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Autodesk® Inventor® 2022
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Introduction to Solid Modeling

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Learning Guide
Mixed Units - 1st Edition
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Cover Page
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Authorized Publisher
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 ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®
Autodesk® Inventor® 2022
Introduction to Solid Modeling
Mixed Units - 1st Edition
Prepared and produced by:

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ASCENT Center for Technical Knowledge
630 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 175
Charlottesville, VA 22911

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866-527-2368

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www.ASCENTed.com

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Lead Contributor: Jennifer MacMillan
Copyright

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ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge (a division of Rand Worldwide Inc.) is a leading developer of
professional learning materials and knowledge products for engineering software applications. ASCENT

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specializes in designing targeted content that facilitates application-based learning with hands-on software

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experience. For over 25 years, ASCENT has helped users become more productive through tailored
custom learning solutions.

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We welcome any comments you may have regarding this guide, or any of our products. To contact us
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please email: feedback@ASCENTed.com.

© ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge, 2021

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All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced in any form by any photographic, electronic,
mechanical or other means or used in any information storage and retrieval system without the written
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permission of ASCENT, a division of Rand Worldwide, Inc.

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The following are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the
USA and other countries: 123D, 3ds Max, ADSK, Alias, ATC, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD, Autodesk, the Autodesk logo,
Autodesk 123D, Autodesk Alias, ArtCAM, Autodesk Forge, Autodesk Fusion, Autodesk Inventor, AutoSnap, BIM 360,
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Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, nothing contained herein constitutes nor is intended to constitute an offer,
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AS-INV2201-ISM1MU-E // IS-INV2201-ISM1MU-E
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 C o n t e n ts

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Preface ......................................................................................................... xvii

In This Guide ................................................................................................ xxi

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Practice Files .............................................................................................. xxiii

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Autodesk Inventor ........................................... 1-1
e EN1.1 Autodesk Inventor Introduction..................................................... 1-2
Feature-Based Modeling................................................................... 1-4
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Parametric Features.......................................................................... 1-6
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Associative ........................................................................................ 1-7

Assembly Management..................................................................... 1-7
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Model Documentation ....................................................................... 1-7

1.2 Getting Started with Inventor......................................................... 1-8
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My Home........................................................................................... 1-8
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Project Files .................................................................................... 1-10

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Opening Files .................................................................................. 1-11

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1.3 Autodesk Inventor Interface......................................................... 1-12

Interface .......................................................................................... 1-12
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Modeling Tools................................................................................ 1-17

Accessing Help ............................................................................... 1-20
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1.4 Model Orientation.......................................................................... 1-22

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Model Orientation............................................................................ 1-22

1.5 Model Display ................................................................................ 1-27
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1.6 Selection Techniques ................................................................... 1-29

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Sketched Entity Selection ............................................................... 1-29

Tangent Entity Selection ................................................................. 1-30
Selecting Hidden Entities or Features............................................. 1-31
Selection Filter ................................................................................ 1-31
Practice 1a Open and Manipulate a Part ............................................ 1-32
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 1-50
Command Summary ............................................................................. 1-53

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® i

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Chapter 2: Creating the Base Feature ........................................................ 2-1

2.1 Creating a New Part File ................................................................. 2-2
Using the Default Template............................................................... 2-2
Selecting a Template ........................................................................ 2-3
Origin Features ................................................................................. 2-5

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2.2 Sketched Base Features................................................................. 2-6
Setting an Origin Plane as Default .................................................... 2-8

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Grid and Axis Display........................................................................ 2-9

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Sketch Entities ................................................................................ 2-10
Sketching Revolved Sections.......................................................... 2-11

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Dimensioning .................................................................................. 2-12

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Constraining .................................................................................... 2-15
Depth............................................................................................... 2-19
Direction .......................................................................................... 2-20

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2.3 Editing Sketched Features ........................................................... 2-23
Show Dimensions ........................................................................... 2-23

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Sketch Visibility ............................................................................... 2-24
e EN Edit Sketch ...................................................................................... 2-24
Edit Feature..................................................................................... 2-25
Show Input ...................................................................................... 2-25
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Change the Sketch Plane ............................................................... 2-25
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Practice 2a Extruded Base Features I ................................................ 2-26

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Practice 2b Extruded Base Features II ............................................... 2-38

Practice 2c Revolved Base Feature.................................................... 2-44
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Practice 2d Additional Parts................................................................ 2-49

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 2-50

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 2-54

Chapter 3: Additional Sketching Tools....................................................... 3-1

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3.1 Advanced Sketched Entities .......................................................... 3-2

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Tangent Arc Using a Line.................................................................. 3-5

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Tangent Line Between Two Circles/Arcs .......................................... 3-5

Sketched Fillets and Chamfers ......................................................... 3-6
Point Snaps....................................................................................... 3-8
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Construction Entities ......................................................................... 3-8

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3.2 Basic Sketch Editing Tools .......................................................... 3-10

Trim ................................................................................................. 3-10
Extend ............................................................................................. 3-10
Mirror............................................................................................... 3-11

ii © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

3.3 Adding and Modifying Sketch Constraints................................. 3-12

Reviewing Existing Constraints....................................................... 3-12
Reviewing Degrees of Freedom...................................................... 3-12
Assigning Constraints ..................................................................... 3-13
Over Constraining Entities .............................................................. 3-18

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Constraint Settings.......................................................................... 3-19
Deleting Constraints........................................................................ 3-22
Relax Mode ..................................................................................... 3-22

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3.4 Advanced Dimensioning Techniques ......................................... 3-24

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Center Dimensions.......................................................................... 3-24

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Radius/Diameter Dimensions.......................................................... 3-25
Angular Dimensions ........................................................................ 3-25

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Tangent Dimensions ....................................................................... 3-26
Revolved Sketch Dimensions ......................................................... 3-26
Arc Length Dimensions ................................................................... 3-27

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Dimension Types ............................................................................ 3-28
Over Dimensioned Entities.............................................................. 3-28

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Practice 3a Apply Constraints ............................................................ 3-29
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Practice 3b Create Sketched Geometry I ........................................... 3-34
Practice 3c Create Sketched Geometry II .......................................... 3-41
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Practice 3d Create Sketched Geometry III ......................................... 3-47

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Practice 3e (Optional) Manipulating Entities ..................................... 3-52

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 3-53
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 3-57

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Chapter 4: Sketch Editing Tools ................................................................. 4-1

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4.1 Advanced Sketch Editing Tools .................................................... 4-2

Move, Copy, Rotate, Scale, and Stretch ........................................... 4-2
Split ................................................................................................... 4-5
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Copy and Paste................................................................................. 4-5

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4.2 Rectangular Sketch Patterns ......................................................... 4-6

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4.3 Circular Sketch Patterns ................................................................ 4-8

4.4 Sketch Preferences....................................................................... 4-10
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Application Options ......................................................................... 4-10

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Document Settings.......................................................................... 4-11

Practice 4a Sketch Editing Tools........................................................ 4-12
Practice 4b Copy and Paste a Sketch ................................................ 4-17
Practice 4c Pattern Sketched Entities ................................................ 4-21
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 4-26
Command Summary ............................................................................. 4-28

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® iii

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Chapter 5: Sketched Secondary Features.................................................. 5-1

5.1 Creating Sketched Secondary Features ....................................... 5-2
5.2 Offsetting Sketch Geometry........................................................... 5-8
5.3 Projecting Geometry....................................................................... 5-9

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5.4 Sharing a Sketch ........................................................................... 5-10
5.5 Sketching with Dynamic and Precise Input................................ 5-11

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Dynamic Input & Dimensioning for Sketching ................................. 5-11

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Precise Input ................................................................................... 5-12

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5.6 Using AutoCAD Data in Inventor ................................................. 5-14

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Practice 5a Create a Sketched Revolve ............................................. 5-15
Practice 5b Create Sketched Extrusions ........................................... 5-19

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Practice 5c Share Sketch..................................................................... 5-26

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Practice 5d (Optional) Create a Sketch Using

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Precise Coordinates............................................................................. 5-29
e EN Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 5-37
Command Summary ............................................................................. 5-40
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Chapter 6: Creating Pick and Place Features ............................................ 6-1

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6.1 Edge Chamfers................................................................................ 6-2

6.2 Constant Fillets ............................................................................... 6-8
Continuity ........................................................................................ 6-11
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Additional Fillet Options .................................................................. 6-12

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6.3 Variable Fillets............................................................................... 6-15

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6.4 Face Fillets..................................................................................... 6-21

6.5 Full Round Fillets .......................................................................... 6-23
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6.6 Holes .............................................................................................. 6-25

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Linear Placement ............................................................................ 6-29

Concentric Placement ..................................................................... 6-31
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Placing Multiple Holes..................................................................... 6-35

Hole Presets.................................................................................... 6-35
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6.7 Threads .......................................................................................... 6-37

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6.8 Editing Pick and Place Features.................................................. 6-40

6.9 Creation Sequence........................................................................ 6-41
Practice 6a Add Pick and Place Features .......................................... 6-42
Practice 6b Create a Coaxial Hole ...................................................... 6-52
Practice 6c Add Fillets ......................................................................... 6-56

iv © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

Practice 6d (Optional) Adding Pick and Place Features................... 6-62

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 6-63
Command Summary ............................................................................. 6-66

Chapter 7: Work Features ............................................................................ 7-1

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7.1 Work Planes..................................................................................... 7-2

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7.2 Work Axes........................................................................................ 7-7

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7.3 Work Points ................................................................................... 7-10

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Practice 7a Using Work Features to Create Geometry I ................... 7-13

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Practice 7b Using Work Features to Create Geometry II.................. 7-17
Practice 7c (Optional) Using Work Features to Create
Geometry III........................................................................................... 7-23

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 7-31

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 7-33
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Chapter 8: Equations and Parameters........................................................ 8-1
8.1 Creating Equations ......................................................................... 8-2
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8.2 Model and User Parameters........................................................... 8-8

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Model Parameters............................................................................. 8-8

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User Parameters ............................................................................... 8-9

Practice 8a Add Equations .................................................................. 8-13
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Practice 8b Add Parameters................................................................ 8-17

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Practice 8c Working with Parameters ................................................ 8-23

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 8-33

Command Summary ............................................................................. 8-37
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Chapter 9: Additional Features ................................................................... 9-1

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9.1 Creating Drafts ................................................................................ 9-2

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9.2 Splitting a Face or Solid ............................................................... 9-12

9.3 Shells.............................................................................................. 9-16
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9.4 Ribs ................................................................................................ 9-20

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Practice 9a Create Shell and Ribs ...................................................... 9-26

Practice 9b Create Ribs with Bosses ................................................. 9-30
Practice 9c Splitting a Face................................................................. 9-35
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 9-40
Command Summary ............................................................................. 9-42

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® v

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Chapter 10: Model and Display Manipulation .......................................... 10-1

10.1 Reordering Features ..................................................................... 10-2
10.2 Inserting Features ......................................................................... 10-3
10.3 Suppressing Features .................................................................. 10-4

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10.4 Sectioning Part Models ................................................................ 10-6
10.5 Part Design Views ......................................................................... 10-8

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Practice 10a Section and Design Views............................................. 10-9

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Practice 10b Feature Order ............................................................... 10-15

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 10-23

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 10-26

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Chapter 11: Fixing Problems ..................................................................... 11-1

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11.1 Sketch Failure................................................................................ 11-2

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11.2 Feature Failure .............................................................................. 11-4
e EN Sketch Doctor.................................................................................. 11-4
Design Doctor ................................................................................. 11-6
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Practice 11a Resolve Sketch Problems ............................................. 11-9
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Practice 11b Resolve Feature Failure............................................... 11-13

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 11-16

Command Summary ........................................................................... 11-18
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Chapter 12: Sweep Features...................................................................... 12-1

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12.1 Sweep Features............................................................................. 12-2

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Practice 12a Creating Swept Geometry I ........................................... 12-7

Practice 12b Creating Swept Geometry II ........................................ 12-12
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Practice 12c (Optional) Additional Swept Geometry ...................... 12-16

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 12-17

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 12-19

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Chapter 13: Loft Features .......................................................................... 13-1

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13.1 Creating Rail and Center Line Lofts ............................................ 13-2

13.2 Setting Conditions and Transitions for Lofts............................. 13-6
Conditions Tab ................................................................................ 13-6
Transition Tab ............................................................................... 13-11
Practice 13a Rail Lofts ....................................................................... 13-12
Practice 13b Center Line Loft............................................................ 13-15
Practice 13c Loft Creation I ............................................................... 13-17

vi © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

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Practice 13d (Optional) Loft Creation II............................................ 13-24

Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 13-28
Command Summary ........................................................................... 13-30

Chapter 14: Duplication Tools................................................................... 14-1

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14.1 Rectangular Feature Patterns ...................................................... 14-2

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14.2 Circular Feature Patterns ............................................................. 14-9

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14.3 Sketched Driven Patterns........................................................... 14-14

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14.4 Mirror Features or Solids ........................................................... 14-17

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14.5 Manipulating Patterns................................................................. 14-19
Suppress Patterns......................................................................... 14-19
Edit Pattern ................................................................................... 14-19

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Delete Patterns ............................................................................. 14-19

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Practice 14a Pattern Features ........................................................... 14-20

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Practice 14b Mirror a Model .............................................................. 14-27
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Practice 14c Mirror Features ............................................................. 14-29
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 14-32
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 14-35

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Chapter 15: Feature Relationships ........................................................... 15-1

15.1 Establishing Feature Relationships ............................................ 15-2
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Pick and Place Features ................................................................. 15-2

Sketched Features .......................................................................... 15-3
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15.2 Controlling Feature Relationships .............................................. 15-7

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15.3 Investigating Feature Relationships ........................................... 15-8

Model Browser ................................................................................ 15-8
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Equations ........................................................................................ 15-9

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15.4 Changing Feature Relationships ............................................... 15-10

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Practice 15a Change Feature Relationships.................................... 15-12

Practice 15b Delete a Sketch Plane .................................................. 15-15
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 15-17

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Chapter 16: Assembly Environment ......................................................... 16-1

16.1 Assembling Components Using Constraints............................. 16-2
Assembly Examples...................................................................... 16-12
16.2 Assemble Mini-Toolbar............................................................... 16-17
16.3 Content Center ............................................................................ 16-20
Searching the Content Center....................................................... 16-21

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® vii

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

16.4 Assembly Browser...................................................................... 16-22

16.5 Saving Assembly Files ............................................................... 16-25
Practice 16a Assembly Basics I (Constraints) ................................ 16-26
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 16-46

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 16-52

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Chapter 17: Joint Connections.................................................................. 17-1

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17.1 Assembling Components Using Joints ...................................... 17-2

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Practice 17a Assembly Basics II (Joints)......................................... 17-15

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Practice 17b Assembly Basics III...................................................... 17-28
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 17-32

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 17-35

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Chapter 18: Manipulating Assembly Display ........................................... 18-1

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18.1 Moving and Rotating Assembly Components............................ 18-2
e EN Moving Components ....................................................................... 18-2
Rotating Components ..................................................................... 18-3
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Updating the Assembly ................................................................... 18-4
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18.2 Suppressing Constraints ............................................................. 18-5

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18.3 Controlling Assembly Component Display ................................ 18-6

Visible Components ........................................................................ 18-6
Enabling Components..................................................................... 18-6
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Isolating Components ..................................................................... 18-7

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Transparent Components ............................................................... 18-8

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18.4 Sectioning Assembly Models ...................................................... 18-9

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18.5 Assembly Design Views ............................................................. 18-11

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18.6 Assembly Selection Filters ........................................................ 18-15

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Practice 18a Manipulate Components.............................................. 18-17

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 18-24

Command Summary ........................................................................... 18-29
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viii © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

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Chapter 19: Model Information.................................................................. 19-1

19.1 Measurement Tools ...................................................................... 19-2
Measuring Entities and Points......................................................... 19-3
Measure the Distance Between Components................................. 19-4
Measuring an Angle ........................................................................ 19-5

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Measuring Planar Faces ................................................................. 19-6
Measuring Cylindrical Faces ........................................................... 19-6

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Restart a Measurement................................................................... 19-6
Add to Accumulate .......................................................................... 19-6

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Context Sensitive Measurements ................................................... 19-8

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Using Measure When Entering Required Values............................ 19-8
Region Properties ........................................................................... 19-9

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19.2 Model Material and Appearance Settings ................................. 19-10
Material ......................................................................................... 19-10

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Appearance................................................................................... 19-12

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Practice 19a Properties and Measurements .................................... 19-14

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Practice 19b (Optional) Model Measurements................................. 19-20
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 19-22
Command Summary ........................................................................... 19-24
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Chapter 20: Presentation Files .................................................................. 20-1

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20.1 Presentation Files - Getting Started ............................................ 20-2

20.2 Presentation Files - Storyboard Animations .............................. 20-5
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Animations ...................................................................................... 20-6

Actions .......................................................................................... 20-14
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Playing a Storyboard..................................................................... 20-18

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20.3 Presentation Files - Snapshot Views ........................................ 20-19

Creating Snapshots from a Storyboard......................................... 20-19
Creating Independent Snapshots.................................................. 20-20
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Editing a Snapshot View ............................................................... 20-21

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Creating a Drawing View from a Snapshot View .......................... 20-23

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20.4 Presentations - Publishing Presentation Files......................... 20-25

Practice 20a Create an Animation .................................................... 20-28
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Practice 20b Create Snapshots......................................................... 20-40

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 20-46

Command Summary ........................................................................... 20-48

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® ix

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Chapter 21: Assembly Tools ..................................................................... 21-1

21.1 Replacing Components ................................................................ 21-2
Replace Components...................................................................... 21-2
Save and Replace Components ..................................................... 21-2
21.2 Duplicating Components.............................................................. 21-3

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Mirror............................................................................................... 21-3
Copy................................................................................................ 21-4

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Pattern............................................................................................. 21-5

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21.3 Restructuring Components.......................................................... 21-6

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Promote........................................................................................... 21-7
Demote............................................................................................ 21-7

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Assembly Folders............................................................................ 21-8
21.4 Driving Constraints....................................................................... 21-9

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21.5 Contact Solver............................................................................. 21-11
21.6 Interference Detection ................................................................ 21-13

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21.7 Error Recovery ............................................................................ 21-16
e EN Practice 21a Using Assembly Tools................................................. 21-17
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Practice 21b Replacing Components ............................................... 21-22
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Practice 21c Restructuring the Assembly ....................................... 21-26

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Practice 21d Controlling Assembly Motion ..................................... 21-29

Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 21-35
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 21-38

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Chapter 22: Assembly Parts and Features............................................... 22-1

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22.1 Creating Parts in an Assembly .................................................... 22-2

22.2 Creating Assembly Features........................................................ 22-5
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Participant Parts.............................................................................. 22-5

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Practice 22a Creating Parts and Features in an Assembly .............. 22-7

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 22-18

Command Summary ........................................................................... 22-20
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x © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

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Chapter 23: Assembly Bill of Materials .................................................... 23-1

23.1 Create Virtual Components.......................................................... 23-2
23.2 Create Bill of Materials ................................................................. 23-4
BOM Structure ................................................................................ 23-7
Quantity........................................................................................... 23-9

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Equivalent Components .................................................................. 23-9
Material ........................................................................................... 23-9

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Column and Row Organization ..................................................... 23-10

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Item Numbering............................................................................. 23-10
Part Number Merge Settings......................................................... 23-13

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23.3 Instance Properties in a BOM .................................................... 23-15

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Creating Instance Properties......................................................... 23-15
Displaying Instance Properties in a BOM...................................... 23-17
Assigning Instance Property Values in the BOM .......................... 23-18

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Modifying Instance Properties....................................................... 23-19
Deleting Instance Properties ......................................................... 23-20

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Practice 23a Bill of Materials............................................................. 23-21
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 23-32
Command Summary ........................................................................... 23-35
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Chapter 24: Working with Projects ........................................................... 24-1

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24.1 Project Files................................................................................... 24-2

Activating a Project File................................................................... 24-3
Loading a Project File ..................................................................... 24-3
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Creating a New Project File ............................................................ 24-3

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Project Tree Customization............................................................. 24-5

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Search Sequence............................................................................ 24-7

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24.2 Resolving Links............................................................................. 24-9

Practice 24a Creating a Project File ................................................. 24-12
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 24-18

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 24-20

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Chapter 25: Drawing Basics ...................................................................... 25-1

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25.1 Creating a New Drawing ............................................................... 25-2

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25.2 Base and Projected Views............................................................ 25-5

Base Views ..................................................................................... 25-5
Projected Views ............................................................................ 25-10
Raster Views ................................................................................. 25-11

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xi

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

25.3 Additional Drawing Views .......................................................... 25-13

Auxiliary Views .............................................................................. 25-13
Section Views................................................................................ 25-14
Detailed Views .............................................................................. 25-16
Overlay Views ............................................................................... 25-18

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Draft Views.................................................................................... 25-19
Break Views .................................................................................. 25-20
Break Out Views ........................................................................... 25-21

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Slice Views.................................................................................... 25-22

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Crop Views.................................................................................... 25-24

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25.4 Manipulating Views..................................................................... 25-26
Delete Views ................................................................................. 25-26

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Suppress Views ............................................................................ 25-26
Move Views................................................................................... 25-27
View Orientation............................................................................ 25-27

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Transparent Components ............................................................. 25-27
View Alignment ............................................................................. 25-27

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Change View Scale....................................................................... 25-28
e EN Editing View Labels....................................................................... 25-28
Replace Models ............................................................................ 25-29
View Properties ............................................................................. 25-30
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Practice 25a Create a Drawing I ........................................................ 25-31

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Practice 25b Create a Drawing II....................................................... 25-42

Practice 25c Create a Drawing III ...................................................... 25-46
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 25-49

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 25-53

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Chapter 26: Detailing Drawings................................................................. 26-1

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26.1 Adding Dimensions to Drawing Views........................................ 26-2

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Model Dimensions........................................................................... 26-2

Drawing Dimensions ....................................................................... 26-4
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Editing Drawing Dimensions ......................................................... 26-10

Dimension Styles .......................................................................... 26-12
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26.2 Drawing Sheets ........................................................................... 26-14

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26.3 Parts List...................................................................................... 26-18

Creating the Parts List................................................................... 26-18
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Editing the Parts List ..................................................................... 26-20

26.4 Drawing Balloons........................................................................ 26-24
Placing Balloons Individually......................................................... 26-24
Placing Balloons Globally.............................................................. 26-25
Manipulating Balloons ................................................................... 26-26
26.5 Styles and Standards.................................................................. 26-28
Standards...................................................................................... 26-29
Styles ............................................................................................ 26-30

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26.6 Drawing View Hatching .............................................................. 26-32

Practice 26a Detailing a Drawing I .................................................... 26-34
Practice 26b Detailing a Drawing II................................................... 26-46
Practice 26c (Optional) Create a Drawing ........................................ 26-53

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 26-54
Command Summary ........................................................................... 26-57

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Chapter 27: Drawing Annotations............................................................. 27-1

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27.1 Drawing Text.................................................................................. 27-2
Modifying Text................................................................................. 27-3

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Adding Parameters and Properties as Text .................................... 27-4
Adding Properties as Text............................................................... 27-5

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27.2 Symbols ......................................................................................... 27-6

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27.3 Hole and Thread Notes ................................................................. 27-8

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Creating a Hole or Thread Note ...................................................... 27-8
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Editing a Hole Note ......................................................................... 27-9
Hole Quantity in Notes .................................................................... 27-9
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Hiding Hole or Thread Note Values .............................................. 27-10
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27.4 Chamfer Notes............................................................................. 27-11

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Creating Chamfer Notes ............................................................... 27-11

Editing Chamfer Notes .................................................................. 27-11
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27.5 Center Marks and Center Lines ................................................. 27-13

Center Marks................................................................................. 27-13
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Center Line.................................................................................... 27-13

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Center Line Bisector...................................................................... 27-14

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Centered Pattern........................................................................... 27-14

27.6 Hole Tables .................................................................................. 27-15
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Editing Hole Tables or Tags.......................................................... 27-17

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27.7 Revision Tables and Tags .......................................................... 27-18

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Editing the Revision Table Format ................................................ 27-18

Revision Tags ............................................................................... 27-19
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Practice 27a Adding Text and Symbols ........................................... 27-20

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Practice 27b Notes, Center Marks, and Center Lines ..................... 27-28
Practice 27c Adding a Revision Table and Tags............................. 27-34
Practice 27d Adding Hole Tables...................................................... 27-39
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 27-43
Command Summary ........................................................................... 27-45

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Chapter 28: Customizing Autodesk Inventor........................................... 28-1

28.1 Application Options ...................................................................... 28-2
General Tab .................................................................................... 28-2
Save Tab......................................................................................... 28-3
File Tab ........................................................................................... 28-3

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Colors Tab....................................................................................... 28-3
Display Tab ..................................................................................... 28-3

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Drawing Tab.................................................................................... 28-4
Prompts Tab.................................................................................... 28-4

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Sketch Tab ...................................................................................... 28-5

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Part Tab .......................................................................................... 28-6
Assembly Tab ................................................................................. 28-7

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28.2 Document Settings ....................................................................... 28-8
Standard Tab .................................................................................. 28-8

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Units Tab......................................................................................... 28-8

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Sketch Tab ...................................................................................... 28-9
Modeling Tab ................................................................................ 28-10

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Bill of Materials Tab....................................................................... 28-11
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Drawing Tab.................................................................................. 28-12
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Sheet Tab...................................................................................... 28-12
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28.3 File Properties ............................................................................. 28-13

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28.4 Changing Part Units.................................................................... 28-15

28.5 Inventor User Interface Customization ..................................... 28-16
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Ribbon Customization ................................................................... 28-16

Custom Panels on the Ribbon ...................................................... 28-17
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Keyboard Shortcuts....................................................................... 28-18

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Marking Menu Customization........................................................ 28-21

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Practice 28a Customizing File Properties........................................ 28-23

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 28-27

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 28-30

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Appendix A: Sketching Options..................................................................A-1

A.1 Summary of the Sketch Geometry Creation Options ..................A-2
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A.2 Summary of the Sketch Editing Options ......................................A-5

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A.3 Summary of the Sketch Constraint Options.................................A-6

A.4 Dimension Type Options................................................................A-7

Appendix B: Primitive Base Features.........................................................B-1

B.1 Primitive Base Features .................................................................B-2
Practice B1 Creating a Primitive ........................................................... B-6

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 Contents

Appendix C: Additional Practices I .............................................................C-1

Practice C1 Part Creation ...................................................................... C-2
Practice C2 Creating a Sweep and Loft.............................................. C-11

Appendix D: Effective Modeling Final Review ...........................................D-1

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D.1 Tips for Capturing Design Intent in Your Models ........................D-2
Considerations for Getting Started....................................................D-2

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Modeling Strategies ..........................................................................D-3

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Appendix E: Additional Practices II ............................................................ E-1

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Practice E1 Assembling with Joints..................................................... E-2

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Practice E2 Turntable Assembly......................................................... E-23
Practice E3 Assembly Parts and Features......................................... E-29

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Practice E4 Drawing Creation I ........................................................... E-36

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Practice E5 Drawing Creation II .......................................................... E-37
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Practice E6 Drawing Creation III ......................................................... E-39

Index ...................................................................................................... Index-1

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 Preface

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The Autodesk® Inventor® 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling guide provides you
with an understanding of the parametric design philosophy through a hands-on,
practice-intensive curriculum. You will learn the key skills and knowledge required

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to design models using Autodesk Inventor, starting with conceptual sketching,

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through to solid modeling, assembly design, and drawing production.

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Topics Covered

•
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Understanding the Autodesk Inventor software interface
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• Creating, constraining, and dimensioning 2D sketches
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• Creating and editing the solid base 3D feature from a sketch

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• Creating and editing secondary solid features that are sketched and placed
• Creating equations and working with parameters
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• Manipulating the display of the model

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• Resolving feature failures

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• Duplicating geometry in the model

• Placing and constraining/connecting parts in assemblies
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• Manipulating the display of components in an assembly

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• Obtaining model measurements and property information

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• Creating presentation files (exploded views)

• Modifying and analyzing the components in an assembly
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• Simulating motion in an assembly

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• Creating parts and features in assemblies

• Creating and editing an assembly bill of materials
• Working with projects
• Creating and annotating drawings and views
• Customizing the Autodesk Inventor environment

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xvii

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Prerequisites

• Access to the 2022.0 version of the software, to ensure compatibility with this
guide. Future software updates that are released by Autodesk may include
changes that are not reflected in this guide. The practices and files included
with this guide are not compatible with prior versions (e.g., 2021).

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• As an introductory guide, Autodesk® Inventor® 2022: Introduction to Solid

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Modeling does not assume prior knowledge of any 3D modeling or CAD
software. You need to be experienced with the Windows operating system,

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and having a background in drafting of 3D parts is recommended.

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Note on Software Setup

This guide assumes a standard installation of the software using the default

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preferences during installation. Lectures and practices use the standard software

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templates and default options for the Content Libraries.

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Students and Educators Can Access Free Autodesk Software
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and Resources
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Autodesk challenges you to get started with free educational licenses for
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professional software and creativity apps used by millions of architects,

engineers, designers, and hobbyists today. Bring Autodesk software into your
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classroom, studio, or workshop to learn, teach, and explore real-world design

challenges the way professionals do.
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Get started today - register at the Autodesk Education Community and download
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one of the many Autodesk software applications available.

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Visit www.autodesk.com/education/home/

Note: Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user
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license and services agreement that accompanies the software. The software is
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for personal use for education purposes and is not intended for classroom or lab
use.
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xviii © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Preface

Lead Contributor: Jennifer MacMillan

With a dedication for engineering and education, Jennifer has spent over 25 years
at ASCENT managing courseware development for various CAD products.
Trained in Instructional Design, Jennifer uses her skills to develop instructor-led
and web-based training products as well as knowledge profiling tools.

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Jennifer has achieved the Autodesk Certified Professional certification for

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Inventor and is also recognized as an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI). She
enjoys teaching the training courses that she authors and is also very skilled in

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providing technical support to end-users.

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Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree as well as a Bachelor of Science

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in Mathematics from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Jennifer MacMillan has been the Lead Contributor for Autodesk Inventor:

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Introduction to Solid Modeling since 2007.

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xx © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 In This Guide

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The following highlights the key features of this guide.

Feature Description

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Practice Files The Practice Files page includes a link to the practice files and
instructions on how to download and install them. The practice files

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are required to complete the practices in this guide.
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Chapters A chapter consists of the following - Learning Objectives,
Instructional Content, Practices, Chapter Review Questions, and
Command Summary.
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• Learning Objectives define the skills you can acquire by learning
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the content provided in the chapter.

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• Instructional Content, which begins right after Learning

Objectives, refers to the descriptive and procedural information
related to various topics. Each main topic introduces a product
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feature, discusses various aspects of that feature, and provides

step-by-step procedures on how to use that feature. Where
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relevant, examples, figures, helpful hints, and notes are provided.

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• Practice for a topic follows the instructional content. Practices

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enable you to use the software to perform a hands-on review of a

topic. It is required that you download the practice files (using the
link found on the Practice Files page) prior to starting the first
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practice.
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• Chapter Review Questions, located close to the end of a

chapter, enable you to test your knowledge of the key concepts
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discussed in the chapter.

• Command Summary concludes a chapter. It contains a list of the
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software commands that are used throughout the chapter and

provides information on where the command can be found in the
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software.

Appendices Appendices provide additional information to the main course

content. It could be in the form of instructional content, practices,
tables, projects, or skills assessment.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

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 Chapter

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Introduction to Autodesk

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Inventor

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Understanding how Autodesk® Inventor® models are built and how they react to
change is fundamental when designing robust and intelligent models. In addition,
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learning the working environment is important. The environment consists of many
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different components, including toolbars, panels, and menus. Learning to interact

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with all of the components increases your modeling efficiency.

Learning Objectives in This Chapter

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• Understand how the Part, Assembly, Presentation, and Drawing environments enable you to
create and document a 3D Digital Prototype.
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• Understand how the five key Inventor attributes contribute to creating robust parts and
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assemblies that can be easily documented.

• Load and activate a project file.
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• Open existing Autodesk Inventor files.

• Navigate the software interface to locate and execute commands.
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• Use the model orientation commands to pan, zoom, rotate, and look at a model.
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• Assign visual styles to your models.

• Use object selection techniques to efficiently select objects in your models.
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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

1.1 Autodesk Inventor

Introduction
The Autodesk Inventor software takes you beyond 3D to Digital

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Prototyping by providing a comprehensive set of tools for 3D
mechanical design that enables you to design, visualize, and

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simulate products before they are built. Digital Prototyping helps
you to minimize the need for physical prototypes, design better

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products, reduce development costs, and get to market faster.

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There are a number of tools available to design models in the

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Autodesk Inventor software. To begin, you must start with a
foundation in solid 3D part design. Then you progress to placing
the models relative to one another in an assembly, followed by

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creating drawings that document the 3D parts and assembly
models in a 2D format.

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Parts and assemblies
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are often referred to used for 3D model design.
collectively as
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components, because Environment Description
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of the similar manner in (File Extension)

which they are treated.
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Part All part modeling, sketching, and complex design takes

For example, a drawing (.IPT) place on individual parts.
file might reference
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either a part or another Assembly Parts are added to assemblies to position and constrain
assembly file. (.IAM) them together to form a completed design. Parts are not
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stored in the assembly but their data is referenced from

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the original part model. The only modeling data stored

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in the assembly is the positional data that locates each

part in the assembly.
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Presentation Used to document disassembled views in a drawing.

(.IPN) Additionally, it can be used to animate tasks for
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visualization of component movement.

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Drawing Used to communicate the 3D design in a 2D format.

(.DWG & .IDW) Views and annotations are used to document the
design.
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The part, assembly, and drawing files shown in Figure 1–1

illustrate how the original data created in the part model is
passed to the assembly and finally used in a drawing to
document a 3D design in a 2D format for manufacturing.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Models are placed relative to one

Part models are
another to create an assembly. If
initially designed.
exploded views are required, a
presentation is created.

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As with assemblies, part
models can also be

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directly referenced to
create drawing views.

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Assembly and
presentation files

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can be referenced to
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create a drawing.
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Figure 1–1
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Hint: Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Interoperability

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There are several ways to incorporate AutoCAD® DWG files in

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an Autodesk Inventor file. The method you use depends on

your project requirements. You can open the file directly in the
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Autodesk Inventor software for review. You can also import and
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convert the AutoCAD DWG into an Inventor DWG file, where

all links to the original AutoCAD DWG file are lost or you can
use it as blocks in the Inventor drawing file. Alternatively, you
can import and use an AutoCAD DWG as an associative
underlay in an Autodesk Inventor file. These tools are
discussed in detail in the Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced
Part Modeling guide.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

The Autodesk Inventor software has the following five key

attributes:

• Feature-Based Modeling
• Parametric Features

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• Associative
• Assembly Management

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• Model Documentation

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Feature-Based The Autodesk Inventor software is a feature-based modeling

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program, which means that a part evolves by creating features
Modeling one by one until it is complete. Each feature is individually
recognized by the software. A part model consisting of several

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individual features is shown in Figure 1–2.

Extruded features can Extrude (base feature) Copied feature

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either add or remove
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material from the model.
Shell

Hole
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Extrude
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Drafts Fillets
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Figure 1–2
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To start a design, create a simple extruded base feature that

approximates the shape of the part. Continue adding features
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until the part is complete, as shown in Figure 1–3.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

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1st (Base) Feature: Extrude 2nd Feature: Drafts 3rd Feature: Fillets

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4th Feature: Shell 5th Feature: Extrude 6th Feature: Hole

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7th Feature: Copy

Figure 1–3
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Sketched Features
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A sketched feature is created by sketching and constraining a 2D

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cross-section on a placement plane. Then, the profile is used to

create solid geometry, similar to the extrusion shown in
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Figure 1–4. Sketched features can either add or remove

material.
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Figure 1–4

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Pick and Place Features

A pick and place feature is a feature for which a shape has been
predefined. For example, the cross-section of a Hole feature is a
circle. To create a pick and place feature, you must define the

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location of the feature and the references required to locate it
with respect to the existing geometry. An example of a pick and

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place Hole feature is shown in Figure 1–5.

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The hole feature is

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located on this surface
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Feature Relationships
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Feature relationships Feature-based modeling requires that features be added one by

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are formed between one. As a result, feature relationships are created as new
features as a model is features reference existing ones. For example, the hole shown in
created. Figure 1–5 cannot exist without the cylindrical extruded feature
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because the hole’s placement references exist in the extrusion.

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Feature relationships are created with all features.

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Parametric Parametric features are features that are created using

dimensional constraints to define the feature’s shape. The
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Features dimensional constraints are considered parameters: changes

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can be made at any time, and the features automatically update.

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For example, the dimensional value that positions the cut feature
shown in Figure 1–6 is changed. Therefore, the position of the
feature updates to reflect the design change.
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Names are
automatically assigned
to dimensions (e.g., d1
or d2). You can display
either the name or value
of the dimension, as
required.

Figure 1–6

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Dimensioning is an important step in the modeling process.

When creating dimensions, use the following guidelines:

• Consider the dimensions that are going to be displayed in

drawings and be aware of the resulting feature relationships.

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• Consider changes that might need to be made to the model
and how easily the dimensions facilitate these changes.

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• Periodically modify dimensions to test what if scenarios. This

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is called flexing the model and ensures that the model

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behaves as expected.

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Equations are Parameters and dimensions can be used in an equation to
user-defined capture and control design intent. The ability to use equations in
mathematical relations. a model becomes extremely important in making a robust model.

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Associative The Autodesk Inventor software is fully associative, which

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means it operates in a concurrent engineering environment. You
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Assembly, or Drawing), and all modes are fully associative.
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Therefore, changes made to a model in any of the modes
propagate to all other modes.
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Assembly Models built in Part mode can be used as components in an

assembly. Assemblies are created by constraining components
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Management with respect to one another. The addition of constraints creates

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feature relationships between components and builds intelligent

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assemblies. Similar to features in Part mode, assembly

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constraints are assigned a unique internal identification number

and can be used to establish relations between components.
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Model The tools available in the Drawing environment enable you to

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quickly create production-ready drawings for manufacturing.

Documentation
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Drawings are created from part, assembly, or presentation

models where their geometry and assembly specifications have
already been defined. This information is used to create the
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required views in a drawing file. Adding details to your drawings

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enables you to communicate additional information about the

design.

Drawing models are not actually contained in a drawing file.

There is a link between the drawing file and the source model. If
a change is made to the source model, all drawing views that
reference it automatically update. The reverse, where a change
made in the drawing also reflects in the model, can also be true if
your workflow permits.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

1.2 Getting Started with Inventor

My Home When you launch the Autodesk Inventor software, the My Home
dashboard displays. The default view for My Home is the Home

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view, which displays the New, Projects, Shortcuts, File Details,
and Recent Documents areas, as shown in Figure 1–7. This

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enables you to create a new file, activate a project file, or open a
recently used file.

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Figure 1–7
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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

You can use the Home view as follows:

• The New area enables you to create new part, assembly,
drawing, and presentation files using the default templates
provided with the software.

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• The Recent Documents area lists previously opened files for
the active project. When you hover the cursor over a file in

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the Recent Documents area, the following three buttons
display, as shown in Figure 1–8:

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• : Opens the document. Alternatively, double-click on
the thumbnail to open the file.

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• : Removes the document from the Recent Documents

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area. This does not delete the local copy of the file.

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• : Accesses the options shown in Figure 1–8.

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Figure 1–8
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• Use the search field in the Recent Documents area to locate

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files.
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The tools in the Home • Use the filters on the left of the Recent Documents area to
dashboard are also refine the files are that displayed in the list. You can refine
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available in the Get based on project, file format, recently modified, etc.
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Started tab, Quick

Access Toolbar, or File • With a file selected in the Recent Documents area, the File
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menu. Details area displays the details for the file (e.g., file format,
location, modification date, etc.).
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• Click to add a recent document to the pinned list so that

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they are listed at the top of the Recent Documents area.

If you are using the • Use the Projects area to activate any preloaded project by
Autodesk Vault double-clicking on the project’s name.
software, a file’s status
in the Vault displays in • Use the Shortcuts area to create a link to a folder or web
the Recent Documents page for easy access.
area.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Hint: Customizing the Home View

The Home view can be customized to refine how the default
areas are displayed and used in the My Home dashboard. You
can alter the display of the dashboard as follows:

n. nly
• Resize the areas of the My Home dashboard by dragging
each area’s border to reposition it.

de o
• Change the layout of the available areas using the buttons

id w
at the top of the dashboard to flip the locations of the

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available areas or maximize the Recent Documents area.

fo rev
• Change the display style of the recent documents (e.g., tile,
large, small, or list).

tly r
ric fo
Project Files If you work as part of a design team, managing access to the
shared Autodesk Inventor data is crucial. Incorporating project

st T
files enables you to organize and access the files that are used.
e EN A project file is a text file that has an .IPJ format.
us C
At a fundamental level, a project file specifies the locations of the
files in the project and maintains all of the required links to the
re S

files. When you open a model, the paths specified in the active
d yA

project are searched to find all of the referenced files. At a more

advanced level, project files can specify library locations and set
many options.
an b
d

Project Files are How To: Load a Project File

ng e

discussed in more depth

1. Use one of the following methods to open the Projects dialog
yi vid

later in this guide.

box:
• In the Get Started tab>Launch panel, click (Projects).
op ro

• In the New or Open dialog boxes, click Projects.

lc p

• In the File menu, select Manage>Projects.

Al ple

2. Click Browse and navigate to the location of the project file.

Select it and click Open. The Projects dialog box updates
and a checkmark displays next to the new project name,
m

indicating that it is the active project.

Sa

3. Click Done to close the Projects dialog box.

Once a project has been loaded it remains listed as an available

project. A previously loaded project can be activated by:
• Double-clicking on its name in the Projects dialog box, or
• Selecting the check box adjacent to the project in the Projects
area of the My Home dashboard.
New projects cannot be loaded using the My Home dashboard.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Opening Files Files can be opened using a number of different methods in the
Autodesk Inventor software. Use one of the following methods to
open an existing file:

• In the Get Started tab>Launch panel, click (Open).

n. nly
• Click (Open) in the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of

de o
the interface.

id w
• In the File menu, select Open>Open, or select a file from the

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File menu’s Recent Documents list.

fo rev
• In the My Home dashboard select a file in the Recent

Documents area and click , or double-click on the

tly r
ric fo
thumbnail image.

st T
For all but the recent document methods, the Open dialog box
e EN opens. Navigate to the required file, select it, and click Open.

The (Find Files) button in the Open dialog box can also be
us C
used to find a file to be opened.
re S

Hint: My Home Tab

d yA

Once a file has been opened, the My Home tab icon displays at
the bottom of the graphics window, as shown in Figure 1–9.
an b

The My Home tab can be closed. To reopen it, in the Get

d

Started tab>My Home panel, click (Home).

ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p

Figure 1–9
Al ple
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

1.3 Autodesk Inventor Interface

Once a file has been opened, the interface updates to include
additional elements. These are consistent among the various
environments. The Part environment and many of the interface

n. nly
elements are shown in Figure 1–10.

de o
Quick Access Toolbar Title bar

id w
rb ie
fo rev
Tabs Panels

tly r
ric fo
Ribbon

st T
e EN Model browser
us C
Graphics window
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid

Status
Bar
op ro

Graphics window
tabs
lc p
Al ple

Figure 1–10
m

Interface The following interface elements exist in the Part environment

Sa

and the other Autodesk Inventor environments.

Title Bar

The title bar at the top of the interface displays the name of the
current active file.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Ribbon/Tabs/Panels

Many commands can The ribbon provides access to commands and settings. The
also be accessed by ribbon is divided into tabs and they are further subdivided into
right-clicking on a panels. The tabs that are available vary depending on the mode

n. nly
feature in the model or that is currently active. All commands are listed in panels. In
in the Model browser. Figure 1–11, the 3D Model tab is active. Sketch, Create, and

de o
Modify are some of the panels in this tab.

id w
rb ie
fo rev
Figure 1–11
• Commands can be hidden into either compressed panels or

tly r
Click to pin a panel

ric fo
open. Select a second commands. To expand hidden commands, click on the
time to unpin it. panel or command name, as shown for the Modify panel and

st T
Start Sketch command in Figure 1–12.
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid

Commands can
be compressed
Commands can within a panel
op ro

be compressed
within a
lc p

command
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–12

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

• Only commonly accessed panels display by default. To

customize which panels display, expand (Show panels)
at the end of each tab and select from the available list, as
shown in Figure 1–13.

n. nly
Alternatively, you can
right-click on the ribbon,

de o
expand Show Panels,
and then select a panel.

id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e

Figure 1–13
yi vid

Graphics Window
op ro

Open files are displayed and can be directly manipulated in the

lc p

graphics window. As individual files are opened, they display

listed as tabs along the bottom of the graphics window. Select a
Al ple

tab name to display it. In the example shown in Figure 1–14, two
models and the My Home dashboard are open. The active model
m

is Joint.ipt. Hover over the tab to access a thumbnail preview.

Sa

Figure 1–14

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

• Generally, maximizing each window provides the most

modeling space. As required, you can minimize and resize
windows, or click (Documents Menu) in the bottom right of
the graphics window and use (Arrange), (Horizontal

n. nly
Tile), and (Vertical Tile).

de o
Quick Access Toolbar

id w
Commonly accessed commands are available at the top of the

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software window in the Quick Access Toolbar, as shown in

fo rev
Figure 1–15.

tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–15

• Click on the right of the Quick Access Toolbar to

st T
customize the toolbar. Alternatively, you can right-click on any
e EN command on the ribbon and select Add to Quick Access
Toolbar.
us C

• The selection filter in the Quick Access Toolbar enables you

re S

to filter entities, features, or components so that you can only

d yA

select that type of object.

an b

• The (Undo) and (Redo) drop-down lists provide

you with a list of previously-completed actions that were
d

performed on the model. To jump forward or back to a point in

ng e

the model’s history, select it in from the drop-down list.

yi vid

Model Browser
op ro
lc p

The Model browser can The Model browser lists all of the features or components in your
be displayed or models, in order of creation. The Model browser is a powerful
Al ple

removed from the tool that can be used to complete any of the following actions:
interface. To control its
m

display, enable or • Select features.

disable the tool in the
Sa

• Access commonly used options (e.g., Delete, or Edit).

User Interface
drop-down list (View • Search for features.
tab>Windows panel). • Edit features.
• Display information on features.
• Change the order of features (click and drag).
• Open components in an assembly.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

• Open drawings of components.

• Create drawings of parts and assemblies.
• Investigate relationships between features and components.

In the Model browser (shown in Figure 1–16), each feature is

n. nly
identified by its name and a symbol that identifies the feature
type. Expandable nodes reveal additional information on the

de o
features.

id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA

Figure 1–16
an b

• The header of the Model browser indicates the active panel.

d

Model is the panel that displays by default. Click to

ng e

expand the list of available panels.

yi vid

• For part models, you can activate the iLogic or Favorites

panels.
op ro

• For assembly models, you can activate the iLogic,

lc p

Favorites, Catalog Browsers, or Representation panels to

help view model information.
Al ple

• For assemblies you can also toggle between an Assembly

or Modeling view.
m
Sa

• Click in the Model browser header to access the quick

search panel. A search is conducted as you type in
keywords. In an assembly model, the quick search also
provides access to the and icons, which enable you to
filter unresolved and out of date data respectively.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

• Click in the Model browser header to access options to

expand and collapse the browser nodes, conduct an
advanced search, set display preferences, or access help.

Status Bar

n. nly
The Status Bar displays messages that are related to the active

de o
command. For example, in a sketch, the Status Bar can display

id w
information related to sketching, dimensioning, and constraining
an entity.

rb ie
fo rev
Modeling Tools The marking menu and feature creation controls are commonly
used in the design process.

tly r
ric fo
Marking Menu

st T
The marking menu can The marking menu provides alternative access to commands.
e EN
be customized using
Customize in the Tools
When you right-click in the graphics window, a radial marking
menu and a vertical menu display. Both menus provide quick
tab. access to commonly used, context-sensitive commands.
us C
re S

• The marking menu consists of eight wedges that contain

d yA

different commands. To activate a marking menu command,

move the cursor in the direction of the command so that it is
highlighted (as shown on the right in Figure 1–17) and click it.
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–17

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

• As you become familiar with the marking menu commands,

you can use gesturing behavior to initiate commands. To
gesture, click and hold the right mouse button, immediately
drag the cursor in the direction of the required marking menu
wedge to create a trail, and release the mouse button. If

n. nly
these operations are completed in 250 milliseconds, the
selected wedge is briefly displayed to confirm that the
operation has been performed.

de o
id w
• To close the marking menu, you can start another command,
select away from the marking menu, or press <Esc>.

rb ie
fo rev
Feature Creation Controls

Autodesk is slowly When you create a feature, you must define a variety of

tly r
transitioning all feature properties. Depending on the feature type being created, you

ric fo
creation controls to the can define these using the Properties panel, a Feature dialog
Properties panel box, or the mini-toolbar.

st T
interface. As of the 2022
e EN
Inventor release, this • In the example shown in Figure 1–18, a Hole feature is being
has not yet been created and it uses the Properties panel to define all the hole
us C
completed. properties. Dimensional values and references can also be
defined directly on the model geometry.
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p

Values can be
Al ple

defined in the
Properties panel
or in the entry
m

fields in the
Sa

graphics window
The elements that
display in the
Properties panel vary
according to the
feature being defined,
in this case a hole

Figure 1–18

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

• In the example shown in Figure 1–19, a Fillet feature is being

created and the Fillet dialog box and its mini-toolbar are
displayed. Options can be selected in either location.

The properties that

n. nly
display in the dialog box
or mini-toolbar vary Mini-toolbar
according to the feature

de o
being defined

id w
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fo rev
Feature
dialog box

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA

Click the arrow to expand/collapse the

dialog box, if needed
an b

Figure 1–19
d
ng e
yi vid

Mini-toolbars are not Hint: Mini-Toolbar Display

available for all feature
op ro

By default, the display of the mini-toolbar is toggled off. To

types, even if the
toggle on its display, on the View tab, expand User Interface
lc p

feature type uses the

and enable the Mini-Toolbar option in the list of interface
Feature dialog box for
Al ple

items. The use of the mini-toolbar is optional. In this learning

its creation.
guide, you will toggle it on and learn how to use it. The
mini-toolbar is only available for features that use the Feature
m

dialog box. They are not available when creating features that
Sa

use the Properties panel.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Accessing Help A number of different tools are available to get help with the
software:

• To access context-sensitive help (when available), click in

n. nly
any active Feature dialog box or click (Advanced Settings
Menu)>Help in a Properties panel.

de o
• Hover the cursor over a command name to display a tooltip,

id w
as shown in Figure 1–20. Some tooltips provide a video

rb ie
demonstration in place of a static image.

fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p

Figure 1–20
Al ple

• If you are connected to the Internet, you can use Online Help.
To access the Help documentation, click (Help) in the
m

top-right corner of the interface, or press <F1>. Use the

Search tab to enter a topic to search for or browse the
Sa

available topics in the Help window.

• The Help documents can be installed locally. This installation

is done in the software load point to ensure that it located
when required. Once installed, in the Application Options
dialog box>General tab, enable Installed Local help.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

• The Get Started tab in the ribbon contains help tools,

including lessons, tutorials, and a What’s New document
which explains the new features that are available in the
latest release of the software.

• Enter text in the <Search Help & Commands> field in the title

n. nly
bar to search for a keyword or phrase. The resulting list
updates as you are typing and is divided based on the type of

de o
the result (e.g., commands, help articles, support articles,

id w
discussion groups, etc). If you press <Enter> after entering a
keyword or phrase, the Help files are loaded.

rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

1.4 Model Orientation

When working with Autodesk Inventor models, being able to
manipulate their orientation and display style helps you to better
visualize them. The interface elements that control this are

n. nly
shown in Figure 1–21.

de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
Navigate
panel

tly r
ric fo
ViewCube

st T
e EN Navigation
Bar
us C
re S
d yA

Figure 1–21
an b

Model A model can be oriented using the software’s pan, zoom, rotate
and ViewCube controls.
d

Orientation
ng e

Pan a Model
yi vid

You can also pan a The Pan command moves a model in the graphics window in
op ro

model by pressing and any direction planar to the screen.

holding the middle
lc p

mouse button while How To: Pan a Model

Al ple

dragging the mouse, or

by holding <F2> and
1. Click (Pan) in the View tab>Navigate panel or in the
panning with the left
m

Navigation Bar.
mouse button.
2. Press and hold the left mouse button.
Sa

3. Move the mouse to drag the model.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Rotate a Model

The Orbit command rotates a model around the center of the

window, free in all directions, or around the X- or Y-axis.

n. nly
How To: Rotate a Model
You can also press and

de o
hold <F4> to rotate, or 1. Click (Orbit) in the View tab>Navigate panel or in the

id w
press and hold <Shift> Navigation Bar. The Rotate symbol (a circle) displays on the
screen. The appearance of the cursor changes based on the

rb ie
and the middle mouse
button. location of the cursor relative to this circle.

fo rev
2. Drag the cursor to the required orientation.
• To rotate freely, move the cursor inside the circle. The

tly r
cursor appearance changes to . Click and hold the left

ric fo
mouse button and then rotate the model in any direction.
• To rotate about the horizontal axis, move the cursor to the

st T
top or bottom handle of the circle symbol. The cursor
e EN
appearance changes to . Press and hold the left mouse
us C
button and rotate the model about the Y-axis.
re S

• To rotate about the vertical axis, move the cursor to the

left or right handle of the circle symbol. The cursor
d yA

appearance changes to . Press and hold the left

mouse button and drag horizontally.
an b

• To rotate about an axis through the center of the circle

d

symbol (normal to the screen), move the cursor to the rim

ng e

of the circle symbol. The cursor appearance changes to

yi vid

. Drag the mouse to rotate. To change the center of the

rotation, click inside or outside the circle to set the new
op ro

center.
lc p

• To stop rotating, click again to clear it. Alternatively,

Al ple

while still in the orbit circle, move the cursor away from
the model until displays, and click in the graphics
m

window.
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Zoom a Model

The Zoom command zooms in and out on the model, on a

specific entity, or on an area. The available zoom types are
shown in Figure 1–22.

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–22

st T
How To: Zoom in a Model
e EN
You can also press and 1. In the View tab>Navigate panel or the Navigation Bar, expand
hold <F3> to zoom. the zoom controls and click Zoom.
us C
2. Press and hold the left mouse button.
re S

3. Move the cursor down to zoom in, and up to zoom out.

d yA

How To: Zoom to a Specific Entity

an b

1. In the View tab>Navigate panel or the Navigation Bar, expand

the zoom controls and click Zoom Selected.
d

2. Select the entity.

ng e
yi vid

• When zooming to an edge or vertex (not a surface), the order

in which you select the entity and toolbar icon is important.
op ro

Clicking the icon, and then clicking on a point on the entity

positions the entity in the center of the screen, and maintains
lc p

the current zoom level. Selecting the reverse (the entity and
Al ple

then clicking the icon), causes the software to zoom to the

selected entity. When zooming on a surface, the order of
selection does not have an impact.
m
Sa

How To: Zoom to an Area

1. In the View tab>Navigate panel or the Navigation Bar, expand
the zoom controls and click Zoom Window.
2. Select a location on the model using the left mouse button to
define the corner of the bounding box zoom area.
3. Drag the mouse to draw a box over the area to zoom.
4. Press or release the left mouse button when the box has
been drawn.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Refit the Model

In the View tab>Navigate panel or the Navigation Bar, expand
the zoom controls and click Zoom All. The view returns to its
default zoom level and the model is centered in the graphics
window.

n. nly
Look At

de o
To orient a face parallel to the screen, click (Look At) in the

id w
View tab>Navigate panel or in the Navigation Bar, and select the

rb ie
face. The model reorients and displays the selected face parallel

fo rev
to the screen. In the example shown in Figure 1–23, a face was
selected and was reoriented using this command.

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
Select this surface
to be parallel to
re S

the screen
d yA

Figure 1–23
an b

ViewCube
d
ng e

To display the As an alternative to the Look At command, you can use

yi vid

ViewCube settings, ViewCube functionality to orient a model face parallel to the

right-click on it and screen. By default, the ViewCube displays in the top-right corner
select Options. The of the graphics window, as shown on the left in Figure 1–24.
op ro

ViewCube Options When you hover your mouse over the ViewCube in its 2D or
lc p

dialog box enables you 3D orientation, you can return to the Home view or access
to control the location, additional orientation options.
Al ple

size, default ViewCube

orientation, etc. The
m

orientation enables you

to select two parallel
Sa

origin planes to define

the orientation.

Figure 1–24

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

The ViewCube enables the following:

• Select any of the sides of the cube to display the parallel view
that is associated with it (Front, Right, Bottom, etc.). Edges
can also be selected on the ViewCube to reorient the model.

n. nly
• Set the type of view to Orthographic, Perspective, or
Perspective with Ortho Faces by right-clicking on the

de o
ViewCube and selecting the required option.

id w
rb ie
• Return to a Home view by clicking , which displays at the
top-left of the ViewCube when you hover the cursor over it.

fo rev
Initially the Home view is the default isometric orientation.

• Set a new Home view for your model by right-clicking on the

tly r
ric fo
ViewCube and selecting Select Current View as Home.

• Select and drag a surface on the ViewCube to rotate. If in a

st T
2D orientation, select the rotation arrows that appear.
e EN
Full Navigation Wheel
us C

The Full Navigation Wheel (shown in Figure 1–25) provides an

re S

alternative to the View tab and Navigation Bar commands for

d yA

zooming, panning, and rotating. The Rewind command on the

wheel enables you to navigate through previous views.
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro

Figure 1–25
lc p

In addition to the Zoom, The Full Navigation Wheel moves with the cursor to provide
Orbit, Pan, and Rewind access to the navigation tools.
Al ple

commands, other more

advanced tools are How To: Use the Navigation Tool
m

available in the Full

Navigation Wheel that
Sa

are not covered in this 1. Enable the tool by clicking (Full Navigation Wheel) in the
guide. View tab>Navigate panel or in the Navigation Bar. The Full
Navigation Wheel displays attached to the mouse.
2. Press and hold the mouse on a command (e.g., Zoom).
3. Move the cursor to change the view as required.
4. Release the mouse button to end the navigation command.

5. Click or the x in the top-right corner of the tool to close

the Full Navigation Wheel.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

1.5 Model Display

By default, new models created using the default templates
display as Shaded with Edges. However, other visual styles can
be assigned. All visual styles are available in the View tab>

n. nly
Appearance panel as shown in Figure 1–26. The ability to use
many of the styles depends on your computer’s graphics

de o
hardware.

id w
rb ie
The Realistic setting is
dependent on the color

fo rev
and lighting settings that
are applied in the
model.

tly r
ric fo
When using the

st T
Realistic style you can
also incorporate Ray
e EN
Tracing to further
enhance model display.
us C
re S

The watercolor and

illustration settings
d yA

provide artistic,
hand-painted, and
an b

drawn representations
of the model.
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple

Figure 1–26
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Figure 1–27 shows some examples of the available visual styles.

n. nly
de o
id w
Shaded Shaded with Edges Shaded with Hidden Edges

rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
Wireframe Wireframe with Hidden Edges Wireframe with Visible Monochrome
e EN Edges Only
Figure 1–27
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
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Al ple
m
Sa

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 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

1.6 Selection Techniques

Sketched Entity There are several ways to select sketched entities for editing.
Consider using any of the following:

n. nly
Selection • To select an individual object in a sketch, select it using the
left mouse button.

de o
In the default color • To add additional objects to the selection set, hold <Ctrl> or

id w
scheme, unselected <Shift> and left-click additional objects.

rb ie
objects display in dark • Select and drag a boundary box from left to right
blue, pre-highlighted

fo rev
around objects (as shown in Figure 1–28) to select them.
objects display in white, Only objects that are entirely enclosed in the window are
and selected objects in selected. This is called the Window Selection technique.
light blue.

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN Window: 1st
point on left side
us C
re S
d yA

Window: 2nd point All enclosed entities

on right side are selected
Figure 1–28
an b

If you drag a boundary • Select and drag a boundary box from right to left around
d

box in the wrong objects (as shown in Figure 1–29) to select them. Objects are
ng e

direction (i.e., start a selected if they are entirely enclosed in the window, or if any
yi vid

window instead of a part of the object crosses the sketched border. This is called
crossing) select a the Crossing Selection technique.
op ro

second point so that the Crossing: 1st

sketched area is empty, point on right
lc p

and start again.

Al ple
m
Sa

Crossing: 2nd point on All enclosed and crossing

left side entities are selected
Figure 1–29
• To clear objects, you can hold <Ctrl> or <Shift> and
individually select entities, or use the window or crossing
techniques to select entities. To clear all of the objects, click
in a blank space in the graphics window.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Tangent Entity To quickly select tangent entities (edges or faces) in a model,

right-click on an entity and select Select Tangencies, as shown
Selection Figure 1–30. As an alternative to using the context menu to
access the command, you can also double-click on the entity to
quickly select all tangent entities.

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C

All edges that form a tangent chain with

re S

the selected edge are also selected

d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

All faces that form a tangent network

with the selected face are also selected

Figure 1–30

1–30 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Selecting To select hidden entities or features, hover the cursor over an

object until a drop-down list displays, or right-click and select
Hidden Entities Select Other to open the drop-down list. The list displays all of
or Features the shown and hidden features and entities based on the current
cursor location, as shown in Figure 1–31. Scroll through the

n. nly
drop-down list and select the required entity when it is
highlighted.

de o
You can also use the

id w
middle mouse button to
scroll through the shown

rb ie
and hidden features. The cursor was

fo rev
hovered in this
location to activate
the Select Other

tly r
drop-down list

ric fo
st T
e EN
Figure 1–31
us C
re S

Selection Filter The selection filter in the Quick Access Toolbar enables you to
d yA

filter entities, features, or components so that you can only select

that type of object. For example, if you select Select Face and
an b

Edges, you can only select the faces or edges on the model.
The options that display in the drop-down list vary depending on
d

the current mode. Part mode options display as shown in

ng e

Figure 1–32.
yi vid

To quickly access the

op ro

filter options without

having to use the Quick
lc p

Access Toolbar, press

Al ple

and hold <Shift> as you

right-click in the main
window.
m
Sa

Figure 1–32

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–31

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Practice 1a Open and Manipulate a Part

Practice Objectives
• Open part and drawing files and navigate between them using the tabs

n. nly
at the bottom of the graphics window.
• Orient the model using the Zoom, Pan, Rotate, and Look At

de o
commands available in the ribbon, Navigation Bar, and ViewCube.
• Change the visual style of a model for improved visualization.

id w
• Change the visibility status of features in the model.

rb ie
• Modify dimension values and delete features associated with a model to
verify associativity between a part and its drawing file.

fo rev
• Use the Select Other drop-down list to efficiently select hidden features
in a model.

tly r
In this practice, you will open and work in part and drawing files

ric fo
to learn the Autodesk Inventor interface. You will also manipulate
the orientation of a model, delete, and modify features to learn

st T
about associativity of files between environments.
e EN
Task 1 - Open a model.
us C
re S

1. If the Autodesk Inventor software is not already open, select

Start>All Programs>Autodesk Inventor 2022>Autodesk
d yA

Inventor 2022, or double-click on the Autodesk Inventor

2022 icon on the desktop.
an b

2. Project files identify the folders that contain the required

d

models. Use one of the following methods to open the

ng e

Projects dialog box to assign the project file:

yi vid

Project files can also be • In the Get Started tab>Launch panel, click (Projects).
assigned using the New
op ro

• In the File menu, select Manage>Projects.

or Open dialog boxes by
lc p

clicking Projects. 3. Click Browse, navigate to C:\Autodesk Inventor 2022 Intro

Practice Files (or the directory to which you extracted the
Al ple

practice files) and select Intro to Modeling.ipj. Click Open.

The Projects dialog box updates and a checkmark displays
m

next to the new project name, indicating that it is the active

project. Click Done.
Sa

4. In the Home dashboard ( ), select the Projects tab and

scroll through the list to verify that the Intro to Modeling
project has a checkmark adjacent to it to indicate that it is
active. Once a project has been added you can use this tab
to activate different project files.

1–32 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

5. Use one of the following methods to open a new file:

• In the Get Started tab>Launch panel, click (Open).

• In the Quick Access Toolbar, click (Open).

• In the File menu, select Open>Open.

n. nly
If the file extensions do 6. Select Joint.ipt and click Open. The model geometry

de o
not display, open displays and the Model browser lists all of the features in the
Windows Explorer. model, as shown in Figure 1–33.

id w
Select Options>

rb ie
Change Folder and

fo rev
search options, select
the View tab, and clear
the Hide extensions

tly r
for known file types

ric fo
option.

st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m

Figure 1–33
Sa

The model name displays in the header of the interface and at

the top of the Model browser listing. Both names identify the
model as a part (.IPT) file. The model consists of solid geometry
and work features that were used as references in creating the
solid geometry. In addition to the geometry and work features,
there is a Solid Bodies node at the top of the Model browser.
This node identifies the solid bodies that are included in the part
model.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–33

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Task 2 - Zoom in and out on the model using the Zoom

command.

1. The 3D Model tab is the active tab. Select the View tab at the
top of the ribbon interface. The options in each tab are

n. nly
subdivided into panels to help you quickly find commands.
Locate the Navigate panel. It contains all of the commands

de o
that you can use to manipulate the location and orientation of
the model.

id w
rb ie
2. In the Navigate panel, click (Zoom), as shown in

fo rev
Figure 1–34. In some situations, similar commands are
compressed in a panel and you must expand commands to
access them.

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b

Figure 1–34
d
ng e

3. Move the cursor to the graphics window, click and hold the
yi vid

left mouse button, and move the mouse downward to zoom in

and upward to zoom out.
op ro

4. Click (Zoom) again in the Navigate panel to toggle it off.

lc p

You can also use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in or out.
Al ple
m
Sa

1–34 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

5. As an alternative to the View tab>Navigate panel, you can

manipulate the model display using the options in the
Navigation Bar on the right side of the graphics window.
Similar to the Navigate panel, you need to expand the zoom
options. Expand the Zoom command grouping in the

n. nly
Navigation Bar and click Zoom All, as shown in Figure 1–35.

de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN Figure 1–35
us C
6. The model should refit to the center of the screen. If not, click
re S
d yA

(Zoom All) in the Navigation Bar.

Task 3 - Zoom in on an area of the model and zoom out on

an b

the model.
d
ng e

1. Expand the zoom commands in the Navigation Bar and

yi vid

select Zoom Window.

2. Select a location on the model using the left mouse button to

op ro

define a corner of the bounding box zoom area.

lc p

3. Drag the mouse to draw a box over the area to zoom.

Al ple

4. Click or release the left mouse button again when the box is
the required size. The model zooms in on the area defined by
m

the sketched bounding box.

Sa

5. Expand the zoom commands in the Navigation Bar and

Zoom All to refit the model in the center of the screen.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

6. You can also zoom to a selected feature, face, or edge.

Ensure that Select Faces and Edges is selected in the Filter
drop-down list in the Quick Access Toolbar, as shown in
Figure 1–36.

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
Figure 1–36

tly r
ric fo
To zoom in on a face, 7. Expand the zoom commands in the Navigation Bar and
you can also select the select Zoom Selected to zoom in on a selected element.

st T
face first and then click Select the face shown in Figure 1–37. The model is zoomed
e EN
(Zoom Selected).
to the selected face.
us C
re S
d yA

Select this
an b

face
d
ng e
yi vid

Figure 1–37
op ro

8. As an alternative to using the Zoom All command in the

Navigation Bar, you can also double-click on the scroll wheel
lc p

to zoom all.
Al ple

When zooming in on an 9. Expand the zoom commands in the Navigation Bar, select
edge, the order in which Zoom Selected, and select anywhere on the edge, as shown
m

you select the entity and in Figure 1–38. When selected in this order, the selection
the command is point on the edge is positioned in the center of the screen
Sa

important. and the current zoom is maintained.

1–36 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Select this
edge

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
Figure 1–38

fo rev
10. Use either of the Zoom All options to refit the model in the
center of the screen.

tly r
11. Select anywhere on the same edge and select Zoom

ric fo
Selected in the Navigation Bar to zoom to the selected entity.
This time, the model zooms to the selected edge.

st T
e EN Task 4 - Zoom in and out on the model using the Navigation
Wheel.
us C
re S

As an alternative to using Zoom (not Zoom Selected), you can

d yA

also use the Full Navigation Wheel.

Consider trying the 1. In the Navigate panel or Navigation Bar, click (Full
an b

various zooming Navigation Wheel).

alternatives so that you
d

can decide which works 2. Click and hold the left mouse button on the Zoom navigation
ng e

best for you. command.

yi vid

3. Drag the mouse to change the view as required.

op ro

4. Release the mouse button to end the navigation command.

lc p

5. Click (Full Navigation Wheel) in the Navigate panel or

Al ple

Navigation Bar to close the Full Navigation Wheel.

Alternatively, click the X icon on the Full Navigation Wheel.
m

6. Refit the model in the center of the screen.

Sa

Task 5 - Pan the model using the Pan command.

1. In the Navigate panel or Navigation Bar, click (Pan).

2. Click and hold the left mouse button.

3. Move the mouse to drag the model.

4. Refit the model in the center of the screen.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–37

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Task 6 - Pan the model using the Navigation Wheel.

You can also pan a model using the middle mouse button or the
Full Navigation Wheel.

n. nly
1. Ensure that (Pan) is toggled off, and press and hold the
middle mouse button to drag the model.

de o
2. In the Navigate panel, click (Full Navigation Wheel) to

id w
enable the Full Navigation Wheel. Click and hold the left

rb ie
mouse button on the Pan navigation command. Drag the
mouse to pan the view as required.

fo rev
3. Click (Full Navigation Wheel) again to close the Full
Navigation Wheel.

tly r
ric fo
Task 7 - Rotate the model using the Orbit command.

st T
e EN 1. In the Navigate panel or Navigation Bar, click (Orbit). A
circle displays on the screen. The appearance of the cursor
us C
changes depending on its location relative to the circle.
re S

While you are still in the 2. Move the cursor inside the circle. The cursor appearance
d yA

orbit circle you can also

disable the Orbit changes to .
command by moving
an b

3. Click and hold the left mouse button and rotate the model
the cursor away from freely in any direction.
d

the model until

ng e

displays and then 4. Release the mouse button and move the cursor outside the
yi vid

clicking in the graphics circle. The cursor appearance changes to .

window.
op ro

5. Click and hold the left mouse button to rotate about an axis
through the center of the circle symbol (normal to the screen).
lc p

To change the center of 6. Move the cursor to the line at the top of the circle. The cursor
Al ple

the rotation, click inside

or outside the circle to appearance changes to .
m

set the new center.

7. Click and hold the left mouse button and rotate the model
Sa

about the horizontal axis.

8. Move the cursor to the line at the right or left side of the circle.
The cursor appearance changes to .
9. Click and hold the left mouse button and rotate the model
about the vertical axis.

1–38 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

10. Move the cursor over the ViewCube and click in the
top-left corner of the ViewCube (as shown in Figure 1–39) to
orient the model into its isometric Home view (3D).
Alternatively, you can right-click and select Home View to

n. nly
orient the model in the same way. Note that (Zoom All)
only refits the model in the center of the screen while

de o
maintaining the same orientation.

id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–39

st T
Task 8 - Rotate the model using the ViewCube, keyboard, or
e EN Navigation Wheel.
us C
As an alternative to using (Orbit), you can use the
re S

ViewCube, keyboard, or Full Navigation Wheel to rotate a model.

d yA

1. Ensure that (Orbit) is toggled off, click and hold the left
an b

mouse button anywhere on the ViewCube, and drag the

mouse. Move the mouse away from the ViewCube to stop
d

rotating.
ng e
yi vid

2. Press and hold <F4>. By keeping <F4> depressed, the

op ro

cursor behaves as it did when (Orbit) was active.

Release <F4> to stop rotating.
lc p

3. Hold <Shift> and the middle mouse button and drag to rotate
Al ple

the model. Release <Shift> to stop rotating.

m

4. In the Navigate panel, click (Full Navigation Wheel) to

Sa

enable the Full Navigation Wheel. Click and hold the left
mouse button on the Orbit navigation command. Drag the
mouse to rotate the view as required.

5. Click (Full Navigation Wheel) again to close the Full

Navigation Wheel. The selection of the method to use to
rotate the model is based on user preference.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–39

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

6. Click in the ViewCube to orient the model into its

isometric Home view, or right-click and select Home View.

7. Click the X icon in the top-right corner of the Navigation Bar

to toggle off its display.

n. nly
8. In the View tab>Windows panel, expand User Interface.
Select the box next to Navigation Bar to return it to the

de o
display. The remaining options enable you to control the

id w
display of the Model browser (Model), ViewCube, Status Bar,

rb ie
Document Tabs, and other interface tools.

fo rev
Task 9 - Orient the model.

tly r
ric fo
1. In the Navigate panel or Navigation Bar, click (Look At) to
orient a model face parallel to the screen. Select the face as

st T
shown in Figure 1–40. The model orients into a 2D
e EN orientation.
us C
re S
d yA
an b

Select this
face
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro

Figure 1–40
lc p

2. Note that the ViewCube has reoriented and RIGHT displays.

Al ple

Click to orient the model to its isometric Home view.

m

The (Look At) command can help to orient faces that are
Sa

not parallel with the origin planes. However, the ViewCube is

a more efficient option for orienting into views that are parallel
with the origin work planes.

1–40 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

3. Select the RIGHT face in the ViewCube as shown in

Figure 1–41. The model orients as it did previously with one
less step.

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
Select the
RIGHT

fo rev
surface

tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–41

4. With the model still in a 2D orientation, move the mouse back

st T
over the ViewCube. It displays as shown in Figure 1–42.
e EN Select either of the rotating arrows to rotate the model while
remaining in the RIGHT view.
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d

Figure 1–42
ng e

5. Click any of the four triangular icons on the ViewCube to

yi vid

change to a different orientation.

op ro

6. Practice orienting the model into different orientations. You

can also select edges of the ViewCube for orienting.
lc p
Al ple

7. Click to orient the model into its isometric Home view.

m
Sa

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–41

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Task 10 - Manipulate the visual style of the model.

The ability of a software 1. In the View tab>Appearance panel, expand Visual Style, as
to spin a shaded model shown in Figure 1–43. Note that the model display is set to
and use all of the styles

n. nly
depends on the quality (Shaded) for this model.
of its graphics hardware.

de o
id w
The default Visual Style

rb ie
for models that are

fo rev
started with a default
template is Shaded
with Edges.

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple

Figure 1–43
m

2. Click (Shaded with Hidden Edges) to set the view display

Sa

so that it displays hidden edges while shaded.

3. Click next to Origin to expand it in the Model browser.

1–42 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Planes, axes, center 4. Right-click on the YZ Plane in the Model browser and select
points, and coordinate Visibility, as shown in Figure 1–44. The YZ plane displays.
systems are features
that exist in the model
by default.

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
YZ plane
us C
re S

Figure 1–44
d yA

To temporarily display 5. Hold <Ctrl> and select the XZ Plane and Y Axis. Right-click
an origin object, hover and select Visibility to display both the XZ plane and Y-axis
an b

the cursor over the in the model.

feature name.
d

6. Return the model to the (Shaded) display. The model

ng e

displays as shown in Figure 1–45.

yi vid

Y-axis
op ro
lc p

XZ plane
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–45

7. Toggle off the visibility for the three origin objects by selecting
them all again and disabling the Visibility option. Press and
hold <Ctrl> while selecting to select all of the objects at once.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–43

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Task 11 - Open a drawing of the model.

1. Use one of the following methods to open Joint.idw. The

header in the graphics window displays the name of the
drawing.

n. nly
• In the Get Started tab>Launch panel, click (Open).

de o
• Click (Open) in the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of

id w
the window.

rb ie
• In the File menu, select Open>Open.
• In the Model browser, right-click on the filename (Joint.ipt)

fo rev
and select Open Drawing.

2. Note that there are tabs along the bottom of the graphics

tly r
window. One tab is the model and one (currently active tab) is

ric fo
the drawing of that model. Additionally, you can use the My
Home tab to access the Home screen.

st T
e EN 3. Select the Joint.ipt tab to activate it.
us C
Task 12 - Edit feature dimensions on the model.
re S
d yA

To select features 1. Right-click on Fillet9 in the Model browser and select Show
directly on the model Dimensions.
you must have the
an b

selection filter in the 2. Double-click on the .010 dimension in the graphics window.
Quick Access Toolbar
d

3. Enter 0.05 as the new value, as shown in Figure 1–46, and

ng e

set to (Select press <Enter>.

yi vid

Features).
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–46

1–44 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

(Local Update) 4. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click (Local Update). The
recalculates the model radius of the fillet updates.
geometry. The length of
update time depends on 5. Double-click on Hole1 in the Model browser or graphics
the complexity of the window to open the Properties panel that was used to create

n. nly
change and the model. the hole.

6. Change the 0.25 diameter to 0.15 in either the Properties

de o
panel or the on-screen entry field. Click OK in the Properties

id w
panel to complete the feature change. The model displays as
shown in Figure 1–47.

rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN Change the
diameter of the
us C
hole to 0.15
re S
d yA

Figure 1–47
an b

In the Hole diameter example, you edited the feature by opening

the Properties panel. Alternatively, you can right-click on the
d

feature and select Show Dimension. This is faster for editing

ng e

multiple dimension values because the model is not updated

yi vid

until you explicitly click (Local Update). Using the Properties

op ro

panel, the model is updated when you click OK. Therefore, each
is updated individually. If you are making a lot of changes, the
lc p

update can be more time-consuming.

Al ple

7. Select the Joint.idw tab to activate the drawing. Note how the
sizes of the fillet and hole update to reflect the changes that
m

were made in the model.

Sa

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–45

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Task 13 - Delete a feature in the model.

To select features 1. Select the Joint.ipt tab to activate it.

directly on the model
you must have the 2. In the Model browser, select Extrusion11. Right-click and

n. nly
selection filter in the select Delete. The Delete Features dialog box opens as
Quick Access Toolbar shown in Figure 1–48. It prompts you to determine whether

de o
the sketch that was used to create Extrusion11 should also
set to (Select be deleted. You might want to delete it or you might want to

id w
Features). retain it for use in another feature.

rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
Delete this

st T
Extrusion

e EN
us C
re S
d yA

Figure 1–48
an b

3. In this case, click OK to confirm the deletion of the sketches

d

that were created as part of the extrusion (slot cut). To retain

ng e

the sketch, clear the consumed sketches and features

yi vid

option.

4. Select the Joint.idw tab to activate the drawing. Note that the
op ro

extrusion has been removed from all of the views in the

lc p

drawing. If it does not update, click (Local Update).

Al ple
m
Sa

1–46 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Task 14 - Edit a hole diameter in the drawing.

1. Right-click on the Ø.15 diameter dimension as shown in

Figure 1–49 and select Edit Model Dimension.

n. nly
Edit this
dimension value

de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
Figure 1–49
re S

2. Enter 0.25 as the new dimension value and press <Enter>.

d yA

The size of the hole updates in the drawing.

3. Activate the window containing the part to verify that the

an b

model has changed.

d
ng e

Task 15 - Use the Select Other tool to select hidden features

yi vid

in the model.
op ro

1. In the part model, select the View tab, change the visual style
to Shaded with Hidden Edges.
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

2. Hover the cursor over the extruded cut as shown in

Figure 1–50. In this orientation you cannot directly select the
cut geometry.

Note that the Shaded

with Hidden Edges is

n. nly
only being used so you
can see the hidden

de o
feature for the purpose Hover the cursor
of this practice. The

id w
over the extruded
Select Other tool does cut that was

rb ie
not require this visual created on the

fo rev
setting to be used. back of the model

tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–50

st T
e EN 3. A drop-down list displays. Expand it as shown in Figure 1–51,
and hover the cursor over each of the selections. When
Extrusion10 highlights, click to select it. The cut is
us C
highlighted in the Model browser.
re S
d yA

As an alternative to
expanding the
down-drop list to review
an b

the other options, use

d

the middle mouse to

scroll through the
ng e

options.
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–51

1–48 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

4. Right-click and select Suppress Features. Note that the

Model browser displays Extrusion10 in gray and is crossed
out. Alternatively, you can select Extrusion10 in the Model
browser to suppress it. The previous method is more
effective when you have a model with a large number of the

n. nly
features, and it is difficult to identify the features in the Model
browser using only names.

de o
5. Activate the window containing the drawing to verify that the
drawing has changed.

id w
rb ie
6. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click to save the drawing.

fo rev
The Save dialog box opens indicating that changes were
made to both the Model and the drawing. Click OK to save
both files.

tly r
ric fo
7. Close both the drawing and part file by clicking X in the
top-right corner of the graphics window for both of the files.

st T
Alternatively, you can click X on the file’s tab at the bottom of
e EN the graphics window or from the File menu.
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

Chapter Review Questions

1. Match the numbers shown in Figure 1–52 with the interface
components listed below.

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
1 2

tly r
ric fo
st T
7
e EN 4
us C

5
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid

3
op ro
lc p

Figure 1–52
Al ple

a. Navigation Bar
b. Model Browser
m

c. Status Bar
Sa

d. Quick Access Toolbar

e. Ribbon
f. Graphics Window
g. ViewCube

1–50 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

2. After editing the dimensions of a part model, you must open

all drawings referencing that part to make the same
dimension changes.
a. True
b. False

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3. Which of the following are valid filename extensions for

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Autodesk Inventor files? (Select all that apply.)

id w
a. .IPT

rb ie
b. .IDW

fo rev
c. .IAM
d. .INV

tly r
ric fo
4. Clicking enables you to automatically reorient the display
of the model to its top view.

st T
a. True
e EN b. False
us C
5. Which mouse button do you click and hold to pan the model
re S

without activating the Pan command?

d yA

a. Left
b. Middle
an b

c. Right
d

6. Which combination of items do you select to quickly orient a

ng e

model face parallel to the screen without spinning? (Select all

yi vid

that apply.)
op ro

a. A surface and .
lc p

b. A planar surface and .

Al ple

c. A surface and .
m

d. A planar surface and .

Sa

e. A face on the ViewCube.

7. You can open multiple windows in one session.
a. True
b. False

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–51

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

8. What is the purpose of the menu shown in Figure 1–53?

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–53
a. To switch back to a previous view or ahead to a current

st T
view.
e EN b. To cycle through different objects for selection.
c. To pan the view left or right.
us C
re S

d. To zoom in or out on the selected object.

d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

1–52 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Inventor

Command Summary
Button Command Location
Full • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel

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Navigation • Navigation Bar
Wheel

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Help • Quick Access Toolbar
• Keyboard: < F1>

id w
Home View • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel

rb ie
• ViewCube

fo rev
• Context Menu: In the graphics window
• Keyboard: <F6>
Look At • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel

tly r
ric fo
• Navigation Bar
• ViewCube

st T
Open • Ribbon: Get Started tab>Launch panel
e EN • Quick Access Toolbar
• File Menu
• My Home: Recently Used
us C
Orbit (rotate) • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel
re S

• Navigation Bar
d yA

• ViewCube
Pan • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel
an b

• Navigation Bar
Projects • Ribbon: Get Started tab>Launch panel
d

• Dialog Box: Open and New

ng e

• My Home: Projects
yi vid

Save • Quick Access Toolbar

• File Menu
op ro

Visual Style • Ribbon: View tab>Appearance panel

lc p

Zoom • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel

• Navigation Bar
Al ple

• Full Navigation Wheel

Zoom All • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel
m

• Navigation Bar
Sa

Zoom • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel

Selected • Navigation Bar
Zoom • Ribbon: View tab>Navigate panel
Window • Navigation Bar

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–53

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

1–54 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®