensions
Create dimensions when inputting dimension value	When selected, persistent dimensions are automatically created and placed on sketch elements using the values entered in the value input boxes. The TAB key must be used to toggle through the value input fields. When disabled, no persistent dimensions are placed on sketch geometry. NotePersistent dimensions may also be quickly toggled on and off while sketching by clicking Sketch tabConstrain panel Persistent Dimension on the ribbon.

Application options - Part tab

Sets the defaults for creating new parts.

Access:

OptionsPart tab

Sketch on new part creation

Sets the preference for creating the sketch when a new part file is created. Select one of the options.
No new sketch	Disables automatic sketch creation when creating a part.
Sketch on x-y plane	Sets X-Y as the sketch plane when creating a part.
Sketch on y-z plane	Sets Y-Z as the sketch plane when creating a part.
Sketch on x-z plane	Sets X-Z as the sketch plane when creating a part.

Construction

Opaque surfaces sets opaque as the display default for surfaces.

Surfaces created before the option is set are translucent, but can be changed to opaque. Right-click a surface in the browser and select Translucent, or if desired, clear a check mark to restore surface appearance to the default setting.

Enable Construction Environment

Enables the commands to access the Construction Environment and the construction options in the import dialog boxes.

Auto-hide in-line work features

Automatically hides a work feature when it is consumed by another work feature. Select the check box to use Autohide. Clear the check box to disable Autohide.

Auto-consume work features and surface features

Sets preference for control of default browser behavior.

NoteYou can override this option on a per-feature basis by using the Consume Inputs context menu in the browser.

Select the check box to consume surface features automatically and work features (such as stitch features consume input surface features and work planes consume input work points). The result is reduced browser clutter and better communication of feature dependencies.
The end-of-part marker cannot be rolled back between consumed features without sharing, such as between an extruded feature and its consumed sketch.
Clear the check box to turn off automatic consumption of surface features and work features. It is useful if you create several workplanes, each offset from the previous workplane (such as creating sketches for lofted features). Automatic consumption can result in undesirable deep nesting of browser nodes.
To use the end-of-part marker to roll back features, and do not want to share work features and surface features, clear the check mark.

Display extended information after feature node name in browser

Displays detailed information about part features in the browser.

Extended feature names are available in the Part, Sheet Metal Part, Assembly Modeling View, and Drawing environments. Format or content of extending strings cannot be changed.

3D grips

Sets the preference for 3D Grips options.
Enable 3D grips	Select the check box to enable 3D Grips. Clear the check box to remove 3D Grips functionality entirely, including from the command from all context menus.
Display grips on selection	Select the check box to display the grip when selecting a face or an edge of a part (in a part (.ipt) or an assembly (.iam) file. The grip displays when the selection priority is set to faces and edges, and the face can be edited with 3D Grips. Clicking on a grip launches the 3D Grips command. Clear the check box to turn off the display of the grip.
Dimensional constraints	Specifies how dimensional constraints respond when feature changes caused by 3D Grip editing are inconsistent with existing constraints.
	Never relax prevents a feature from being grip-edited in a direction that has a defined linear or angular dimension.
	Relax if no equation prevents a feature from being grip-edited in a direction defined by an equation-based linear or angular dimension. Dimensions without equations are not affected.
	Always relax allows a feature to be grip-edited, regardless of whether a linear, angular, or equation-based dimension is applied.
	Prompt is similar to Always relax, but shows a warning if grip-editing affects either dimensions or equation-based dimensions. When accepted, dimensions and equations are relaxed and both are updated as numerical values after grip-editing.
Geometric constraints	Specifies how geometric constraints respond when feature changes caused by 3D Grip editing are inconsistent with existing constraints.
	Never break prevents a feature from being grip-edited if a constraint exists.
	Always break breaks one or more constraints, to enable a feature to be grip edited even when a constraint exists.
	Prompt is similar to Always break, but shows a warning if grip-editing breaks one or more constraints.

Edit Base Solids using

Sets the application used to edit base solids.
Inventor Fusion (recommended)	If installed, use Inventor Fusion to edit base solids. This is the default setting.
Legacy Solid Edit environment	Uses normal commands in the Inventor solids environment to modify an imported base solid.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - iFeature tab

Specifies the location for iFeature (catalog) files and the viewer used to manage and view the files.

Access:

OptionsiFeature tab

iFeature viewer

Specifies the viewer application used to manage the iFeature files. Enter the name of the executable file for the viewer application in the box. The default is Microsoft Windows Explorer.

iFeature viewer argument string

Sets the viewer command-line arguments for run-time options. The default is /n. Windows Explorer opens with the folder specified in the iFeature Root box.

NoteTo find out if your viewer application supports command-line arguments, see the Help for your viewer.

iFeature root

Specifies the location of iFeature files used by the View Catalog dialog box. The location can be on your local computer or on a network drive accessed by others. Enter the path in the box or click Browse to search for and select the path. The default path is the path to the Catalog folder installed with Autodesk Inventor.

iFeature user root

Specifies the location of iFeature files used by both the Create iFeature and Insert iFeature dialog boxes. The location can be on your local computer or on a network drive accessed by others. Enter the path in the box or click Browse to search for and select the path. The default path is the path to the Catalog folder installed with Autodesk Inventor.

TipUse Windows shortcuts to access other folders quickly. For example, you can place a shortcut to a shared folder on a network in your iFeatures User Root folder.

Sheet metal punches root

Specifies the location of iFeature files used by the sheet metal Punch Tool dialog box. The location can be on your local computer or on a network drive accessed by others. Enter the path in the box or click Browse to search for and select the path. The default path is the path to the Catalog folder installed with Autodesk Inventor.

You can define a sheet metal punches (iFeatures) root location on a network drive that others can access, and one on your local hard drive.

Browser Name

Identifies a specific characteristic of an iFeature in the browser of a part file. When you enable the application option Use Key 1 as Browser Name column, the inserted iFeature displays:

Name of the iFeature
The assigned Key 1 value name
Current value of Key 1

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Assembly tab

Sets the preferences for working with assemblies.

Access:

OptionsAssembly tab

Defer update

Sets preference for updating assemblies when you edit components. Select the box to defer updates of an assembly until you click Update for the assembly file. Clear the check box to update an assembly automatically after you edit a component.

Delete component pattern sources

Sets default behavior when deleting pattern elements. Select the check box to delete the source component when deleting a pattern. Clear the check box to retain the source component instances when deleting a pattern.

Enable constraint redundancy analysis

Specifies if Autodesk Inventor analyzes all assembly components for adaptivity adjustments. Default setting is not selected.
Not selected	When the check box is cleared, Autodesk Inventor skips a secondary analysis which normally checks for redundant constraints and analyzes all component degrees of freedom. The system only updates degree of freedom analysis when the symbols are displayed.
Selected	When the check box is selected, Autodesk Inventor performs a secondary analysis, and notifies you when redundant constraints exist. Degrees of freedom are updated, even when they are not displayed.

Enable related constraint failure analysis

Specifies if Autodesk Inventor performs an analysis to identify all affected constraints and components if constraints fail. Default setting is selected.
Not selected	When the check box is cleared, Autodesk Inventor does not perform the analysis.
Selected	When the check box is selected, if constraints fail, Autodesk Inventor performs an analysis to identify all affected constraints and components. After analysis, you can isolate the components that use the constraints, and select a treatment for individual components,

Features are initially adaptive

Controls whether newly created part features are made adaptive automatically. The check box defaults to not selected.

Section all parts

Controls whether parts are sectioned in an assembly. Children of parts have the same section view behavior as parents. The default is not selected (parts are not sectioned in assemblies).

Use last occurrence for component placement

Controls whether components placed in an assembly inherit the same orientation as the last occurrence of the component in the browser.

Constraint audio notification

Select the check box to play a tone when a constraint is created. Clear the check box to turn off sound.

Display component names after constraint names

Specifies if Autodesk Inventor appends the component instance names to the constraints in the browser.

Not selected

When the check box is cleared, Autodesk Inventor does not display the component instance names with the constraint. For example, if constrain 12 is a Mate constraint between rod:1 and cylinder:1, the browser displays:

Mate:12

Selected

When the check box is selected, Autodesk Inventor displays the component instance names with the constraint:

Mate:12(rod:1, cylinder:1)

In-place features

When creating a part in place in an assembly, you can set options to control in-place features.

From/to extents (when possible)

Mate plane

Constructs the feature to the desired size and mates it to the plane, but does not allow it to adapt.

Adapt feature

Automatically adapts the in-place feature size or position when the plane on which it is constructed changes.

Cross part geometry projection

Enable associative edge/loop geometry projection during in-place modeling When creating a part or feature in an assembly, creates a reference sketch by projecting selected geometry from one part into the sketch of another part. The projected geometry is associative and updates when changes are made to the parent part. Projected geometry can be used to create a sketched feature.

The default setting is On. Clear the check mark to turn sketch associativity Off.

Enable associative sketch geometry projection during in-place modeling When creating or editing a part in an assembly, sketch geometry from another part can be projected into the active part. When this option is enabled, the projected geometry is associative and updates when changes are made to the original geometry. The part that contains the sketch is made adaptive automatically.

Component opacity

Determines which components display in opaque style when an assembly cross section is displayed. Click to select the desired display option.
All	All components are shown with an opaque display style (when the display is shaded or shaded with edges displayed).
Active only	Emphasizes active parts by displaying them as opaque while dimming inactive parts. This display style overrides some settings on the Display Options tab.

NoteYou can also use the View tab

Appearance panel

Transparency Off or Transparency On command to set component opacity.

Zoom target for place component with iMate

Sets the default zoom behavior for the graphics window when placing components with iMates. Click to select the desired display zoom option.
None	Leaves the view as it is. No zoom is performed.
Placed component	Zooms in on the placed part so that it fills the graphics window.
All	Zooms the assembly so that all elements in the model fit in the graphics window.

Import

Import: Imports Application Options settings from an .xml file. Click Import to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the desired file, and then click Open.

Use AutoCAD Related Settings: Provides a feel similar to AutoCAD settings.

Use Inventor Settings: The default Application Options settings are installed.

Export

Saves the current Application Options settings in an .xml file. Click Export to display the Save Copy As dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Note on default install locations for both Import and Export operations:

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Application options - Content Center tab

Sets preferences for Content Center.

Access:

OptionsContent Center tab

Standard Parts

Refresh out-of-date standard parts during placement controls refreshing of existing part files in the Content Center Files folder. If selected, the existing standard part file is automatically replaced with a newer version of the part from the library. If not selected, the standard part from the Content Center Files folder is placed in the assembly, even if a newer version of the part exists in the library.

Custom Family Default

Specifies the default placement method for Content Center parts with a custom parameter. The setting is applied in the Family dialog box. When you place a particular custom part, you can select the other placement method if appropriate.

Select As Custom to specify custom file names and locations for parts, and to enable their manual editing.

Select As Standard to save parts in the Content Center Files folder and to restrict editing to Change Size and Refresh Standard Components commands.

NoteWhen you edit a custom part placed in an assembly, the part file saved on the disc is changed. When you edit a standard part, a new part file is created in the Content Center Files folder.

TipChoose As Standard to enable Refresh Standard Components for the parts. When you edit the family in the library, you can propagate the changes to Content Center parts placed in assemblies.

Access Options

Inventor Desktop Content selects Desktop Content as the location of Content Center libraries. Edit the path for the Desktop Content folder, or click Browse and locate the Desktop Content folder.

NoteLibraries are saved in the Desktop Content folder as files. Use the Library Transfer guide to transfer libraries from a Vault server to the Desktop Content location.

Autodesk Vault Server selects the Vault server as a location of Content Center libraries. Libraries must be available on the server and you must be logged in to work with Content Center.

Line Weight Settings

Sets the line weight display in drawings.

Access:

Choose Options. Then open the Drawing tab of the Application Options dialog box, and click Settings.

Display true line weights

Shows line weights on screen as they would appear on paper. For example, regardless of

magnification, a line 0.5 inch thick is the same as the height of 0.5-inch text.

Display line weights by range (millimeter)

Shows line weights according to values you enter. The line weight is independent from the zoom magnification. Values range from smallest (left) to largest (right).

Configure Default Templates

Measurement Units Sets the default measurement units to use with the Measure command.

Inches (Default)
Millimeters

Note You can change the measurement units of a design file at any time in the Document Settings.

Drawing Standard

Sets the default drawing standard: ANSI, BSI, DIN, GB, GOST, ISO, or JIS.

Note You can set the default drawing standard and create drawings of any other standard at any time.

Document Settings

The Document Settings dialog box controls the settings in individual files. On various tabs in the dialog box, you can specify the active styles, units of measure, sketch and modeling preferences, bill of materials, and default tolerance.

You can change settings for the active document. To apply the settings to new documents automatically, change the settings in the templates that you use to create documents.

NoteThese settings are stored in the document. Any document can display independently from the application settings. Set the document parameters and in the Application Options dialog box, select the option Use document settings.

Document appearance settings

Display appearance settings control how a document displays in the graphics window when it is opened. To open all documents with the same display appearance, use Application appearance settings.

For example, using control at the document level, you can open one dataset as wireframe and another as shaded. You can open documents in different visual styles without having to alter the appearance settings at the application level.

The document appearance settings are available for New documents. The document appearance settings for migrated documents are seeded from the application options appearance settings. After opening a migrated document, you can adjust the display appearance.

When you modify the document appearance settings, you can use the document settings for display. To take advantage of these document settings, turn on the application option Use document settings.

Legacy documents without document appearance settings open with the application options appearance settings. Thereafter, you can specify the document appearance settings to use for the document.

Measurement units

The Autodesk Inventor software recognizes and processes most commonly used units of measurement. Every model or drawing has a default units system. Values that you enter in dialog boxes are assumed to be in the default units unless you specify a unit name.

Change the units system for a file

The default units are set when you create a file. However, you can change the units at any time.

In part and assembly files, the units system is set in the document settings.

In drawings, the dimension style and the active drafting standard set the units system. Edit the dimension style or drafting standard to change the units system.

When you change the units system, all existing values in the file are converted to the new units. All subsequent entries are assumed to be in the new units.

Set the default units system

The default units system is specified in Application Options. To change the settings, click the Configure Default Template button on the File tab of the Application Options dialog box. To set units for model files, select the desired units in the Configure Default Templates dialog box. To set units for drawings, select the desired Drafting Standard.

TipYou can change the automatically assigned units by editing the templates used to create new files, or replacing the templates with your own.

Override the default units

As you enter values into dialog boxes they are assumed to be in the default units system for the file. You can override the default units for a single entry by adding the unit name after the value. For example, 0.05 in. or 3 mm.

When you override the units, the software displays your entry in the default units. However, when you open the dialog box for editing, the units shows as you entered them.

Procedures

Set the units for models

Click Tools tab Options panel Document Settings to open the dialog box.
Click the Units tab to open it.
To change the setting for any of the measurement types or precision, click the arrow next to the edit box. Select the setting from the list.
When you have finished the desired changes, click Apply to save them.

NoteWhen entering a value in a dialog box, you can override the default units by entering the unit name after the value. For example, 0.05 in. or 3 mm. Autodesk Inventor converts your entry to the default units.

References

Document Settings - Units tab

Sets the default units system and dimension precision for the active model file or template.

Access:

Click Tools tab Options panel Document SettingsUnits tab.

Units

Sets the default measurement units for the file. Click the arrow next to the appropriate edit box and select from the list.
Length Units	Sets the default units for linear dimensions.
Angle Units	Sets the default units for angular dimensions.
Time Units	Sets the default units for time.
Mass Units	Sets the default units for mass.

Modeling Dimension Display

Sets the display precision for dimensions in the model. Click the arrow next to the appropriate edit box and select from the list.
Linear Dim Display Precision	Controls the number of decimal places visible to the right of the decimal marker in linear dimensions.
Angular Dim Display Precision	Controls the number of decimal places visible to the right of the decimal marker in angular dimensions.
Display as value	Displays dimension as a value using settings specified in the Document Settings dialog box.
Display as name	Displays dimension as a name as defined in the Parameters dialog box.
Display as expression	Displays dimension as an expression using the equal sign.
Display tolerance	Displays dimension tolerance.
Display precise value	Displays the dimension value, ignoring any precision setting.

Default Parameter Input Display

Sets the method of parameter display in edit boxes when a dimension or feature is edited.
Display as value	Displays the parameter value or numeric equation.
Display as expression	Displays the complete parameter expression.

Examples
Defined Parameter	Display as value (in edit box)	Display as expression (in edit box)
LENG = 1 mm + 2 mm	1 mm + 2 mm	LENG = 1 mm + 2 mm
LENG = 3 mm	3 mm	LENG = 3 mm

Projects - Overview

A project in the Autodesk Inventor software is a system for organizing and accessing all files that are associated with a particular design job. You can have any number of projects to manage your work.

Projects use a project (.ipj) file to store the paths to directories where your design data are located. When you open a file in a project, the program uses these paths, in the order they appear in each section, to search for the file and any referenced files.

Design data in a project typically includes parts, assemblies, standard components that are unique to your company, and libraries of off-the-shelf components such as fasteners, fittings, or electrical components.

The Project wizard steps you through the process to create the project. After you create a project, you use the Project editor to set further options. At any time, you can add or delete locations, or change the project name.

Set up a project before you start designing. It is difficult to migrate your files to a project after the design becomes complex.

Project (.ipj) file

A project (.ipj) file is a text file in .xml format. The Project wizard creates it automatically when you create a project. The file specifies the paths to folders that contain the files in the project. These stored paths assure that links between files work properly. Before you work on model files, add the locations for folders to the project.

The project shortcut is located in the projects folder.

Settings in projects

A project also defines the:

Directory where you edit files (Workgroup, or Workspace local to the computer of each designer.)
Number of versions retained when you save a file.
Content Center configuration settings. We recommend that you share the same Content Center Library folder for all projects.
Project type (Single-user, or Autodesk Vault.).

NoteProjects use relative paths rather than absolute paths when the project locations such as the workspace, workgroup, or libraries are in a subfolder of the folder that contains the project file.

Projects cross-file references are stored relative to the project folder locations. You can maintain the references when you move, archive, and restructure the project folders by updating the project file data.

Active project

The active project is the project you currently have access to. When you change projects, you change where the program searches for referenced files. It also changes the file access dialog boxes, encouraging and facilitating the recommended practice of only opening files from and saving files to locations in the active project.

Default project

When you install Autodesk Inventor, it intalls a "Default" project automatically. If you do not create a project or specify a different project, when you start working in Inventor a default project is automatically active. You can use it to create designs immediately and save files anywhere without regard to projects and file management. Your files are saved to the default project.

The default project does not define an editable location. However, you can use it to create designs immediately and save files anywhere without regard to projects and file management. Your files are saved to the default project. Generally, you use the default project for experimentation only, not actual design work. It is easier to set up a project before you start designing. It is more difficult to migrate your files to a project after the design becomes complex.

Types of projects

Single-user project For an individual designer. We recommend that you make the workspace local to your computer.

Autodesk Vault Projects

Recommend for managing files in a shared environment. Files are maintained on a server, and are checked out to the local workspace of a designer. When checked back in to the vault, the changes impolemented by a designer are available to other designers.

Legacy projects

Semi-isolated master projectSpecifies the workgroup for shared files and one or more libraries.
Semi-isolated workspace projectFor each designer sharing a workgroup in a master project. Each designer creates this personal project that includes the path to the master project (automatically allowing access to the shared workgroup and one or more libraries) and specifies a personal workspace for editing.
Shared projects For small design groups, where all files are stored on a server and are accessed by all designers.

Learn about Projects, part 1

Learn about Projects, part 2

Procedures

Set Options for projects

After you create a single-user project or an Autodesk Vault project, use the Project Editor to customize options.

Set Options

In the Project Editor, double-click the new project name to make it the active project.
For Use Styles Library, specify how a style library is used by the project. Choose one:
- Use Styles Library = Read Write uses the style library defined in the style library folder options. The library is writable so all designers can create and edit the styles and save them to the style library, replacing previous style definitions.
- Use Style Library = Read Only prohibits designers from saving new and changed styles to the style library. Library definitions cannot be replaced.
For Frequently Used Subfolders, right-click to add a shortcut to a subfolder of a project location from which you frequently open or save files.
For Options, enter the following information:
- Old Versions to Keep on Save: The default is one. -1 saves all versions.
- Using Unique Filenames: Right-click and select Yes to indicate that no duplicate file names are used in the project or No if you use duplicate file names. If Yes, if the file is not found in the location stored in the reference, Autodesk Inventor searches the project folder structure for a unique file with a referenced file name. If No, the Resolve Files dialog box opens so you can locate the file manually.
- Name: Right-click and select Rename to change the name of the project. The project name in the upper pane updates, but the shortcut name must be changed separately.
- Shortcut: Right-click and select Edit or Delete. If you delete the shortcut, Autodesk Inventor recreates it automatically when you access the project.
- Owner:The project owner, typically the lead engineer or CAD administrator. Optional.
- Release ID:The version of the released project data. Useful to document a library folder. Optional.
Click Save to save the project file, and then click Cancel to close the dialog box.

Edit projects

Verify that all Autodesk Inventor files are closed. If you do not, the project is read-only.
Within Autodesk Inventor, select Manage Projects. Or outside Autodesk Inventor, use the Microsoft Windows Start menu to select Programs Autodesk Autodesk Inventor [version] Tools Project Editor.
In the top pane, click the project to edit.

In the selected project, lower panel, right-click the item to edit, and then select an option. Unavailable options are dimmed.

Change the project Type to Single, Shared, Semi-Isolated, or Vault.
NoteThe legacy project types, Semi-isolated and Shared project types, are unavailable by default. We recommend that you use Autodesk Vault Basic to manage multi-user projects. If you have a requirement to create legacy projects types, click Tools tab Options panel Application Options General tab. Select the Enable creation of legacy project types check box.
For an Included file, choose Open, Edit, or Delete.

For a Workspace, Workgroup, Frequently Used Subfolders, or Libraries, choose one:

For existing workgroup search paths, select Edit, Add Path, Delete, or Move Up or Down.

Add path	Browse to the folder to add. Add a custom name, if appropriate.
Add paths from file	Browse to another project file. The paths from the file are added to the current project file.
Add paths from directory	Browse to any folder where you have files in one of its subfolders. A path for each subfolder of the folder you selected is added to the paths in the selected file location category.
Paste paths	Paste a path from the Clipboard into the selected section.
Delete section paths	Deletes all paths in the section. Projects cannot find files in deleted paths.
Add proxy path	Adds a path to the library location for the folder that contains Mechanical Desktop part files.
Reset	Changes the location of Folder Options for Styles, Templates, and Content Center Files to the default specified in the Applications Options dialog box, File tab.

Right-click one or more Options entries to edit:
- OptionsChoose Create Shortcut.
- Using Unique File Names Choose Yes or No.
- Name Choose Rename to give the project a new name.
- Shortcut Choose Edit or Delete.
Folder Options locations originate in the Applications Options dialog box, File tab. Right-click to edit individual locations.
Click Save, and then click Close.

Change the active project

Before you change the active project, close all files in Autodesk Inventor.

Select Manage Projects.
In the Project dialog box, at the top of the dialog box, select a project from the list.
Click Apply to make the selected project active.

NoteIf an existing project is not listed, click Browse to open the Choose Project File dialog box, and then search for it. The located project is added to the list.

References

Projects

Activates and edits Autodesk Inventor projects. Accesses the Project wizard to create new project files.

Access:

In Autodesk Inventor, click Manage Projects.

In Design Assistant, click File Projects.

Outside Autodesk Inventor, on the Microsoft Windows Start menu, click Programs Autodesk Autodesk Inventor [version] Tools Project Editor.

To edit a project, first close all Autodesk Inventor files.

Project Name/Project Locations

Shows project file names and locations defined in the active project. Pause the cursor over a path name to show the path. Click a path to display its subfolders and files in the main window.

Default Tutorial files and Samples install locations

Microsoft Windows XP operating system

Tutorial files: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Tutorial Files
Sample files: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Samples

Microsoft Windows 7:

Tutorial files: Users\login-name\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Tutorial Files
Sample files: Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Samples

Select Project pane

The list of projects in the top pane of the Project Editor includes all projects that have a shortcut in the project folder. Three projects are installed with the Autodesk Inventor software: Default, samples, and tutorial_files. You cannot delete the Default project. NoteIf a shortcut was deleted, its project is not listed. Click Browse to open the Choose Project File dialog box to search for it.
Click	Selects the project for editing and displays its paths and options in the bottom pane of the Project Editor. Selecting a project does not automatically activate it.
Double-click	Selects and activates the project.
Right-click	Displays options on the context menu for the selected project. Rename Opens the Name field where you can edit the name of a project that is not active. Browse Displays the Choose Project File dialog box so you can search for a project not listed. When you open a project that is not in the list, a shortcut is automatically created in the Projects folder. New Opens the Project Wizard so you can define a new project. Delete Deletes a project that is not active.

Edit Project pane

The lower pane shows file locations, libraries, options, and settings that specify where files are stored, how many versions of the files to retain when you save, and the project type. Double-click any category to display its contents. To edit, right-click a category, and then click a menu option.
Type	Identifies the type of the active project as single user, shared, semi-isolated, or vault, as set when you created the project. Activates the appropriate file check out warning system, and controls the file attributes of the workgroup for the project. If you do not define a workgroup path, the project type reverts to single user. Select one of the following project types: Single User: Use when you work alone and all the files in your project are in one location, except for library locations. Defines only a workspace, not a workgroup. Vault: When Autodesk Vault Basic is installed, it isolates vaulted versions. Designers check out files to edit in a personal workspace and check back in to the vault. Other designers refresh files to see edits. Offers database queries, access to past configurations, and other utilities(available only if Autodesk Vault Basic is installed). To create a Semi-Isolated or Shared project, in Application Options, the check box "Enable creation of legacy project types" must be selected. Semi-isolated: Uses a master project that defines shared locations (workgroup), and a personal project for each designer that includes the master project and specifies a personal workspace. Shared: Uses a shared workgroup location where all designers edit files. Use for small design teams with well-defined roles. Single User: Use when you work alone and all the files in your project are in one location, except for library locations. Defines only a workspace, not a workgroup.
Location	Shows the path to the project folder where the active project is stored.
Included File	Specifies the path to another project to include in the selected project. The search paths in the included file are included in the current file. The project type of the included file overrides the setting in the current file.
Use Style Library	Specifies how a style library is used by the project. Use Style Library = Yes uses the style library defined in the style library folder options. The library is writable so all designers can create and edit the styles and save them to the style library, replacing previous style definitions. Use Style Library = Read Only prohibits designers from saving new and changed styles to the style library. Library definitions cannot be replaced. Use Style Library = No prevents a style library from being used. Styles used in project documents can be accessed only through styles created with the Style Editor, imported into the document, or present in the document template.
Workspace	When the More button switches to an expanded project view, this section is visible. Shows the personal workspace specified when the project was created. Each project should have only one workspace where you edit and save files. Only vault, semi-isolated workspace, and single-user projects specify a workspace. By default, this section is hidden.
Workgroup Search Path	When the More button switches to an expanded project view, this section is visible. Shows the master workgroup for shared network locations where Autodesk Inventor searches for nonlibrary files. The workgroup is specified when the project is created. Each project should have only one workgroup. Design team members check files out from the workgroup to edit in a personal workspace. When finished, designers check changed files back in to the workgroup. Only semi-isolated master and shared projects specify a workgroup. By default, this section is hidden.
Libraries	Shows paths to locations of files that are referenced and used, but not modified as part of the project. Each project can have one or more libraries.
Frequently Used Subfolders	Lists subfolders that are nested within a project workspace, workgroup, or library. Right-click to add a shortcut to a folder from which you frequently open or save files, or click the Plus command to browse to the location. The listed folders appear as shortcuts in the Open, Save, and Place dialog boxes, so you can quickly navigate to the location. They are not used to resolve file locations. Shortcuts to frequently used subfolders are preferred rather than adding nested workgroups or workspaces.
Folder Options	Identifies where project level files, such as templates and styles, are stored. Default locations are defined on the Files tab of the Application Options dialog box. Right-click individual locations to edit or select Reset to restore locations to default settings. Design Data: Identifies where the project-specific style definitions are located. Templates: Identifies where the new file templates for the project are located. Content Center Files: Identifies the root folder for the Content Library files used by the current project.
Options	Shows global defaults for the selected project that were set when the project was created. Right-click an option to edit. Old Versions to Keep On Save: Sets the number of versions to store in the OldVersions\ folder for each file saved. The first time a file is saved in a project, an OldVersions\ folder for that file is created. When the file is saved, the prior version is moved automatically to its OldVersions\ folder. After the number of old versions reaches the maximum, the oldest version is deleted when a newer version is moved into the folder. Click the variable, and then change it to the maximum number of file versions to keep in all OldVersions\ folders in the project. Using Unique File Names: Specifies intent to create unique names for all files in the project (including the subfolder). Not applicable for library locations. Select Yes to indicate that no duplicate file names are used in the project. If a file is moved into the project, Autodesk Inventor searches through all editable project locations to find the file name, even if it was last accessed from a different folder. Select No to indicate that duplicate file names exist in the project. If No, and duplicate file names are found when resolving files, the Resolve Files dialog box opens so you can browse to the correct file to manually reestablish the link. Name: Shows the name of the project. To change the name, right-click Name and select Edit. The name updates in the Select Project pane, but does not update the folder name. Shortcut: Shows the name of the shortcut to the active project. Stores shortcuts in the projects folder. The project name is taken from the name of the target project file, not the name of the shortcut. Right-click the name of the shortcut, and then click Edit. Enter a new name. You can select Delete to delete the shortcut. The shortcut is deleted from the projects folder, but the project is not deleted. Owner: Identifies the project owner, typically the lead engineer or CAD administrator. Release ID: Identifies the version of the released project data. If a project is used as a library by another project, the release ID may be useful in identifying which project to use. Imported Components Folder Name: If you select to save imported component files to your Workspace, this folder is created and the component files are saved to it. Imported Top Level Assemblies Folder Name: If you select to save imported assembly files to your Workspace, separate from your parts, this folder is created and the assembly files are saved to it.
Vault Options	Shows vault-related options only displayed for vault projects. Autodesk Vault Basic must be installed to see these options. Publish Folder: Specifies the location where the Vault publishes downloadable read-only versions of the files of the project. Virtual Folder: Specifies the location where project data can be published to share with customers, collaborative design teams, and suppliers.
Right-click	Displays a context menu with options that are appropriate for the selected file path type. Add Path: If a section is selected, adds a new path to the end of the section. If a path is selected, adds a new path after the selected path. You change the default name and path. Add Paths from File: Opens the Choose Project File dialog box so you can select another project file. The paths from the file you select are added to the selected project file. Add Paths from Directory: Opens the Browse for Folder dialog box so you can select a folder. A path for each subfolder of the folder you selected is added to the paths in the selected file location category. Paste Path: Pastes a path from the Clipboard into the selected section. Delete Section Paths: Deletes all existing paths from the selected section.

Commands

Editing commands	Add, edit, and change the order of search paths listed in the active project.
		Moves a selected path up in the list of search paths.
		Moves a selected path down in the list of search paths.
		Adds a path to the selected set of search paths.
		Sets the selected path to edit mode.
		Expands and collapses the project view. Shows details of the location of the Workspace and Workgroups. When the recommended practice of only one editable location located at ".\" (usually a workspace) is used, this option is not used.
		Find Duplicate Files: searches for duplicate file names in the editable locations of the current project. Duplicate files are listed in a dialog box, showing the file name, location, and relative path.
		Edit Content Center Configuration: Displays the Configure Library dialog box so you can edit the configuration to specify which content is available.

Action commands	Initiate a global action on the entire project.
	Autodesk Inventor	Opens a session of Autodesk Inventor.
	New	Opens the Project wizard to create a project. The selected project paths become the default settings for the new project.
	Browse	Opens the Browse Project File dialog box to search for a project.
	Save	Saves the current edits to the selected project.
	Done	Closes the Project Editor. If the project is not saved, confirm the warning message.

Project Wizard

Steps you through the process to create a project in Autodesk Inventor by defining the locations of templates, styles, Content Center configurations, and the vault mapping of the project.

NoteIn the Project wizard, Semi-isolated and Shared project types are unavailable by default. We recommend that you use Autodesk Vault Basic to manage multi-user projects. If you have a requirement to create legacy projects types, click Tools tab

Options panel

Application Options

General tab. Select the Enable creation of legacy project types check box.

Access:

In the active Autodesk Inventor window, click Manage Projects. In the project editor, click New.

Outside Autodesk Inventor, on the Microsoft Windows Start menu, click Programs Autodesk Autodesk Inventor [version] Tools Project Editor. In the Project Editor, click New.

What type of project are you creating?

If Autodesk Vault Basic is not installed (or you have not enabled Enable creation of legacy project types in Application Options on the General tab, only a Single User project can be created with the Project wizard.

All projects use relative paths and place the project file (.ipj) at the root level (".\").

New Vault Project	When Autodesk Vault Basic is installed, creates a vault project and specifies one workspace, one or more libraries, and sets the project type to vault.
New Semi-Isolated Master Project	Creates a master project that specifies one workgroup where files shared by the entire design team are stored, one or more libraries, and sets the project type to semi-isolated.
New Semi-Isolated Workspace	Creates a personal project that includes the master project. The workgroup and library locations are inherited from the master project. Specifies one workspace and sets the project type to semi-isolated.
New Shared Project	Creates a project shared by all design team members. Specifies one workgroup where shared files are located, one or more libraries, no workspace, and sets the project type to shared.
New Single User Project	The default project type. Creates a project that specifies one workspace where data files are located, no workgroup, one or more libraries, and sets the project type to single user.

Project File

Name	Specifies a name and creates a project.
Project Folder	Creates a workgroup (for shared files) or workspace (for personal edits) location, depending on the project type. Shows the location of the uniquely named new subfolder of the projects folder (where the .ipj is located). If you change the default name, the folder name also changes unless you browse to a specific folder. If so, Autodesk Inventor uses the located folder name and does not create a folder.
Project File to be created	Shows the path to the named subfolder that represents the workgroup or workspace and is the location of the new project file (.ipj).
Master Project File	When the project type is semi-isolated workspace, specifies the location of a project file to add in the Included file category in the new project. You can accept the path, edit the path, or click Browse to navigate to a different location.

Select Libraries

Specifies libraries to include in the new project for vault, semi-isolated master, shared, and single-user projects.

Semi-isolated workspace projects inherit libraries from the semi-isolated master project.

All Projects	Lists all libraries in existing projects and their locations. To add libraries to the new project, select one or more libraries in the list, and then click Add.
New Project	Lists libraries and their locations to include in the new project. To remove libraries, select one or more libraries in the list, and then click Remove.
Library Location	Shows the path to the location of the selected library.

Project Setup

Sets the project file for the active Design Assistant work session. Design Assistant uses the project file to determine the workspace and search paths available for the session.

Access

Displays if the default project location is not defined.

Project Folder

Specifies the location of the project files to use for the active Design Assistant work session.

Plan Projects

Plan Projects

Plan your project, create the project, and then start your design work so that the file referencing information is stored appropriately. This sequence of tasks reduces the possibility of file resolution problems.

Use a single project file

For present or future Autodesk Vault Basic compatibility, we recommend that you use a single project file to control all designs. This method prevents you from adding a library path or copying a file from another project. You gain:

Simplicity You use the same project file for every design in your environment. You do not have to remember what project file to use with which data set. You have a single common location for all of your data.
Reduced Resolution Failures Inventor can automatically search for any missing files throughout your entire data set. This practice greatly reduces the number of times you must manually locate missing files.
Increased Design Reuse The reuse of other data from your current designs or vault is simplified.

Build a folder structure

Before you create a project, set up a folder structure based on the existing and future files that a re associated with the project. Understand who can access the file data.

Determine whether the project files and libraries are located locally or on a network.
Follow your company standards and naming conventions for the project folders.
If you plan to use existing files, set up a main folder for them.
Set up subfolders under the project folder (workgroup or workspace).

Tips about directory folder structures

If you use more than one project, keep them all under the projects folder. You can organize and group them by subfolder. Similarly, group all of your libraries under a common folder so they are easy to find.
Within a given project, have exactly one subfolder for each project. Have the project file in that subfolder, and make that subfolder the project workspace. (The Project Editor defaults to create new projects according to this convention.) Locate all files that are specific to just one design under that workspace folder.
Never define a workspace or workgroup that refers to a folder in some other project.
Keep the directory structure under project locations (such as workspace, library, and so on) relatively flat. The more folder structure that exists, the harder it is to maintain unique names for all files under the project non-library locations.
If one folder contains hundreds of files. performance can slow down. For better performance in projects that have more than 50-100 files, make one folder under the workspace for parts, another for subassemblies, another for drawings, and so on.
Place the top-level assemblies directly in the workspace folder.
Set the Using Unique File Names option to true, and verify that every file under the workspace has a unique name. If you copy a file from one subfolder to another, give it a new name.
If you move files between subfolders, In the Application Options dialog box, Save tab, check the option to save reference changes. Then open and save all top-level assemblies and drawings.
Make sure the path definitions in the .ipj file are correct.

Determine the project type

There are two types of Project files: the Vault project file (intended for a shared workgroup environment where users share files) and the single user project file (intended for users not working in a workgroup).

Recommendations for project types:
	Single User	Vault
Included file	None	None
Workspace locations	One defined at .\	One defined at .\
Workgroup locations	None	None
Libraries	One or more	One or more not nested under workspace

We recommended that CAD Managers create an Autodesk Vault Basic project file to manage files in a shared environment. Users can check out a file and work on it in their individual local workspace. It also simplifies the process of renaming files and copying existing designs.

Set the project type when you create or edit a project. The type determines where files can be edited and saved, who has access to files, and check in and check out behavior.

Execute the project plan

Use the Project Wizard to create the project in accordance with your project plan. The Project Wizard creates a workspace in the same folder as the project file. If you change that setting, keep the workspace as subfolders of the folder containing the project file.

The default projects folder location is My Documents/Inventor, but you can change it to a different location.

Use the Project Editor to set any additional options.

Configure your project to include only libraries you use. Remove all unused Content Center libraries to reduce the amount of displayed data and to increase performance. (Libraries removed from the project remain on the server, and can be added to the project later).

Projects - Search Paths

In a project file, search paths point to file locations where components associated with a project are stored.

When Autodesk Inventor searches for a file, it looks in the file locations in a project file. To avoid file resolution problems, projects use paths that are relative to the project file location, rather than absolute paths.

File names are stored in a relative path from the project root (".\"). If the file is in a library, the library name is also stored.
A file name stored in the same folder or a subfolder of the file that references it is stored as a relative path.

Nested paths in legacy projects

Some legacy projects contain nested paths or multiple workgroups or workspaces. In the Project Editor, the nested paths are shown in red to remind you that they sometimes cause resolution problems.

Avoid nesting search paths, and define only one workgroup or workspace for a project.

Where Used search

In Design Assistant, you can search for all files that reference a specified file. For example, if a part file is used in multiple assemblies, you can view a list of all assemblies.

Where Used search returns only first level references. For example, if you create a drawing of an assembly, the search recognizes the assembly as referenced by the drawing, but does not recognize the components as referenced by the drawing.

Search for specific objects

You can search for specific objects, such as constraints, components, features, sketches, and welds in all Autodesk Inventor file types. You can refine your searches by including additional criteria such as and/or operators, properties, conditions, and values. You can specify the location in which you want to search.

Find is useful when you want to locate sick constraints, suppressed components or features, sketch parameter names or values, or references, as well as any other combination of criteria you select.

Included file

You can use an Included file to add a path to a second project, and gain access to its files. An included project is often a master workgroup project located on the network. Any project type can use an Included file.

You can use only one included file in the project.
The project type in the included file overrides the type in the recipient project file.
For a semi-isolated project, a master project can include the needed workgroup and library search paths and settings for the entire project. Each workgroup member can create a semi-isolated workspace project to set a personal workspace and specify only the Included file. Then workgroup members all have the same project settings and search paths from the Included file.
If you work on a project with files in only a single project, do not use an included file.

You can include the search path to another project file in the selected project. An included project is often a master workgroup project located on the network. Using this method, you can access all file locations from the included file.

Workspace

A personal workspace created in a project is where you create and edit files, and is accessible only by you. In a shared environment, changes you make to files in the workspace are not visible to other designers until you check them back in to the Vault. Other designers must refresh or reload the files to see the edits.

In most cases, when you create a project, the workspace is already created for you by the Project Wizard. The default location is at the root level (where the project file is located).

The workspace can contain only one location.
To maximize portability of your datasets, define only one workspace for the project folder (which contains the .ipj file), in addition to any libraries you use.
If the project type is shared, a workspace is not required.
Do not set up library search paths as subfolders of the workspace, and do not create any other subfolders in the workspace folder.
Maintain the same relative path to a file from the workgroup folder that would first be found when you copy the file to the workspace.
Workspace is the first location searched for non library references.
A workspace is not defined for shared mode.

If you use a separate project file for each project, and locate the files specific to that project in the workspace folder, including the project file, copy the entire project folder back and forth between your local disk and the shared server. If you have sufficient space, you can also copy the necessary or frequently used libraries to your computer. Use Pack and Go to create a local copy of the libraries that contain only the library files referenced from your project.

Workgroup

Avoid the use of Workgroups altogether where possible.

The number of Workgroup search paths defined affects the time it takes to search. If your environment necessitates the use of Workgroups, limit the number as much as possible.

A workgroup comprises the shared network locations where Autodesk Inventor searches for nonlibrary files. The workgroup designates the master storage location for data files for both shared and semi-isolated projects, but not single user projects.

Each project has only one workgroup. When you create a shared or semi-isolated master project, a workgroup is automatically designated.

Set up only one workgroup per project. It is adequate for almost all situations. Do not specify its location as a subfolder of the workspace.
You can organize your files into subfolders beneath the workgroup folder, and move the folder without breaking links to referenced files, if the path to the new location is specified in the project.
If you plan to change the existing workgroup path, add the new one first before you delete the old workgroup path.
Workgroup search paths are searched after the workspace is searched.

Libraries

A library is a storage location for read-only files that are referenced. You cannot edit the files in a location that you specify as a library, but you can reference them.

You can specify paths to standard and custom libraries of read-only files for a project. Each project can have multiple libraries.

When you add a library search path, the folder in the path is considered a library.
Any project type can include one or more libraries.
A single library can be used in one or multiple projects.

Libraries for iParts require two folders: one for the iPart factory file and one for a corresponding proxy file that contains linking information. The folder names are the same except that the proxy folder has a leading underscore character (such as iParts and _iParts). Do not make iPart proxy libraries read-only, because the factory has to create new files there.

Mapped Drives

To reference a location on a server or remote workstation, use a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path (such as: \\server_name\our_folders). Ensure that our_folder is shared with everyone who accesses the project location.

Avoid using different drive mappings or different UNC paths to the same file. In the Open and Place Component dialog boxes, you can navigate using arbitrary UNC paths to network locations. Avoid using this general capability, and instead use only the project shortcuts in those dialogs to the folders in your project.

NoteUsing an alternative UNC or mapped drive path to navigate to a project location manually can confuse the Windows Operating system or the network domain mappings, causing it to drop the project based network mappings, resulting in an inability to locate referenced files.

Remove any mapped drives that no longer exist.

Tips for creating search paths

To increase performance when you work with large assemblies, create libraries for read-only parts such as fasteners or purchased parts.
Assign a meaningful unique name to each search path and library to avoid confusion when using File Open and Save and to maximize the usability of your datasets.

NoteIf using unique file names, set the project option Using Unique File Names to Yes. Autodesk Inventor automatically searches all locations in the project. If the file cannot be located, the Resolve Link dialog box opens and you locate the file manually.

Procedures

Set search paths for projects

In the Project Editor, set search paths to file locations where you access and edit files.

Access the Project Editor

Choose either method:
- In Autodesk Inventor, select Manage Projects.
- Outside Autodesk Inventor, select the Start menu Programs Autodesk Autodesk Inventor [version] Tools Project Editor.
In the Project Editor, select the project to edit in the upper pane.
In the lower pane, right-click a path category, and then select an option on the menu.

Set the path for an included file

Right-click Included File, and then click Edit on the menu.
Browse to the project file you want to include and select it.
Click Save.

Set a path for a workspace

Right-click Workspace, and then click Add Path on the menu.
Accept the path shown, edit the path, or browse to and select a workspace folder.
Click Save.

NoteIf you work in a Single User or Semi-isolated Workspace project, you can copy files to your workspace to work on them. You can use Design Assistant to copy the files, or when you check them out of a workgroup location, they are automatically copied to your workspace. In the File Status browser, click a name with an icon to the left indicating it is available for checkout , and then click Check Out.

Set a workgroup search path

Right-click Workgroup Search Paths, and then click one of the options on the menu:

Add Path	Enter a library name and location in the fields provided, and then click Save.
Add Paths from File	Browse to and select a project (.ipj) file, and then click Open.
Add Path from Directory	Browse to and select a folder that contains workgroup files. A path for each subfolder of the folder you selected is added to the paths in the selected file location category."
Paste Path	Paste a copied path into the field provided.
Delete Section Path	Deletes all paths in the Workgroup section. If you delete all paths, the project type is automatically reset to Single User.

Click Save.

Set a library location

Right-click Libraries and click one of the options on the menu:

Add Path	Enter a library name and its location in the fields provided, and then click Save.
Add Paths from File	Browse to and select a project (.ipj) file, and then click Open
Paste Path	Paste a copied path into the field provided.
Delete Section Paths	Delete all paths in the Library section.

Click Save.

NoteWhen you create a project, you can add library search paths from other projects.

Add library search paths from other projects

Verify that all Autodesk Inventor files are closed.
Open the Project Editor, and then click New.
On the first two pages of the Project wizard, specify the project type, the project name, and location of the workspace or workgroup. Click Next.
On the Select Libraries page, use the Add and Remove arrows to create a list in the New Project pane. Click Finish.

NoteWhen Autodesk Inventor is installed, a setting can be selected that allows Content Library files to be edited. You must reinstall Autodesk Inventor to reset this option.

Find where files are used

Open Design Assistant, either within Autodesk Inventor or from Microsoft Windows Explorer.
Select Tools Find Where Used to open the dialog box.
Specify the file that is the subject of the search.
Specify the search paths for the files to find. If necessary, you can specify multiple search paths.
Specify what file types you are searching for by checking the filter options.
Click Search Now to initiate the search. You can save the search results to a text file and view them using a text editor.

Find specific objects in Autodesk Inventor files

Find in Window

Use the Find in Window shortcut to locate an object in the graphics window quickly.

In the browser, expand folders to locate the object you want to find.
Select one or multiple components, constraints, or other objects.
Right-click and select Find in Window. The found objects are zoomed and centered in the graphics window.

Locate objects in the project

To search using specific criteria, open the Find dialog box to initiate a search in any of the following ways:
Design Assistant	Select Tools Find Autodesk Inventor Files from the menu.
Autodesk Inventor Open dialog box	Click Find.
Autodesk Inventor ribbon	When a file is active, select Tools tab Find panel Find Component or click the binoculars icon on the browser menu bar.
Windows Start menu	Select Search Autodesk Inventor Files.

In the Find dialog box, set the search criteria. The criteria may be as simple as files of a given type or may include specific values for one or more file properties.
If desired, click Open Search to search on previously specified criteria.
Select the object type from the Look For list.
In the Define more criteria box, you can make your search more specific. If desired, enter one or more:
- Using the And/Or operators, select And to accumulate criteria or select Or to satisfy the search if either criteria is met.
- Specify Property. The Find command recognizes the active environment and offers search criteria based on the environment.
- Select a Condition.
- Specify a Value to complete the Property, Condition, Value statement.
For example, specify a Stock Number (property) that is exactly (condition) A97000_3_8 (value). Or, specify Suppress status (property) equals (conditions) Suppressed (value).
Click Add to List to add the refined criteria to the search box.
Specify the current path file.
Click Find Now to initiate the search. You can save the search results to a text file and view them using a text editor.

References

Find

Defines searches for constraints, components, features, sketches, and welds. When you search for an object, all the browser nodes that contain searched objects expand to make selections more visible.

NoteIf Assembly view is active in the browser, each constraint half is listed under the feature or component it constrains. Find locates the first occurrence in the browser. If the second half of the constraint is the desired search target, use the context menu option Other Half.

Access:

From Design Assistant, select Tools Find Autodesk Inventor Files from the menu.

From the Autodesk Inventor Open dialog box, click Find.

From the Autodesk Inventor ribbon when a file is active, select Tools tab Find panel Find Component or click the binoculars icon on the browser menu bar.

From the Windows Start menu, select Search For Files or Folders Autodesk Inventor Files.

Find files that match set criteria

Sets the conditions for the search.
Search criteria	Lists the active search criteria.
Look For	Defines the type of object to search for.
Open Search	Opens a list of previously saved searches so that you can use their criteria for the current search.
Save Search	Opens the Save Search dialog box so that you can save the current search to use it again. Enter a unique name for the search.
Match Case	When selected, causes the search to observe the capitalization you use in the search criteria.
Delete Line	Removes the selected search criterion from the list.
Clear Search	Removes all items from the list of search criteria.
Define More Criteria	Sets up search criteria that you can add to the current search. And/Or sets the relationship of the new criterion to the other criteria in the list. Select And to find only files that contain this criterion in addition to previously defined criteria. Select Or to find files that contain any of the specified criteria. Property selects a file property as the criterion. The list of properties is adjusted to the selected object type. The Find command recognizes which environment is active and adjusts the listed properties accordingly. For example:
	Assembly and Weldment environment	Components, constraints, features, sketches, and welds
	Part environment	Features and sketches
	File: Open dialog box, Design Assistant, or Windows Search	File types (.ipt, .iam, .idw, .dwg (Autodesk Inventor Drawing), .ide, .ipn)
	Click the arrow and select from the list. To specify a custom property, enter the property name in the box. Condition sets the condition for the specified property value. Click the arrow and select from the list. Value specifies the value of the selected property. After setting the property and condition, enter the value in the box. Add To List adds the defined criterion to the list of search criteria.

Search Location

Specifies where to search for the files.
Current Path File	Limits the search to the files in the specified folder.
Look in	Sets the folder or file to search. Click Browse to find the desired search location.

Find Now

Searches the target location for files that meet the specified criteria. The list of files is displayed in the Files Found dialog box. To save the list to a text file, click the Save List command in the Files Found dialog box and specify the file name.

Where Used

Searches for the files in the active project that directly reference the specified file.

Access:
	Select Tools Find Where Used from Design Assistant menu.

Search for references to file	Specifies the file that is the subject of the search. Enter the file name in the box or click Browse to find the file. If you enter the path to the file, the search returns only references that match the path. To search for a reference to the file name regardless of where it is found, enter only the file name.
Look in	Sets the paths to search for the files. To add a path to the list, click the Click to Add prompt and select a folder to include its path in the list. To remove a path from the list, select it and press the Delete key.
File types	Filters the search results to the file types specified. At least one file type must be selected before initiating the search.
Include subfolders	Includes the subfolders in the specified search paths when searching for related documents. Select the check box to search the specified search paths and all subfolders. Clear the check box to search only in the specified search paths.
Search Now	Searches the specified folders for files that reference the selected file, and expands the dialog box to display the list of files found.
New Search	Clears the Search for References to File box so that you can set up a new search.
Close	Closes the dialog box.
Files Found	Displays the list of files in the specified search paths that reference the specified file. If you opened Design Assistant from Microsoft Windows Explorer, you can right-click any file in the list and select Design Assistant to open a Design Assistant session for the selected file.
Stop Search	Interrupts the active search operation.
Save List	Opens the Save As dialog box so that you can save the Files Found list as a text file.

Find String

Specifies a string (such as a referenced file name) and searches for it in all files listed in the Design Assistant Manager browser.

Access:

Use Microsoft Windows Explorer to select an assembly file, right-click, and then select Design Assistant.

Click the Manage icon to activate the Design Assistant Manager.

Select Tools Find String from the menu.

Search String

Enter the string, and then click OK. When the search is complete, the file names are highlighted in the Design Assistant Manager browser.

NoteThe search on the string is case sensitive.

Projects - Libraries

A library is a collection of related data files that you reference, but usually do not modify. Examples are a released data set, a set of commonly used components, iPart factory parts, or standard parts. Libraries are located in a folder with a unique name separate from other data files. A single library can be used across any number of projects. You can use some or all files in a library.

In a project file, you right-click the Libraries location, and then use menu options to browse to a folder. By assigning the folder as a library, you indicate that the files are no longer editable using Autodesk Inventor. In Microsoft Windows Explorer, set your library folders and files as read-only.

Library file names

References to library files include the library name, as well as the relative path from the library folder to the referencing file. When resolving library references, only the named library is searched. Avoid using duplicate file names whenever possible, even for parts in different folders or different libraries. If you cannot control where referenced parts originate or how they are named, files in different libraries might have the same name. Autodesk Inventor can resolve the reference because it knows which library to search in.

Share libraries across design workgroups

You can eliminate the need for each member of a design workgroup to set the names and paths manually in their individual projects for the libraries to share.

An administrator creates a common project with one or more library paths.
Each team member creates a personal project, using the common project as a template.
When you create a project using the project editor, select the common project before you click the New command. By default, the new project created by the wizard uses the selected project as a template, and has the same library definitions as the template project.

Kinds of libraries for projects

A project can include several kinds of libraries:

Standard content

Contains Autodesk Inventor parts or component libraries, such as:

Autodesk Inventor Content Library.
Third-party components.
Company collections of commonly used components or other design elements, such as color and texture.

NoteWhen you install Autodesk Inventor, you can set an option so that you can edit content library files. Use caution because other designs that reference the edited library file are affected. You must reinstall Autodesk Inventor to reset this option.

iPart Factory

Contains Autodesk Inventor iParts that generate instances of parts, based on parameters you specify.

In a project file, define a library for both the folder containing the iPart factory part files and a corresponding proxy folder. After the libraries are added to the project, you can add the iParts to an assembly.

The iPart Factory may be located in a library folder, and the parts you generate are kept in an associated proxy library. The two library folders bear the same name, except the name of the proxy library has a leading underscore (_) character.
Do not make iPart proxy libraries read-only, because the factory has to create new files there.

Material and Appearance Libraries

The Material and Appearance libraries accessible to a project must be listed in the project file. The minimum requirement is one library. You can restore the installed libraries from the Material and Appearance Libraries context menu. Material and Appearance libraries are managed separately from Inventor Styles and do not use the Style Library Manager.

Styles library

Copy or move the style XML files from the Design Data folder to a shared location that can be accessed by all users. Alternative, generate a new style library using the Style Library Manager utility.

NoteThis practice ensures the styles created from one project can be used in another project that uses the same styles library.

Proxy libraries

The use of proxy libraries keeps the custom design files for a project separate from components that are purchased or re-used.

There is only one line to change in the project file if you move a library, rather than update all the references in each individual file.
File resolution is faster with the use of proxy libraries.
Because libraries include the library name as part of the file name, file resolution is faster with library parts.

Other design sets

Another design set can be a whole or part of a design set that is:

A design that is already released and the parts should not be modified.
An assembly or component you purchase from a third party, and cannot change.
A project of another team that is in development. You can only reference it.

Procedures

Set paths for iPart factories in projects

Verify that all Autodesk Inventor files are closed.
In the Project Editor, double-click a project to activate it.
In the lower pane, right-click the Libraries category, and then click Add Path. Browse to the folder, or enter the name of the library folder to add a new library path for the iPart factory file.
If the folder was created previously, right-click the newly created library path, and then click Add Proxy Path. Browse to the folder location and select it.
For custom iPart factories only, enter a location for the iPart factory proxy file. A proxy folder is created automatically with the same name as the iPart factory library, but with a leading underscore (_) character.

If the proxy folder does not exist, use Microsoft Windows Explorer to create it before you add the proxy path or use Add Path again and specify the new folder path. Name the new library the same as the iPart factory library preceded with an underscore character.

Set a library location

Right-click Libraries and click one of the options on the menu:

Add Path	Enter a library name and its location in the fields provided, and then click Save.
Add Paths from File	Browse to and select a project (.ipj) file, and then click Open
Paste Path	Paste a copied path into the field provided.
Delete Section Paths	Delete all paths in the Library section.

Click Save.

NoteWhen you create a project, you can add library search paths from other projects.

Add library search paths from other projects

Verify that all Autodesk Inventor files are closed.
Open the Project Editor, and then click New.
On the first two pages of the Project wizard, specify the project type, the project name, and location of the workspace or workgroup. Click Next.
On the Select Libraries page, use the Add and Remove arrows to create a list in the New Project pane.
Click Finish.

Projects - Backup File Versions

Each time you save changes, a new version of the file is created in your workspace, and the previous version is moved to the OldVersions\ folder. Other designers who are referencing the file continue to see the earlier version of the file and do not see the new version until you check the file back in to the workgroup location in semi-isolated projects, or save the file in shared projects, and they refresh their view of the assembly.

What happens when you save a file?

Several actions happen automatically when you save a file.

A new version is written to a new file, in the same folder.
When the new file version is successfully on disk, the original file moves to a subfolder of the folder it was in named OldVersions\, and is renamed to file name.version.ext, where version is a decimal version number. For example, file name.0003.ext would be the name for version 3 of file name.ext. If there are versions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the OldVersions\ folder, and you restore version 3 to be the current version, it is numbered version 7 to avoid conflicts with the existing versions 4, 5, and 6. Do not delete files from the OldVersions\ folder using Microsoft Windows Explorer. You could cause a problem in other Autodesk Inventor sessions.
Finally, file name.newVer.ext is renamed to file name.ext.

Every save writes a new globally unique version ID to the file to identify it. Each Autodesk Inventor session remembers which version ID it is accessing. If you try to reopen the file at the normal location but the version ID has changed, Autodesk Inventor assumes someone else saved or checked it in, so the appropriate version of the file is opened from the OldVersions\ folder. The version of the file that is opened is used from that point forward to access additional information. Note the old version of the file is restored, but not the state of an assembly.

NoteFiles that were created before release 6 of Autodesk Inventor could have multiple versions in one file.

How do projects control file versions?

In a project, an option controls the number of versions saved in the OldVersions folders. In the lower pane of the project editor, click to expand Options. Click Old Versions To Keep On Save, and then right-click and select Edit from the pop-up context menu. Now enter a value in the field and press Enter to set the number of versions to keep.

After you save a file, other designers who reference the file continue to see the old version of the file until you check in the file to the workgroup.

If you work in a Shared or Semi-Isolated project, designers must use the Refresh command or reopen the assembly to update files that are referenced from the server.

Why would you use old versions of files?

Previous file versions can be restored when they are needed, but it is not possible to restore the previous state of an assembly.

The files in OldVersions\ are used for:

A manual form of error recovery or backups.

Opening earlier versions of files to load segments. If the earlier version of a file is not found, a message is displayed, and you Browse or Cancel:

Browse

Browse to the OldVersions\ folder to find the file.

Open old version (Save not allowed): Open the old version. Keep in mind that you cannot save it.
Restore old version to current version: Restore the old version, and then open it. Not available when the current version is checked out to someone else.
Open current version: Open the current version. The open is redirected to the current version.

Cancel

Cancel the Save command.

How do file versions integrate with a PDM?

A facility provided through the PDM API allows some added control over the creation and management of OldVersions\ to accommodate the controls in PDM systems.

Projects - Autodesk Vault Basic

Use the Autodesk Vault project type to manage projects with multiple designers.

In Vault projects, common files are stored in a vault and are never accessed directly. The vault maintains version history of files, as well as additional attributes.

To use the vault project, Autodesk Vault Basic software must be installed. First install Autodesk Vault Basic, and then create a vault project before you start working on any model files.

NoteIn the Project wizard, Semi-isolated and Shared project types are unavailable by default. If you have a requirement to create legacy projects types, click Tools tab

Options panel

Application Options

General tab. Select the Enable creation of legacy project types check box.

If the check box is not selected, and Autodesk Vault Basic is not installed, only a Single User project can be created with the Project Wizard.

Characteristics of vault projects

You never view or work directly on the vaulted version of a file.
Each designer checks out files to view and edit them. When checked out, the files are copied to a workspace defined by a personal project for the designer. When you check edited files back in, they are available to other team members.
If you attempt to edit a file that is checked out by someone else, a warning message alerts you to the file status.
To get the latest versions of files changed and checked in by other designers, you refresh the files in your workspace.
Autodesk Vault Basic maintains copies of all of the previously checked-in versions of data files. It maintains a database to store additions about edit history, file properties, and file dependencies.
To avoid file resolution problems, projects use paths that are relative to the project file location (such as .\ or .\workspace), rather than absolute paths.
You can set up queries on file properties, track file references, and retrieve past configurations.
Workgroup search paths are not available. You consolidate all project folders under the single workspace search path. The workspace is the local folder mapped to the corresponding folder in the vault. The workspace can be a single folder, or can include a hierarchy of subfolders to help organize the project.
Vault projects do not allow the use of an included path. If possible, do not use an included path, but rather use the Vault to manage files.
NoteIf you use it, set the Included file path option, to point to a single, read-only project file, maintained on a network by the CAD administrator. The only defined project path that to include in the local project of each user file is the Workspace.

Procedures

Create an Autodesk Vault Basic project

Click Manage Projects.
In the Projects dialog box, click Projects, and then click New to start the Project wizard.
Select New Vault Project, and then click Next.
Name the vault project and specify the project location. Make sure it is a new folder that does not contain any data. By default, the Project wizard creates a folder for the project file (.ipj), but if you browse to a different location, the located folder name is used. Click Next.
Select existing libraries, add them to the project, and then click Finish.
In the Project Editor, double-click the new vault project name to make it the active project.
Enter the following information:
- Server The name of the computer housing the vault where this project is added. The name can be a computer name or an IP address.
- Database Identifies the database used by the vault project.
- Name The name of the vault where this project is added.
- Vault Project The name of this project preceded by $/. The name should match the name you entered in the Project wizard.
- Virtual Folder Optional. The location of the folder used to publish data to share with customers. This location should be on a common server and mapped with a UNC path (for example, \\Server\\Share\).
- Click Save to save the project file, and then click Cancel to close the dialog box.
NoteAny settings except the Virtual Folder can be left blank and is entered automatically the first time you successfully log into the vault.
After you create the project, you can open it in the project editor to set further options.

Projects - Single-user

The single-user project is intended for individual designers whose files are not shared. It is the default project. All design files are in one workspace folder and its subdirectories, except for files referenced from any number of libraries. You create and edit files in the workspace. The project file (.ipj) is stored in the workspace.

By default, all design files are saved in the workspace. It is not necessary to check files in and out for editing. The file status browser is not available because you are the only person with access to the files.

Procedures

Create a single-user project

Click Manage Projects.
In the Projects dialog box, click New to start the Project Wizard.
Select New Single User Project, and then click Next.
Name the project and specify the project location in the Project (Workspace) Folder box. Make sure it is a new folder that does not contain any data. The Project wizard creates a folder for the project file (.ipj) by default, but if you browse to a different location, the located folder name is used. Click Next.
Select existing libraries, add them to the project, and then click Finish.
After you create the project, you can open it in the project editor to set further options.

NoteWe recommend that you use Autodesk Vault Basic to manage multi-user projects. In the Project wizard, Semi-isolated and Shared project types are unavailable by default. If you have a requirement to create legacy projects types, click Tools tab

Options panel

Application Options

General tab. Select the Enable creation of legacy project types check box.

If the check box is not selected, and Autodesk Vault Basic is not installed, only a Single User project can be created with the Project Wizard.

See Also

Projects editor

Projects - Legacy

Semi-isolated Master, Semi-Isolated Workspace, and Shared are all legacy projects

We recommend that you use Autodesk Vault Basic to manage multi-user projects. In the Project wizard, Semi-isolated and Shared project types are unavailable by default. If you have a requirement to create legacy projects types, click Tools tab Options panel Application Options General tab. Select the Enable creation of legacy project types check box

If the check box is not selected, and Autodesk Vault Basic is not installed, only a Single User project can be created with the Project Wizard.

Semi-isolated master project

When working in a semi-isolated environment, you store shared files on the network in a workgroup. A semi-isolated master project specifies the Workgroup for shared files and one or more libraries. Each design team member creates a personal project (Semi-Isolated Workspace) to define where to create and edit files that are checked in to the shared workgroup. In each personal project, a path to the master project is included, automatically giving access to the shared locations and libraries.

Designers check out files from the workgroup shared by the whole design team, which automatically copies the file into a personal workspace (specified in the personal project) for editing.

Components that are not in the personal workspace are referenced from the network locations. After you open a file in Autodesk Inventor, use the file status browser to see the status of all saved files in the project, and check files in and out. Workgroup members do not see edits to files until they have been checked back in, and then they must refresh or reopen files to see the changes.

To avoid file resolution problems, projects always use relative paths rather than absolute paths so that paths are relative to the project file location (the workgroup for the master project; the workspace for personal projects).

We recommend that you use Autodesk Vault Basic to manage multi-user projects. If you have a requirement to create legacy projects types, click Tools tab Options panel Application Options General tab. Select the Enable creation of legacy project types check box.

Semi-isolated workspace project

When working in a semi-isolated environment, shared files are stored on the network in a workgroup. A master project specifies a shared workgroup location. Each design team member creates a personal project (semi-isolated workspace) to define where to create and edit files that is checked in to the shared workgroup. In each personal project, a path to the master project is included, automatically giving access to the shared locations and libraries.

Designers check files in and out of the workgroup to edit in their workspace. When edited files are checked back in, other designers can refresh their files to see the changes.

Shared project

Shared projects are only appropriate for small design groups with well-defined tasks. A common project defines workgroup search paths and libraries. For best results, no other type of search path is specified.

When working in a shared environment, you store shared files on the network in a workgroup, accessed by all designers. All design team members use the same project, and check files in and out of the workgroup for editing. No workspace is defined.

Designers work on the "live" files rather than copying files to a personal workspace. File sharing requires everyone to update their assemblies to see the latest versions of files.

To avoid file resolution problems, projects always use relative paths rather than absolute paths so that paths are relative to the project file location (the workgroup, in shared projects).

When you open a file in Autodesk Inventor, you can use the file status browser to see the status of all saved files in the project and check files in and out.

Procedures

Create a semi-isolated master project

Start Autodesk Inventor.
In the Projects dialog box, click New to start the Project wizard.
Select New Semi-Isolated Master Project, and then click Next.
Name the master project and specify the project location in the Project (Workgroup) Folder box. Make sure it is a new folder that does not contain any data. The Project wizard creates a folder for the project file (.ipj) by default, but if you browse to a different location, the located folder name is used. Click Next.
Select existing libraries and add them to the project, and then click Finish.
After you create the project, you can open it in the project editor to set further options.

See Also

Projects editor

Create a semi-isolated workspace project

Select Manage Projects.
In the Projects dialog box, click New to start the Project Wizard.
Select New Semi-Isolated Workspace Project, and then click Next.
Name the personal project and specify the project location in the Project (Workspace) Folder box. Choose a name that relates the personal project to the master project.
Make sure that the location is a new folder that does not contain any data. The Project wizard creates a folder for the project file (.ipj) by default, but if you browse to a different location, the located folder name is used. Click Next.
In the Master Project File box, browse to the appropriate master project. Only a project with a specified workgroup can be selected as a master project. The project path and name are shown in the Project Editor as the Included file.
Click Finish.
After you create the project, you can open it in the project editor to set further options.

See Also

Projects editor

Create a shared project

Select Manage Projects.
In the Projects dialog box, click New to start the Project Wizard.
Select New Shared Project, and then click Next.
Name the project and specify the project location in the Project (Workgroup) Folder box. Make sure it is a new folder that does not contain any data. The Project wizard creates a folder for the project file (.ipj) by default, but if you browse to a different location, the located folder name is used. Click Next.
Select existing libraries and add them to the project, then click Finish.

After the project is created, you can use the Project Editor to customize options.

See Also

Projects_editor

Command Alias input and behavior

A command alias is an alphanumeric character or character sequence that you can use to start a command. Many predefined shortcut keys and command aliases are available in Autodesk Inventor.

Enable and disable command prompting

The default multi-character command aliases are not enabled by default. In Application options - General tab, under Prompting interaction, you can enable or disable functionality for:

Dynamic Prompts
AutoComplete for command aliases
Command Alias Input dialog box

When you are fluent with command inputs and workflow, you can disable prompting behavior to reduce screen clutter.

How do shortcuts and command aliases work?

In any Autodesk Inventor environment, enter a shortcut key or an alias to start a command. If the model or drawing is not in a state where the command can be used, the alias is inactive.

For example:

Command alias You can assign the key combination QC to the Quality Check command. But if you are not working in the Construction Environment, the command is not activated.

Shortcut keyTo define the plus sign on the numeric keypad (Num +) to the perpendicular constraint, a sketch must be active. If a sketch is not active, the command is not activated.

If you enter the shortcut or alias when the model is ready to use the command, the command starts normally.

Overview of shortcut keys and command aliases

In general, a command alias is assigned to modeling and other tasks. Command aliases are not used while a dialog box is active.

Shortcuts are used primarily for transparent commands (such as zoom, pan), and for file utility functions, such as printing, and so on. In general, shortcuts can be executed when a dialog box is active.

A shortcut can be defined using any of the following keys or key combinations:

A punctuation key (including ` - = [ ] \ ; ' , . /), or the Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow key.
A combination of Shift and a numeric key (0-9), punctuation key, or the Home, End, PgUp, PgDn, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow key.
Any combination of Shift, Ctrl, and Alt along with an alphanumeric character.

Other keys, including function keys, can have reserved shortcuts assigned to them, but these keys are not user-definable.

Some shortcut keys are active only in specific environments. For example, B is not active in a part document because the associated command is active only in a drawing.

You can see the predefined shortcut key or command alias when you pause the cursor over a command. You can see all predefined shortcut keys and command aliases by selecting Tools tabOptions panel Customize and clicking the Keyboard tab. In most cases, you can edit the shortcut or command alias and assign a custom value.

Procedures

Use shortcut keys and command aliases

You can use common Microsoft Windows shortcut keys and Autodesk Inventor command aliases to perform certain tasks in Autodesk Inventor.

Windows shortcut keys

Select both keys to execute the task.

Keys	Result
Ctrl+C	Copy selected items.
Ctrl+N	Create a document.
Ctrl+O	Open a new document.
Ctrl+P	Print the active document.
Ctrl+S	Save the active document.
Ctrl+V	Paste items from the clipboard to the active document.
Ctrl+Y	Redo.
Ctrl+Z	Undo.

Autodesk Inventorshortcut keys and command aliases

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Select a key to execute the task. For information about how to enable or disable default multi-character command aliases, see Customize - Keyboard tab.

NoteThe following applies only when:

Default multi-character command aliases are loaded.
Other definitions are not imported.
The Autodesk Inventor 2013 definitions are not edited.

Key	Result
F1	Help for the active command or dialog box.
F2	Pans the graphics window.
F3	Zooms in or out in the graphics window.
F4	Rotates objects in the graphics window.
F5	Returns to the previous view.
Backspace	In the active Line command, removes the last sketched segment.
Delete	Deletes selected objects.
Esc	Quits a command.
Spacebar	When the 3D Rotate command is active, switches between dynamic rotation and standard isometric and single plane views.
Alt+ drag mouse	In assemblies, applies a mate constraint. In a sketch, moves spline shape points.
Ctrl+Y	Activates Redo (revokes the last Undo).
Ctrl+Z	Activates Undo (revokes the last action).
Shift+ right-click	Activates the Select command menu.
Shift+ Rotate tool	Automatically rotates model in graphics window. Click to quit.
B	Adds a balloon to a drawing.
C	Adds an assembly constraint.
D	Adds a dimension to a sketch or drawing.
E	Extrudes a profile.
FC	Adds a feature control frame to a drawing.
H	Adds a hole feature.
L	Creates a line or arc.
ODS	Adds an ordinate dimension.
P	Places a component in the current assembly.
R	Creates a revolved feature.
S	Creates a 2D sketch on a face or plane.
T	Tweaks a part in the current presentation file.

References

Shortcut/Alias Quick Reference

Execute, view, and customize command aliases and shortcuts.

Access:

In the Info Center, click the drop-down arrow to the right of the Help icon, and select Shortcut/Alias Quick Reference.

Keys	Lists assigned keys in use as command aliases and custom shortcuts in the active environment. Click an alias or shortcut in the list to execute the command.
Command Name	Lists command names associated with assigned aliases and shortcuts.
Customize	Opens the Customize dialog box. Click the Keyboard tab to add and modify aliases and shortcuts.

Command Alias input dialog box

Displays a list of your current command aliases, and an input box. You can enter the first few letters of a command to see if an alias is assigned to it.

Access

In the graphics area, enter a few letters. The dialog box displays. Backspace to remove the letters one by one.

NoteThe command alias input dialog box is suppressed by default. See Application options - General tab for information on how to enable or disable the Command Alias input dialog box.

AutoComplete with Alias input dialog box enabled

When you enter the first few characters of a command name, those characters appear in the command alias input dialog box next to the cursor.

If AutoComplete is enabled, possible matches from existing command aliases display in a list.

Navigate the list using Tab, Up, or Down arrow keys, or select with the mouse. To accept the selection, press the spacebar or Enter,or right-click. If AutoComplete is enabled, the default command is the first or only command in the list.

Invalid aliases with Alias input dialog box enabled

If you enter an invalid alias, the text in the command alias input dialog box appears in red, and there is no AutoComplete drop-down list. Use Backspace to eliminate characters.

Ambiguous input with Alias input dialog box enabled

If you enter an ambiguous or incomplete command alias, press the spacebar, Enter, or right-click to start the first command in the AutoComplete drop-down list.

NoteYou can execute any command in the AutoComplete drop-down list by clicking it directly. You can use the Tab key or Up or Down arrow keys to navigate to a command in the AutoComplete drop-down list. Then press the spacebar or Enter, or right-click to execute the command.

Another command is active with the Alias input dialog box enabled

If you enter a character while another command that does not display a dialog box is active, the command alias dialog box displays and the active command is suspended.

In the command alias dialog box, click Cancel to close it and return to the active command.

NotePress Esc to close the command alias dialog box and cancel the active command.

If a command alias is selected, then the active command is canceled and the command alias is executed.

AutoComplete with Alias input dialog box disabled

NoteThe AutoComplete application option setting applies only when the command alias input dialog box is enabled.

When you enter the first few characters of a command name, those characters appear in the status bar. The status bar displays possible matches from existing command aliases. The default command is the first or only command initially displayed in the status bar. Navigate the list using Tab, Up, or Down arrow keys, and select. To accept the selection, press the spacebar or Enter,or right-click. Pressing the right mouse button does not enter the command when the command alias input dialog box is disabled.

See Application options - General tab for information about how to enable or disable functionality for:

AutoComplete for command aliases
Command Alias Input dialog box
Dynamic Prompts

Invalid aliases with Alias input dialog box disabled

If you enter an invalid alias, the text in the status bar appears in red. No other command names display in the status bar.

These behaviors happen for one of two reasons:

The alias does not match anything in the saved command alias list.
The alias is in the command alias list, but is not valid in the current environment. For example, the alias for the Hole command is not valid while you are in the sketch environment.

Use Backspace to eliminate characters and restore the valid partial command alias (in the command alias input dialog box or the status bar).

NoteIn the command alias dialog box, you can edit any character. In the status bar, you can edit only the last character by using Backspace. The left and right arrow keys have no affect.

Ambiguous input with Alias input dialog box disabled

If you enter an ambiguous or incomplete command alias, press the spacebar or Enter to start the default command displayed in the status bar.

NoteYou can use Tab, or Up or Down arrow keys to navigate to a command in the status bar. Then press the spacebar or Enter to execute the command. Pressing the right mouse button does not enter the command when the command alias input dialog box is disabled.

When there is no ambiguity in the alias, the command automatically starts.

Another command is active with the Alias input dialog box disabled

If you enter a character while another command that does not display a dialog box is active, the character displays in the status bar and the active command is suspended.

Press Backspace to eliminate characters in the status bar and return to the active command.

NotePress Esc to eliminate characters in the status bar and cancel the active command.

If a command alias is selected, then the active command is canceled and the command alias is executed.

Customize - Keyboard tab

Add and modify custom command aliases and shortcuts.

Access:

Ribbon: Tools tab

Options panel

Customize

, and then click the Keyboard tab.

Keyboard

Categories	Select a category filter to display all the commands associated with a category.
Key Filter	Select a filter to narrow the view of associated commands.
Keys	List of assigned keys in use as keyboard shortcuts and command aliases.
Accept and Reject	Appear when you click in the Keys field next to a command. Click Accept to assign a shortcut or Reject to discard a shortcut.
Command Name	List of command names associated with the selected category.
Type	List of assigned key types: alias, shortcut, or blank (not assigned).
Category	List of command categories.
Use default multi-character Command Aliases	When this option is checked, the multi-character Command Aliases delivered with Autodesk Inventor are in use. This setting is not checked by default.
Reset All Keys	Removes all custom keyboard shortcuts and command aliases and restores defaults based on the setting of the "Use default multi-character Command Aliases" check box. NoteThis check box is not reset.
Copy to Clipboard	Copies contents of the Keyboard tab, including headings, to the Clipboard. May be pasted into a spreadsheet or other document. If this command is selected while a shortcut is being edited, any changes to the shortcut are discarded and reset to the last value.

Buttons

Export

Saves the customized settings in an .xml file. Click Export to open the Export Customization Settings dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Import

Click Import to restore the customized settings from the .xml file saved during export.

NoteClose all Autodesk Inventor files before importing your settings

To retain your custom settings, import your settings after installing a new Autodesk Inventor release.

Close

Click to close the Customize dialog box.

Autodesk Exchange App Manager

View, update, uninstall and get help on Autodesk Exchange Apps downloaded from the Autodesk Exchange Store.

Displays all Autodesk Exchange Apps installed for your product. You can install Autodesk Exchange Apps and 3rd party Apps for your products. Access Autodesk Exchange from the bottom of the Autodesk Exchange App Manager dialog box to view Apps available for Autodesk products.

Right-click an App from the list to:

Access Help
Install updates
Remove and uninstall the App
Access the App's provider website

Click the Icon View or View icon to:

Toggle between list view and icon view

A red exclamation mark in the icon view indicates the availability of an update.

Custom command aliases

You can develop your own command alias scheme and assign custom aliases to commands. The character sequence you want to use for an alias can already be assigned to a default alias. In that case, you can reassign the character sequence to the command of your choice.

What strategy do I follow for command aliases?

The strategy for assigning default shortcut and command alias keys is to:

Assign command aliases to modeling and other general-purpose tasks.
Assign custom shortcuts for transparent commands (for example, zoom, pan), and for file utility functions, such as printing, and so on.

Can I override default aliases?

Yes. You can override any command alias.

What keys are eligible for use in command aliases?

You can use only alphanumeric keys to define command aliases. Use any of the following single key or combination of keys:

Letters:	A-Z
Numbers:	0-9

All other keys are ineligible. Spaces between characters are not permitted. Command aliases are not case sensitive.

Can I have duplicate aliases?

Yes. While each command can have only one assigned alias, the same alias can be assigned to multiple commands. One assigned alias is useful where commands in different environments have the same name and you want to remember only one alias. For example, the mirror command in sketching differs from the mirror command in assemblies and parts. You can assign the same alias (for example MI) to all three mirror commands.

Duplicate aliases can exist in the active environment. Duplicate aliases are prioritized by the command name, not by the alias. For example, if M is assigned to Move and Mirror, Move is the first listed in the AutoComplete drop-down list. Thus, it is the command executed by default when you enter M and Enter or spacebar. If there is ambiguity at the time an alias is entered, the AutoComplete list box displays the category of each command in parenthesis. For example: CP Copy (Drawings) CP Copy (Sketch).

NoteYou can execute any command in the AutoComplete drop-down list by clicking it directly. You can also use Tab or the Up or Down arrows to navigate to a command in the AutoComplete drop-down list. Then press the spacebar or Enter, or right-click to execute the command. For multiple commands with the same alias, to avoid ambiguity ensure that only one of the commands is enabled when you enter the alias. AutoComplete lists only aliases for enabled commands.

Import and Export Application Options Settings

In the Application Options dialog box, you can import and export settings in an .xml file.

The Import button displays the Open dialog box, where you can navigate to a file to open.

The Export button displays the Save Copy As dialog box, where you can select a file location, enter a file name, and then Save.

Installation locations for both import and export operations

Microsoft Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Microsoft Windows 7: : Users\[login]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Preferences

Tips for custom shortcut keys and command aliases

A Shift key in combination with a letter (A-Z) creates a command alias. Shortcuts require the use of either Ctrl, Alt or both as a modifier. Shift can be used in addition to Ctrl and Alt. Shift can also be used alone with numeric and punctuation keys. Existing R11 shortcuts are available, however, R11 shortcuts that involve only Shift are changed to Shift+Ctrl combinations.
If a key combination is already in use as a reserved shortcut, you can assign an alias to the command, but not a customized shortcut.
In the Customize dialog box, Keyboard tab, use Copy to Clipboard to copy a list of command names and their assigned aliases and shortcuts to the clipboard. You can paste this data into an Excel spreadsheet or any word processor.
NoteIf you use Copy to Clipboard while editing a shortcut, any changes to the shortcut are discarded and reset to the last value.

See Also

Command Alias input and behavior_CONCEPT-ADSK

Procedures

Create custom command aliases

Select Tools tabOptions panel Customize, and then click the Keyboard tab.
In the Categories list, click the command category that you want.
In the filter list, select All, Assigned, or Unassigned, to see a list of associated commands and aliases in the command box.
All
All commands are displayed in the command box.
Assigned
Only commands with assigned shortcuts or aliases are displayed in the command box.
Unassigned
Only commands without assigned shortcuts or aliases are displayed in the command box.
In the command box, click in the Keys column next to the associated command. Enter the shortcut, using any of these methods:
- Press any single letter or number key (A-Z, 0-9).
- Press any combination of alphanumeric keys.
To discard the new alias, click Reject or press the Delete or Backspace key.
NoteTo discard an existing alias, click in the Keys column next to the associated command and press the Delete or Backspace key.
To assign the alias, click Accept or press Enter.
Continue to assign aliases or click Close to close the dialog box.

Save or restore customization settings

Save customization settings

Click Tools tabOptions panel Customize.
Change the command aliases or shortcuts.
Click Export. The Export Customization Settings dialog box is displayed.
Navigate to the folder where you want to save the settings. If necessary, create a folder.
Enter a file name, and then click Save.

Restore customization settings

Click Tools tabOptions panel Customize.
Click Import. A dialog box is displayed.
NoteClose all Autodesk Inventor files before importing your settings.
Click Yes to load the customized settings.

References

Customize - Keyboard tab

Add and modify custom command aliases and shortcuts.

Access:

Ribbon: Tools tab

Options panel

Customize

, and then click the Keyboard tab.

Keyboard

Categories	Select a category filter to display all the commands associated with a category.
Key Filter	Select a filter to narrow the view of associated commands.
Keys	List of assigned keys in use as keyboard shortcuts and command aliases.
Accept and Reject	Appear when you click in the Keys field next to a command. Click Accept to assign a shortcut or Reject to discard a shortcut.
Command Name	List of command names associated with the selected category.
Type	List of assigned key types: alias, shortcut, or blank (not assigned).
Category	List of command categories.
Use default multi-character Command Aliases	When this option is checked, the multi-character Command Aliases delivered with Autodesk Inventor are in use. This setting is not checked by default.
Reset All Keys	Removes all custom keyboard shortcuts and command aliases and restores defaults based on the setting of the "Use default multi-character Command Aliases" check box. NoteThis check box is not reset.
Copy to Clipboard	Copies contents of the Keyboard tab, including headings, to the Clipboard. May be pasted into a spreadsheet or other document. If this command is selected while a shortcut is being edited, any changes to the shortcut are discarded and reset to the last value.

Buttons

Export

Saves the customized settings in an .xml file. Click Export to open the Export Customization Settings dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Import

Click Import to restore the customized settings from the .xml file saved during export.

NoteClose all Autodesk Inventor files before importing your settings

To retain your custom settings, import your settings after installing a new Autodesk Inventor release.

Close

Click to close the Customize dialog box.

Custom shortcut keys

You can create custom shortcuts, or change the default shortcuts, to start commands.

The key combination you want to use for a shortcut is sometimes already assigned to a default shortcut. In that case, you can usually delete the shortcut and reassign the keys to the command of your choice.

What strategy do I follow for shortcuts?

The strategy for assigning default shortcut and command alias keys is to:

Assign command aliases to modeling and other general-purpose tasks.
Assign custom shortcuts for transparent commands (for example, zoom, pan), and for file utility functions, such as printing, and so on.

NoteDo not use the Shift key in combination with a letter. This combination, creates a command alias. Use Shift in combination with another modifier (Ctrl or Alt). Existing R11 shortcuts are available, however, R11 shortcuts that involve only the Shift key are changed to Shift+Ctrl combinations.

Can I override default shortcuts?

Some keys are reserved for specific purposes. For example, all of the F-keys (function keys) are reserved for global operations, and are not eligible for use in custom shortcuts:

Shortcut	Command/Operation
Tab	Demote
F1	Help
F2	Pan
F3	Zoom In/Out
Shift+F3	Zoom Window
F4	Rotate
F5	Previous View
Shift+F5	Next
F6	Isometric View
F7	Slice Graphics
Alt+F8	Macros
F10	Sketch Visibility
Alt+F11	Visual Basic Editor
Shift+Tab	Promote
Alt+F11	Visual Basic Editor

What keys are ineligible for use in shortcuts?

In addition to the function keys, the following keys are reserved, and not eligible for use in custom shortcuts:

Enter/Return	Num Lock	"Windows" key	Scroll Lock
"Menu" key	Backspace	Print Screen	Spacebar
Caps Lock	Pause/Break	Esc	Delete
Left and Right arrow keys	Num Enter	Tab	Insert
Ctrl+C	Ctrl+V	Ctrl+X

Other nonstandard keys such as multimedia keys or Internet keys are also ineligible.

Do not use Alt with the A-Z keys or the 1-0 keys. This combination can interfere with the Microsoft Windows standard accelerator keys for accessing menu commands.
We recommend that you use Alt in combination with other modifier keys such as Shift and Ctrl plus a letter or number key.

Can I import or export shortcuts?

In the Customize dialog box, you can click Export to export the shortcuts to an XML file. Then you can share your custom shortcuts with other users. You can save ribbon and marking menu customization settings in the same XML file. You can import the shortcuts and other customization settings when you open a new release of Autodesk Inventor.

Default installation locations for Import and Export operations:

Windows XP: Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor [version]\Preferences

Tips- Custom shortcut keys and command alias character sequences

Shortcuts assigned to the numeric keypad are sometimes unavailable on laptop computers.
A key combination or character sequence can already be in use as a default shortcut or alias. In the Customize dialog box, you can override an existing assignment, and assign the key combination or character sequence to the command of your choice.
A key combination can already be in use as a reserved shortcut. In this case, you can assign an alias to the command, but not a customized shortcut.
In the Customize dialog box, Keyboard tab, use Copy to Clipboard to copy a list of command names and their assigned aliases and shortcuts to the clipboard. You can paste this data into an Excel spreadsheet or any word processor.
NoteIf this command is selected while a shortcut is being edited, any changes to the shortcut are discarded and reset to the last value.

See Also

Command Alias input and behavior

Procedures

Create custom shortcut keys

You can create custom shortcuts, or change the default shortcuts.

Click Tools tabOptions panel Customize, and then click the Keyboard tab.
In the Categories list, click a command category.
In the filter list, select:
All Displays all commands in the command box.
Assigned Displays only commands with assigned shortcuts or aliases.
Unassigned Displays only commands without assigned shortcuts or aliases.
In the command box, click in the Keys column next to the associated command. Enter the shortcut, using any of these methods:
- Press a punctuation key (including ` - = [ ] \ ; ' , . /), or one of the following keys: Home, End, PgUp, PgDn, Up arrow, Down arrow.
- Press a combination of the Shift key along with a numeric key (0-9), punctuation key, or one of the following keys: Home, End, PgUp, PgDn, Up arrow, Down arrow.
  NoteAny Shift+letter combination results in a command alias. Existing R11 shortcuts are available, however, R11 shortcuts that involve only the Shift key have been changed to Shift+Ctrl combinations.
- Press any combination of Shift, Ctrl, and Alt keys along with an alphanumeric character.
  NoteCombine Alt with the Shift and/or Ctrl and a letter or number. We do not recommend using Alt without another modifier.
To discard the new shortcut before assigning it, click Reject or press Delete or Backspace.
NoteTo discard an existing shortcut, click in the Keys column next to the associated command and press Delete or Backspace.
To assign the shortcut, click Accept or press Enter.
Continue to assign shortcuts or click Close to close the dialog box.

Save or restore customization settings

Save customization settings

Click Tools tabOptions panel Customize.
Change the command aliases or shortcuts.
Click Export. The Export Customization Settings dialog box is displayed.
Navigate to the folder where you want to save the settings. If necessary, create a folder.
Enter a file name, and then click Save.

Restore customization settings

Click Tools tabOptions panel Customize.
Click Import. A dialog box is displayed.
NoteClose all Autodesk Inventor files before importing your settings.
Click Yes to load the customized settings.

References

Customize - Keyboard tab

Add and modify custom command aliases and shortcuts.

Access:

Ribbon: Tools tab

Options panel

Customize

, and then click the Keyboard tab.

Keyboard

Categories	Select a category filter to display all the commands associated with a category.
Key Filter	Select a filter to narrow the view of associated commands.
Keys	List of assigned keys in use as keyboard shortcuts and command aliases.
Accept and Reject	Appear when you click in the Keys field next to a command. Click Accept to assign a shortcut or Reject to discard a shortcut.
Command Name	List of command names associated with the selected category.
Type	List of assigned key types: alias, shortcut, or blank (not assigned).
Category	List of command categories.
Use default multi-character Command Aliases	When this option is checked, the multi-character Command Aliases delivered with Autodesk Inventor are in use. This setting is not checked by default.
Reset All Keys	Removes all custom keyboard shortcuts and command aliases and restores defaults based on the setting of the "Use default multi-character Command Aliases" check box. NoteThis check box is not reset.
Copy to Clipboard	Copies contents of the Keyboard tab, including headings, to the Clipboard. May be pasted into a spreadsheet or other document. If this command is selected while a shortcut is being edited, any changes to the shortcut are discarded and reset to the last value.

Buttons

Export

Saves the customized settings in an .xml file. Click Export to open the Export Customization Settings dialog box. Select a file location, enter a file name, and then click Save.

Import

Click Import to restore the customized settings from the .xml file saved during export.

NoteClose all Autodesk Inventor files before importing your settings

To retain your custom settings, import your settings after installing a new Autodesk Inventor release.

Close

Click to close the Customize dialog box.

Customize info tips in Inventor

When you pause the cursor over an Inventor file name, an info tip displays the properties of that file.

An .xml configuration file called InfoTip.config controls the contents of an info tip. You can customize the elements in the configuration file to control the information displayed in info tips. The configuration file is located at:

Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor 2013\InfoTip.config

Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor 2013\InfoTip.config

In Windows XP, when you pause the cursor over one file and then another, the system reloads the infotip.dll. Then it updates the content of the info tip immediately.

In Windows 7, the system caches the content of an info tip. A Windows system restart or a re-registration for the infotip.dll is required before your updates on the configuration file take effect. To register the infotip.dll, on the command line, execute the following command:

regsvr32 /u "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor 2013\Bin\InfoTip.dll"

regsvr32 "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor 2013\Bin\InfoTip.dll"

If you delete the entire InfoTip.config file, the system generates and displays a new one the next time you pause the cursor over an Inventor file. The new file contains the default configuration.

Default configuration

The first time you pause your cursor over an Inventor file name, the systems generates the file InfoTip.config. The default configuration includes all property items supported in the iProperties dialog box, as follows:

<PropertySetInformation>
<SummaryInformation>
<Property id="2" name="Title" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="3" name="Subject" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="4" name="Author" exclude="no"/>
<Property id="5" name="Keywords" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="6" name="Comments" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="9" name="Revision Number" exclude="no"/>
</SummaryInformation>
<DocumentSummaryInformation>
<Property id="2" name="Category" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="14" name="Manager" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="15" name="Company" exclude="yes"/>
</DocumentSummaryInformation>
<DesignTracking>
<Property id="4" name="Creation Date" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="5" name="Part Number" exclude="no"/>
<Property id="7" name="Project" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="9" name="Cost Center" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="10" name="Checked By" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="11" name="Checked Date" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="12" name="Eng. Approved By" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="13" name="Eng. Approved Date" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="17" name="Status" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="23" name="Web Link" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="29" name="Description" exclude="no"/>
<Property id="30" name="Vendor" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="34" name="Mfg. Approved By" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="35" name="Mfg. Approved Date" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="36" name="Estimated Cost" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="40" name="Design State" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="41" name="Designer" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="42" name="Engineer" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="43" name="Authority" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="55" name="Stock Number" exclude="no"/>
<Property id="67" name="Last Update With" exclude="yes"/>
</DesignTracking>
<DesignTrackingControl>
<Property id="5" name="Reserved By" exclude="no"/>
<Property id="6" name="Reserved Date" exclude="yes"/>
<Property id="8" name="Unreserved Date" exclude="yes"/>
</DesignTrackingControl>
</PropertySetInformation>

Custom configuration

In the configuration file, you can add or delete property elements, and change the attributes in elements. Before you start to customize an info tip, understand the meaning of each attribute in a property element. For instance, in:

id: Assigns a unique internal ID for each property.
name: Sets the property name to display in the Info tip. You can change the name.
exclude: Controls whether to display the property in the info tip. "Yes" turns off the display of the display in the info tip.

Procedures

Customize Info Tips

You can control the properties that display in the info tips for Inventor files.

Browse to, and open the InfoTip.config file at:
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor 2013\InfoTip.config
Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Autodesk Inventor 2013\InfoTip.config
In the InfoTip.config file, adjust the attributes to display your specific properties:
- If necessary, change the name attribute of any property.
- To control the display of a property, set the exclude attribute to “yes” or “no”.
- Delete or add elements as necessary.
Note In the Design Tracking Control section of the configuration file, the property elements display only when they own a value, even if exclude is set to “no.”
Save the file.
To view your changes, pause the cursor over a different Inventor file to generate and display the new Info Tip. Otherwise, Windows displays the old cached Info tip.
Info tips display the changed properties until you make more changes or delete the InfoTip.config file.

Active Lighting Style	Specifies the active lighting style for the current document. Adds the selected style to the default standard associated with the document.
Display Appearance	Displays the dialog box where you specify the document display appearance parameters. When set to Use document settings, enables the use of document display parameters.
Virtual Components	Click the arrow to assign a default material to any newly-created virtual component in the current document.
Annotation	Assigns a default style to any newly created annotation in the current document.

Appearance	These settings apply to model edges whenever they are visible.
Display hidden edges dashed	When selected, hidden edges display as dashed lines. When cleared, hidden edges display as solid lines.
Hidden Edge Dimming	Sets the percent of dimming for hidden edges from a range of 10% to 90%. Enter a value or click the up or down arrow to specify a value.
Depth Dimming	When selected, sets a dimming effect to convey the depth of a model. Visual style is wireframe and Depth Dimming set to Off. Depth Dimming set to On. Visual Style is Shaded and Depth Dimming set to Off. Depth Dimming set to On.
Model Edges
Use part appearance	Model edge color is derived from the component appearance.
Use color	Model edges display using the same color. To display the color picker, click the Color button.
Display silhouettes	When selected, displays silhouettes. Clear the check box to suppress the display. When the selected visual style has model edges set to visible, silhouette display is based on this setting. Default is off. Example Silhouettes for active component set to Off. Silhouettes for active component set to On. Silhouettes for inactive component set to Off. Silhouettes for inactive component set to On.
Initial Display Appearance	Sets the model appearance for any new window or view.
	Visual Style Specifies the preferred visual style used for component display. Projection Sets the view mode to Orthographic or Perspective camera mode. Ground ShadowsWhen selected, displays model ground shadows. Object Shadows When selected, displays model object shadows. Ambient Shadows When selected, displays model ambient shadows. Ground Plane When selected, displays the model ground plane. Ground Reflections When selected, displays model ground reflections. Textures On When selected, displays textures on solid model surfaces. Use Ray Tracing for Realistic Visual Style When selected, enables ray tracing when the Realistic visual style is selected. In the drop-down list, specify the default ray tracing mode: Interactive Good Best

Sets the spacing of lines in the grid display for the active part or drawing. The sketch grid is aligned according to the sketch coordinate system.
Snaps Per Minor	Sets the distance between minor grid lines relative to the specified snap distance. For example, if you set the X snap distance at 0.0625, and specify two snaps per minor, the minor lines are spaced 0.125 apart.
Major Every Minor Lines	Sets the number of minor lines to appear between major lines. Major lines appear heavier in the grid display.

When selected, analyzes for contact between components. When selected, degrades performance. The default is not selected. You can use the Surface Complexity option with the Contact Set Only, or All Components options to limit the components considered for contact and collision. Then you can scale down the input to the contact solver.
Contact Set Only	Limits participation in contact analysis to selected components. If preferred, right-click in the assembly to specify the selected components as a contact set.
All Components	Analyzes all components in the assembly for contact.
Contact Solver Off	Turns off solver analysis.
Surface Complexity	Ignores complex surfaces that are within close proximity to each other. When selected, provides better performance at the cost of slightly less accurate contact and collision detection.
	All Surfaces	Considers all surfaces. This option is the most accurate, but can be slow for some models.
	General Surfaces	Takes into account most surfaces; ignores some fillets (blends). This option eliminates a few of the most problematic cases in terms of performance. It is a reasonable compromise between performance and accuracy.
	Simple Surfaces	Ignores non-analytic surfaces. Yields the best performance, but misses any contact between nurbs surfaces.

Precision	Click the down arrow under Precision and select the number of decimal places.
Tolerance	Under Tolerance, enter the upper and lower range for the precision level.

Sets the spacing between snap points to help with precision when sketching in the active part or drawing. The settings for the two axes can be different.
X	Sets the snap distance for the X axis.
Y	Sets the snap distance for the Y axis.

Specifies default settings for 3D sketches in the active part.
Auto-Bend Radius	Sets the default radius for corner bends automatically placed on 3D lines as you sketch them. NoteTo activate or suppress Auto-Bend Radius, select Tools tab Options panel Application Options and on the Sketch tab, change the setting.

Defer Updates	When selected, suppresses automatic update for the active drawing. Clear the check box to update the drawing automatically when the model changes. Note When selected, many commands are disabled on the Place Views tab. Hole Note, Bend Note, Balloon, Part List, and Hole Table are not available on the Annotate tab. If you set Defer Updates in a template, you cannot place views in the drawings created from it.
Cross Hatch Clipping	Select to have the hatch break about drawing annotations. Notes: To enable clipping around user-defined symbols, select the Symbol Clipping option for individual symbol instances. The cross hatch clipping is not supported for datum targets and in isometric views.
Automated Centerlines	Opens the Centerline Settings dialog box so you can set the defaults for automated centerlines to a drawing view. For more information, see Automated Centerlines Settings.
Invalid Annotations	If the component they are attached to is deleted, promoted, demoted, or replaced, annotations can become invalid . Highlight marks invalid dimensions and other annotations that lose their attachment in the active drawing file. Clear the check box to turn off highlighting. Preserve Orphaned Annotations retains annotations that have become detached from geometry. Clear the check box to remove orphaned annotations. Feature-based Annotation Capture Color specifies a unique color for invalid feature- based annotations. Using the specified color, you can identify annotations that must be deleted and replaced. The remaining invalid annotations can be selected. Right-click and select Reconnect Annotation to attempt reconnection to valid anchor points.
Memory Saving Mode	When selected, Autodesk Inventor is more conservative with memory before and during view computation, at the expense of performance. It conserves memory by changing the way components are loaded and unloaded. Select Use Application Options to use default setting on the Drawing tab of the Application Options dialog box, or Always, or Never. NoteDrawing view creation and modification operations cannot be undone/reverted while the Memory Saving Mode option is enabled. As a result, the Undo/Redo commands in the application are disabled.
Shaded Views	Use Bitmap Sets frequency for using bitmaps on shaded views to Always or Offline Only. Enable Always to increase capacity and improve performance. Bitmap Resolution Sets the image quality for shaded views. Effects file size, graphics appearance, and print quality. Click the arrow, and select from the list NoteSelection of higher resolution can influence performance. If you work with large or complex models of shaded views, we recommend setting Always in the Use Bitmap drop-down menu with a low Bitmap Resolution. This setting reduces memory consumption.
Dimension Updates	Dimension Text Alignment controls text position for angular and linear dimensions when geometry is updated. View Position maintains text position on the sheet. Sheet Position and Maintain Centered retains centered dimension placement while all other dimensions maintain their positions on the sheet. Percentage of Dimension Line attempts to maintain all dimension text positions relative to the dimension line.
Properties in Drawing	Additional Custom Model iProperty Source specifies a file that contains custom iProperties and adds names of custom properties to Custom Property - Model list. Properties can be then used in the drawing or template. Click the arrow to select a file from the list, or click Browse to find and select a file. Copy Model iProperty Settings opens the Copy Model iProperty Settings dialog box. Click the command to select model iProperties to copy into the drawing. NoteCopied model iProperties can be used in parts lists, title blocks, and other annotations that access model or drawing iProperties.

Default Sheet Label	Sets the default label assigned to new sheets in the drawing browser. Labels on new sheets bear incremental numbers (for example, Sheet1, Sheet 2, Sheet3). Click in the box and enter the label.
Colors	Sets the display colors for elements of the sheet. Click a color to open the Color dialog box, and select the color for the associated element.
	Sheet	Sets the background color for the sheet. The color of views, symbols, and other elements does not change, so set a background color that provides good contrast.
	Sheet Outline	Sets the outline color for the sheet.
	Highlight	Sets the color of highlighted elements (when the cursor passes over them).
	Selection	Sets the color of selected elements.

Default BOM Structure	Sets the default BOM structure for the component. NoteYou can override the structure to be Reference on any component instance leveling an assembly.
Unit Quantity	Displays the Unit Quantity. Unit Quantity is composed of two properties: base quantity and base unit.
Base Quantity	Sets the base quantity for the component. Select a parameter to use as the base quantity, and click OK. To edit or add a parameter, click Edit Parameter next to the Base Quantity option. The Base Quantity option is read only for assembly documents. NoteIf the parameter that the base quantity is assigned to is deleted, then the base quantity is reset to Each.
Base Unit	Select a base Unit from the list, and click OK. The Base Unit option is read only for assembly documents.

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Table of contents

Work Environment

Topics in this section

Work environments

Topics in this section

Application Options settings

Display quality

Configure Default Templates

Document Settings

Measurement units

Projects

Topics in this section

Projects - Overview

Project (.ipj) file

Active project

Learn about Projects, part 1

Learn about Projects, part 2

Set Options

Topics in this section

Plan Projects

Use a single project file

Build a folder structure

Tips about directory folder structures

Determine the project type

Execute the project plan

Projects - Search Paths

Nested paths in legacy projects

Where Used search

Projects - Libraries

Projects - Backup File Versions

Projects - Autodesk Vault Basic

Characteristics of vault projects

Projects - Single-user

Projects - Legacy

Semi-isolated workspace project

Shared project

Command Alias input and behavior

AutoComplete with Alias input dialog box enabled

Autodesk Exchange App Manager

Custom command aliases

Custom shortcut keys

Customize info tips in Inventor