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

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).

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Application Options settings

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