Autodesk Inventor Fusion: Getting Started

Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview
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Autodesk Inventor Fusion:

Getting Started
Contents
Autodesk Inventor Fusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Autodesk Inventor Fusion Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Inventor Fusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Typical Workflows in Inventor Fusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Menu and Command Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sketch Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Line/Arc Segment Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Spline Tangency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Stop Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Use Manipulators and Glyphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Press F5 Key to Reorient the Triad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Selection Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Function Key Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Work with Multiple Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 3 Working with Inventor Fusion TP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

The Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
i
Glyphs and Manipulators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Triad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Marking Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Selection Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Enhanced Tooltips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Other Tools in the Application Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Views of models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Chapter 4 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Chapter 5 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
ii | Contents
Autodesk Inventor Fusion
1
2
Autodesk Inventor Fusion
Getting Started
3
4
Welcome to Autodesk
Inventor Fusion 1
Autodesk Inventor Fusion is an explicit modeling tool designed to create and edit designs
quickly using streamlined user interactions. Different from all other explicit modelers, Inventor
Fusion is a feature-based explicit modeler.
Features allow you to edit and select geometry quickly. Inventor Fusion creates features for
you when you create or edit geometry.
Typical Workflows in Inventor Fusion

Edit a model created in your favorite parametric modeling software or create a
model from scratch. Inventor Fusion easily handles either workflow.
Modify an Existing Model

Open your parametric model in Inventor Fusion and make changes. Then save
the file in the original format.
Workflow
1 Open the file in Inventor Fusion
2 Direct Manipulation: Edit the file in Inventor Fusion.

1 Edit existing features.
2 Add new features, such as holes, fillets, and chamfers.
3 Optionally, create new components. Add constraints to show relationships

in multi-component models.
5
4 Add dimensions to the model.
5 Save to desired format.
NOTE The following file formats are supported in Inventor® Fusion: DWG
Files (*.dwg), AutoCAD 2009 files (*.dwg), Sat Files (*.sat), STEP Files (*.stp,
*.step).
Create a Model from Scratch

While Inventor Fusion provides an easy way to make quick changes to an
existing model created in another application, like Autodesk Inventor, it also
has everything you need to create new models from scratch.
Workflow
1 Create a model in Inventor Fusion.

1 Sketch: Use the sketch tools in Inventor Fusion to create profiles
from which you create the base body.
2 Create the base body from a sketch profile by using the basic
modeling commands: Extrude, Revolve, or Sweep.
2 Add additional features to the base body, such as holes, fillets, and
chamfers.
3 Optionally, create new components. Add constraints to show relationships

in multi-component models.
4 Add dimensions to the model.
5 Save to appropriate file format.
NOTE The following file formats are supported in Inventor® Fusion: DWG
Files (*.dwg), AutoCAD 2009 files (*.dwg), Sat Files (*.sat), STEP Files (*.stp,
*.step)
Next section: Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users on page 7.
6 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Inventor Fusion

Ten Tips for Inventor
Fusion Users 2
Menu and Command Access
Execute commands in Inventor Fusion in the following ways:
■ Click the command button on the ribbon.
■ Select the command from the marking menu.
■ Select the command name in the context menu.
Most commands are available in both the ribbon and the context menu. A
subset of frequently used commands appears in the marking menu.
7
For more information see Marking Menu on page 27.
NOTE Right-click or press the tilde key (~) to display the marking menu and
context menu.
8 | Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users

Sketch Dimensions
Click a sketch entity to expose its dimensions. Change the dimension value
by entering a new value in the heads-up display (HUD).
Selecting multiple sketch entities will display additional dimensions. As you

edit a dimension, other visible dimensions are locked to their current their
value as the sketch changes.
Select Area - During the Select command, click and drag the left mouse button
to draw a rectangle and select objects which are inside of the rectangle. Drag
the cursor from Left to Right to only select objects completely inside the
selection area. Drag the cursor from Right to Left to select anything inside or
crossing the selection area.
Sketch Dimensions | 9
NOTE When in sketch, select area will only select sketch curves. It will not select
sketch points or profile regions. Outside of sketch, select area will select normal
topology, but will not select sketch curves. It will select profile regions.
A red X appears on dimensions that are being edited. The X indicates which
end point is fixed while the dimension is being edited. To lock or unlock a
sketch entity, click the entity, then invoke the marking menu (RMB or press
tilde key) and select Lock/Unlock Geometry from the context menu.
Selecting multiple entities will also create dimensions between the selected
entities, where appropriate.
Line/Arc Segment Creation

NOTE All sketch creation commands will first prompt you to select a sketch plane.
To create an arc segment while creating a line, click and hold the existing start
or end point, and drag to create the arc. Release the cursor to end the arc.

To create a line perpendicular or tangent to a circle or arc, click and hold the
start point. Then drag the cursor to end the line segment. Drag the cursor
perpendicular from the start point to create a perpendicular line.
Line drawn perpendicular to a circle
Line/Arc Segment Creation | 11

Line drawn tangent to a circle
Spline Tangency
Drag the start or end point of a spline off another object to make the spline
tangent to the object.
Stop Sketch
To exit a sketch command, press the ESC key, or click the specific sketch
command button on the ribbon. To exit the sketch environment do one of
the following:
1 Click the Stop Sketch glyph in the sketch environment:

2 Select Stop Sketch from the context menu:
NOTE Right-click or press the tilde key (~) to display the marking menu and
context menu.
Use Manipulators and Glyphs

Manipulators are 3D tools (arrows, spheres, rings) that you drag to complete
or preview certain operations. An active (enabled) manipulator displays yellow.
When two or more manipulators are displayed, the active manipulator is
yellow. The inactive manipulator displays red or gray. When a manipulator
is used to position a feature, its location manipulator displays blue when the
Use Manipulators and Glyphs | 13

feature is constrained. (For example, a hole placement manipulator displays
blue when the hole feature is concentric with another cylindrical feature).
Extrude operation showing active and in-

active manipulators Hole placement operation show-
ing hole location constrained
with the fillet (the manipulator
appears blue when the feature is
constrained)
When there are two or more manipulators associated with a command, press
the TAB key to cycle from the current manipulator to the next one. This also
activates the heads-up display (HUD) field associated with the manipulator
(including those with multiple HUDs).
When using manipulators, you do not need to keep your cursor exactly on
the 3D arrow. You can drag anywhere over empty graphics space. Many
manipulators can also snap to other geometry on your model. While a
manipulator is active you can cruise your cursor over the design and prompts
will appear over geometry that the manipulator can snap to.
Glyphs are in-canvas symbols that provide a way to enter common command
inputs, or to invoke certain commands (such as when a sketch profile is active).
An Error Glyph is displayed to indicate an error condition. Click on an Error
Glyph to display more information about the error.
For more information see Glyphs and Manipulators on page 24.
Press F5 Key to Reorient the Triad

Press the F5 key to reorient the triad to a specific part of a component without
affecting the geometry selection.

For more information see Triad on page 26.
Selection Tools
Mechanical designs often have many objects in the canvas which can make
selecting an object difficult. It is likely that your designs contain one or more
of the following items:
■ Objects that obscure one another
■ Small, hard-to-select faces and edges
■ Coincident faces
Inventor Fusion provides a set of Select Other navigation tools to help you
select the appropriate geometry quickly. You access the Select Other tools
from a secondary marking menu. There are three different Select Other
behaviors:
Selection Tools | 15
1 Topological Neighbor Selection
2 Z Depth Selection
3 Feature Selection
You can also use the “breadcrumb” selection tool in the status bar to select a
face, body or component.
For more information see Selection Tools on page 33.
Function Key Behavior

Some keys are reserved for specific purposes in Inventor® Fusion. For example,
F1 accesses Help in all Microsoft Windows applications. In Inventor Fusion,
many of the F-keys (function keys) are reserved for global operations.
The following table contains all the reserved shortcuts in Inventor Fusion:
Function Key Command/Operation
F2 Pan
F3 Zoom
Shift+F3 Zoom Window
F4 Orbit
F5 Reorient Triad

Function Key Command/Operation
F6 Zoom All
F7 Slice Graphics (see note)
F10 Toggle Shortcut Keytips in Application menu and

Quick Access toolbar.
NOTE Slice Graphics operation requires the selection of a cutting plane. First select
a work plane or sketch profile, and then press the F7 key.
Work with Multiple Components

Inventor Fusion has commands to support the placement and management
of components and component instances.
Bodies can be copied and pasted from one file to another. New entities created
by extrude, revolve, and sweep are considered parts of a single body, by default.
Use the New Body option with these commands to create an entity as a discrete
body. By default, new bodies are organized under the document.
To treat a body as an individual component, use the New Component
command in the Inventor Fusion browser:
Work with Multiple Components | 17

Drag the Body browser node to the Component node that you created:

Manage relationships between separate components using component
constraints:
Next section: Working with Inventor Fusion TP1 on page 21.
Work with Multiple Components | 19

20
Working with Inventor
Fusion TP1 3
Access commands and other tools in the Inventor Fusion user interface.
The Ribbon
Display and Organize the Ribbon

The ribbon is displayed automatically when you create or open a file, providing
a compact palette of all tools necessary to create your file.
The horizontal ribbon is displayed across the top of the application window.
The ribbon minimize button to the right of the ribbon tabs minimizes the
ribbon.
A temporary ribbon pane is displayed across the top of the application window
when a command is active. The temporary pane allows you to input command
options, range limits, and other settings.
Ribbon Tabs and Panels

The ribbon is composed of a series of panels, which are organized into tabs
labeled by task.
Some ribbon panels display a drop-down arrow. It indicates there are additional
commands related to that panel. Click the drop-down arrow to access the
additional commands on the access table.
21
To display a hidden panel, right-click anywhere inside the ribbon, and click
the name of the panel. To display or hide a panel, right-click anywhere inside
the ribbon, and click or clear the name of a panel.
Floating Panels
If you pull a panel off a ribbon tab and into the drawing area or onto another
monitor, that panel floats where you placed it. The floating panel remains
open until you return it to the ribbon, even if you switch ribbon tabs.
Expanded Panels
An arrow at the bottom of a panel title indicates that you can expand the
panel to display additional commands. By default, an expanded panel closes
automatically when you click another panel. To keep a panel expanded, click
the push pin icon in the bottom-left corner of the expanded panel.
To minimize the ribbon
1 Click the ribbon minimize button to the right of the ribbon tabs.
2 The minimize behavior cycles through the following minimize options:

■ Minimize to Tabs: Minimizes the ribbon so that only tab titles are
displayed.
■ Minimize to Panels: Minimizes the ribbon so that only tab and panel
titles are displayed.
■ Show Full Ribbon: Displays tabs and full panels, including controls.
Shortcut menu: Right-click the ribbon tab bar, click Minimize, and then
click one of the minimize options.
Pointing device: Double-click the name of the active ribbon tab.
To display or hide a ribbon panel
■ Right-click anywhere inside the ribbon. Under Panels, click or clear the
name of a panel.
To show or hide text labels on ribbon panels
■ Right-click the ribbon tab bar and click Show Panel Titles.
22 | Chapter 3 Working with Inventor Fusion TP1

Customize the Ribbon
You can customize the ribbon depending on your needs.
You can customize the ribbon in the following ways:
■ You can change the order of ribbon tabs. Click the tab you want to move,
drag it to the desired position, and release.
■ On each tab, you can change the order of ribbon panels. Click the panel
you want to move, drag it to the desired position, and release. You can
also hide panels. Right mouse click on a tab and chose which panels to
display.
Glossary
expanded panel
An area on the ribbon associated with a ribbon panel. An expanded panel
contains additional tools and controls. See also ribbon panel and ribbon.
floating panel
A ribbon panel that is not attached to the rest of the ribbon or application
frame.
horizontal ribbon
The ribbon, when it is oriented across the top of the file window.
push pin
A push pin-shaped button used on the ribbon and in the Application Menu.
On the ribbon, pins keep panels expanded. In the Application Menu, pins
keep an item in the list of recently viewed items.
ribbon
A palette that displays buttons and controls used for both 2D drawing and
annotation and 3D modeling, viewing, and rendering. See also ribbon tab and
ribbon panel and slide-out panel. (RIBBON)
ribbon panel
A labeled control in the ribbon. Ribbon panels contain buttons or other
controls. Multiple ribbon panels form a ribbon tab.
ribbon tab
Customize the Ribbon | 23

The most general control on the ribbon. Ribbon tabs contain ribbon panels,
which contain buttons or other controls.
Glyphs and Manipulators

As you use Inventor Fusion, you specify modes of operation, range limits, and
other options. Since the Inventor Fusion user interface does not employ dialog
boxes, there are other access modes to set these options:
■ The ribbon
■ Glyphs
■ Manipulators
The Ribbon on page 21 is discussed in another section.
Glyphs
As you use commands in Inventor Fusion, notice that symbols, referred to as
glyphs, often appear next to the cursor while you are working. Glyphs indicate
that you can select a mode of operation, or that certain tools are available for
use.
Click and hold a glyph to display the options for the active command. Drag
the cursor to the appropriate option and release to select it. If you pause the
cursor over a glyph, a tooltip displays more information about the glyph.
The most frequently used glyphs are in the following table:
Glyph Icon Glyph Title Description
Select Option Select a command option.
Go to Next Go to the next input selection.
Profile Tools This glyph is displayed when you select (highlight) a closed
sketch profile. Click this glyph to select from a list of mod-
eling operations to perform on the profile.

Manipulators
A Manipulator is a 3D tool. It is usually an arrow, sphere, or ring that appears
while a command is active. It sets the distance, angle, or direction of an
operation, or for setting the location or size of a feature.
You drag the manipulator to complete (or preview) the operation. The value
that is set by dragging the manipulator can also be set in the ribbon or
heads-up-display (HUD). When you release the manipulator, the corresponding
value in the ribbon and HUD is updated.
An active, selected manipulator appears yellow. When two or more
manipulators are displayed, the active manipulator is yellow. The inactive
manipulator appears red or gray.
A manipulator that is used to set the location of a feature (such as the Hole
Center Manipulator) displays blue when the location is constrained (concentric
with another cylindrical feature or aligned with the midpoints of two edges,
and so on).
If you pause the cursor over a manipulator, a tooltip displays more information
about the manipulator.
There are four basic manipulator types. The purpose of each varies by
command. Some common examples are listed in the following table:
Manipulat- Manipulator Type Description

or
Linear Arrow Used in the Extrude command to set length and direction,
and in the Hole command to set the depth.
Radial Arrow Used in the Revolve command to set the rotation angle.
Ring Used in the Hole command to set the hole diameter as well
as counterbore and countersink diameters.
Glyphs and Manipulators | 25

Manipulat- Manipulator Type Description
or
Sphere Used in the Hole command to set the hole center location,
in the Extrude command to set the taper angle, and in the
Sweep command to sweep the selected profile along the
path.
Once the manipulator is active (selected) you can click and drag from any
point in the canvas to drag the manipulator. You do not need to click directly
on the manipulator to drag it.
Triad
A Triad is a 3D in-canvas tool for the movement and rotation of edges, faces,
features, bodies, and components. You can interactively position a face or
feature by dragging the triad in a planar move, axial move, or free movement.
The selected area of the triad controls the movement.
When the triad is displayed, select or drag a triad segment to indicate the type
of transform you want. In the heads-up display (HUD), you can enter
coordinates to move a face or feature precisely. When you drag the triad, the
X, Y, and Z coordinates dynamically update in the HUD.
The colors help you identify axes:
■ Red is the X axis
■ Green is the Y axis
■ Blue is the Z axis

When you first activate the triad, its origin sphere is coincident with the
geometry you want to transform. Click a triad section or drag to indicate the
type of transform you want. As you select other parts of the triad, you can
drag or enter precise coordinates corresponding to your selection.
Triad Part Description
Arrowheads Move the triad along the axis.
Arcs Rotate the triad around the axis.
Planes Move the triad in the selected plane.
Sphere Allows unrestricted movement in the view plane.
To reorient the triad relative to a different location without affecting the

geometry selection, press the F5 key and then click the new location for the
triad.
Marking Menu
The Marking Menu is a spatially arranged, in-canvas menu used for executing,
and completing (or cancelling) commands. The contents of the marking menu
changes based on the context in which it is invoked.
Marking Menu | 27
Primary Marking Menu with Context Menu
To invoke or dismiss the marking menu:
■ To start the marking menu, right-click, or the tilde (~) key.
■ To close the marking menu, release the right-click button, or tilde (~) key
when no marking menu item is preselected.
The primary marking menu consists of eight “wedges.” Each wedge represents
a command. The marking menu contains seven frequently used commands,
as well as a context menu which contains additional commands.
The commands that appear in the primary marking menu are:
1 Press Pull
2 Hole
3 Delete
4 Context Menu

5 Repeat Last Command
6 Draw (Line/Arc sketch command)
7 Select Other
8 Move
The default commands in the primary marking menu

(context menu not shown)
To execute a command in the marking menu:
1 Invoke the marking menu (using either the cursor or the tilde key).
2 Drag the cursor to the appropriate item.
3 Once the cursor is over the appropriate item, release the cursor.
NOTE When you invoke the marking menu by pressing the tilde key, use
the left-mouse button rather than the right-mouse button, to select the
command.
Gesture Behavior
An alternative technique to execute a command in the marking menu involves
gesture behavior. Before using gesture behavior, first practice with the marking
Marking Menu | 29
menu to develop some “muscle memory” (familiarity) around the layout of
the marking menu. A gesture consists of starting the marking menu,
immediately dragging the cursor to the location of the appropriate marking
menu wedge, and releasing the cursor before the entire marking menu is
displayed. If it happens within 250 milliseconds, only the selected wedge is
briefly displayed to confirm that the operation was performed.
To execute a command using gestures:
1 Start the marking menu (using either the cursor or the tilde key).
2 Within 250 ms, drag the cursor in the direction of the wedge for the
appropriate operation.
3 Release the cursor.
During the drag gesture, a “trail” is visible in the canvas, showing the cursor
path. When you release the cursor, the selected wedge is displayed.
Visible trail while dragging cursor in a Marking menu wedge appears when
gesture movement cursor is released
Context Menu
The marking menu displays a context menu in its SE (South East) wedge. After
you invoke the marking menu, drag the cursor to the appropriate operation
on the context menu. When you release the cursor, the operation is selected.
NOTE When you invoke the marking menu by pressing the tilde key, use the
left-mouse button rather than right-mouse button, to select the command.
The context menu has a default menu item, which varies depending on the
context and selection. The default menu item appears in bold text. When you

select the SE wedge in a gesture movement, the default context menu item is
invoked.
Primary Marking Menu Behavior when a Command is Active

When a command is active, the marking menu displays a limited set of
operations depending on the context.
In a non-sketch environment, the marking menu contains four options:
1 OK
2 Deselect All
3 Cancel
4 Select Other
In the sketch environment, the marking menu contains two options:
1 OK
2 Cancel
Marking menu with non-sketch command active. Marking menu

with sketch com-
mand active.
Marking Menu | 31
Secondary Marking Menu
When you pause the cursor over the Select Other wedge, a Secondary Marking
Menu is displayed. The secondary marking menu contains three wedges, each
one enabling a specific selection behavior.
2 Z Depth Selection
3 Feature Selection
See Selection Tools on page 33 for more information about the Select Other
options.
To select a secondary marking menu item:
2 Drag the cursor to the Select Other wedge and pause the cursor over it.
3 When the secondary marking menu appears, drag the cursor to the
appropriate Select Other option.
4 Release the cursor to select the option.
You can also use a gesture to select an item from the secondary marking menu.
The procedure is slightly different from selecting from the primary marking
menu.
To select a secondary marking menu item using gestures:

2 Drag the cursor in the direction of the Select Other wedge and then drag
in the direction of the appropriate option in the secondary marking
menu. (Do not wait for the secondary marking menu to appear.)
3 Release the cursor.
Only the selected wedge from the secondary marking menu is briefly displayed
to confirm that the operation was performed.
Selection Tools
Mechanical designs often have many objects in the canvas which can make
selecting the appropriate object difficult.
The Select Other navigation tools in Inventor Fusion help you to select
obscured or difficult-to-select geometry. Choose the Selection wedge, in the
marking menu, to invoke the secondary marking menu, where you can choose
from three distinct Select Other behaviors:
2 Z Depth Selection
3 Feature Selection
The secondary marking menu displays three

Select Other glyphs: Topological Neighbor,
Z Depth, and Feature selection
When you drag the cursor over one of the three Select Other glyphs, a selection
strip is displayed. It contains several frames, each representing a possible
selection.
Each frame in the selection strip represents an element that is eligible for
selection
When you drag the cursor over a frame in the selection strip, the corresponding
element is highlighted in the model.
Topological Neighbor Selection

When you choose the Topological Neighbor selection, eligible elements that
are topologically connected are listed on the selection strip.

In the following example, the topological neighbors of a selected edge are
listed in the selection strip. The last item in the strip selects all the eligible
selections.
When you highlight a frame in the selection The frame selected causes all eligible edge
strip, the corresponding edge element is element to be highlighted
also highlighted
Z Depth Selection
When you choose the Z Depth selection, eligible faces that are partially or
wholly obscured by the selected element are listed on the selection strip.
In the following example, eligible faces with different Z order are listed in the
selection strip.
When you highlight the first frame in the Z The next frame selected in the strip causes
Depth selection strip, the front most overlap- an eligible element with a different Z Depth
ping face element is also highlighted to be highlighted
Feature Selection
When you choose the Feature selection, eligible objects that are partially or
wholly obscured by the selected element are listed on the selection strip.

In the following example, both the extrusion cut and the fillet along the inner
seam are eligible features. The icons on the selection strip make it easy to
identify the features by type.
The icon in the selected frame in the selec-

tion strip identifies the extrude feature The icon in the selected frame in the selec-
tion strip identifies the fillet feature
Enhanced Tooltips
Many of the ribbon commands have enhanced (also referred to as progressive)
tooltips which display information for interaction with commands. Initially,
the name of the command and a short description of the command is
displayed. If you continue to pause the cursor, the tooltip expands to display
additional information.
Browser
In Inventor Fusion, the browser presents an organized view of the data in your
design. Objects selected in the browser are selected in the graphics and
vice-versa. You can create new component instances in the browser. Bodies
can be dragged or copied and pasted from one component to another.
Some major parts of the browser include:
1 Toggle Favorites Folder

2 Toggle Information Panel
3 Child Component Node
4 Body Node
5 Feature Node
6 Pattern Node
7 Occurrence Node
8 Information Panel
Browser | 39
The Blue node in the browser denotes the active component in your design.
By double-clicking the component icon you can change the active component.
This is important when creating new sketches, work features and features. All
new objects that you create belong to the active component.
Information Panel
Unlike parametric modeling, in explicit modeling, the model information is
readily available. The browser includes an information panel for each node,
which you can switch on or off. Pause the cursor over a component, body,
feature, pattern, or occurrence to view information about it.
Create New Component Instances

Right-click the top-level Document node and select New Component from
the context menu to create a child component under the document. Similarly,
right-click any component node and select New Component from the context
menu to create a child component under the selected component.
Additional Browser Functionality

Select Isolate Component to hide all but the selected component (UnIsolate
Component redisplays the hidden components).
Use the Favorites folder to group frequently referenced components, bodies,
features, and patterns.
Cut, copy, and paste bodies from one component to another, or across
documents.
Delete components, bodies, and features.
Dissolve patterns.
Other Tools in the Application Window

The application window displays tools such as the application button, the
Quick Access toolbar, and the status bars.

Application Menu
Click the application button to access tools to create, open, and

export a file.
Access Common Tools

Access common tools to start or export a file from the Application Menu.
Click the application button to:
■ Create a file.
■ Open an existing file.
■ Save a file.
■ Save a file as another name.
■ Print a file.
■ Close the application.
Application Menu | 41
Quick Reference
New File
Creates a file.
Quick Reference
File Open
Ac- Opens when you perform operations requiring selection of a file.

cess:
Click ➤ Open
Look in Shows path of the active directory.

File list The main window shows a list of the subfolders and files in the selected path.
Double-click a subfolder to show the files it contains.
File name Specifies the file to open, enter a file name, or select a file from the listed files.
Files of type Filters file list to include only files of a specific type. Click the arrow to show list,
and then highlight to select a file type.
Open Open the selected file.
Cancel Cancels the file open operation and closes the dialog box.
Quick Reference
Save, Save As
Saves a file with a specified name and file type.
Ac- In the Application Menu, select:

cess: Save ➤ Save
The Save command saves the active document contents to the file specified in the window
title, and the file remains open.
Save As ➤ Save As
Save As saves the active document contents to the file specified in the Save As dialog box. The
original document is closed and the newly saved file is opened. The contents of the original
file are unchanged.
Save in Shows path of the active directory and specifies destination of the saved file.
Locations
File name Specifies the name of the file to save. If the file was saved, the file name is shown.
File of type Filters file list to include only files of a specific type. Click the arrow to show list,
and then highlight to select a file type. The extension is added to the file name.
Save Saves highlighted file (with file name and type specified by one of the methods
explained previously).
Cancel Cancels the save operation and closes the dialog box.
Available file types:
DWG
SAT Geometry objects stored in ASCII files. (versions 4.0 - 7.0).
STEP An international format developed to overcome some of the limitations of current

data conversion standards. Files created in other CAD systems can be converted
to STEP format and imported into Inventor Fusion. (versions AP214 and AP203E2)
Quick Reference
Print
Prints or plots all or any portion of a model.
Ac-
cess:
Click ➤ Print.
Sets the options for printing or plotting all or a portion of the active model.
Name Specifies the printer or plotter. To change the printer or plotter, click the arrow
and select from the list.
Properties Opens the Print Setup dialog box used to set the paper size and orientation.
Print Range Sets the page range to print. For a model, only the portion of the model that is
displayed in the graphics window is printed (All is the only option available).
Number of Copies Sets the number of copies to print. Enter the number of copies, or use the up or
down arrow to select the desired number of copies.
You can print or plot all or any portion of a model.
To print a model
You can print or plot all or any portion of the active model.
1 Set up the view of the model. Only the portion of the model that is
displayed in the graphics window prints.

2 Click ➤ Print.
3 In the Print dialog box, enter the number of copies. If necessary, click
Properties to open the Print Setup dialog box, and then change the paper
size and orientation.
4 Click OK to print.
Recent Documents
View the most recently used files with the Recent Documents list.
Files display in the Recent Documents list with the most recently used file at
the top by default.
Pinned Files
You can keep a file listed, regardless of files that you save later, using the push
pin button to the right. The file is displayed at the bottom of the list until you
turn off the push pin button.
Sort and Group Options

Use the By Ordered list drop-down menu at the top of the Recent Documents
list to sort or group files by:
■ File name
■ File size
■ File type
■ Date the files were last modified.
To switch between Recent Documents and Open Documents
You can view the list of recent documents, or open documents from the right
pane of the Application Menu when no first level item is selected:
Click Open Docu-

ments to view open
documents.
Click Recent Docu-

ments to view recent
documents.
Currently Open Documents

View only files that are currently open with the Open Documents list.
Files display in the Open Documents list with the most recently opened file
at the top. To make a file current, click the file in the list.
To switch between Recent Documents and Open Documents

You can view the list of recent documents, or open documents from the right
pane of the Application Menu when no first level item is selected:
Click Open Docu-

ments to view open
documents.

Click Recent Docu-
ments to view recent
documents.
Preview Documents
View file information in the Recent Documents and Open Documents lists.
When you pause the cursor over a file in either of the lists, the following
information is displayed:
■ Path where the file is stored
■ Date the file was last modified
■ Version of the product used to create the file
■ Name of the person who last saved the file
■ Name of the person who is currently editing the file
Quick Access Toolbar

Display frequently used tools with the Quick Access toolbar.
View Undo and Redo History

The Quick Access toolbar displays options to undo and redo changes to your
file.
Add Commands and Controls

Add unlimited tools to the Quick Access toolbar. Tools that extend past the
maximum length of the toolbar are displayed in a drop-down menu.
To add a ribbon command to the Quick Access toolbar, right-click the
command on the ribbon, and click Add to Quick Access toolbar. Commands
are added to the right of the default commands on the Quick Access toolbar.
Quick Access Toolbar | 47

Move the Quick Access Toolbar
Place the Quick Access toolbar either above or below the ribbon using the
Customization button.
Customize the Quick Access toolbar

To add and remove commands to the Quick Access toolbar
1 On the Quick Access toolbar, click the drop-down arrow.
2 On the Customize menu, click the command name you want to display
on the Quick Access toolbar.
A check mark next to a command name indicates it is displayed on the
To add commands to the Customize Quick Access toolbar menu
➤ On the ribbon, right-click on the command you want to add, and select
Add to the Quick Access toolbar.
To move the Quick Access toolbar menu above or below the ribbon
1 On Quick Access toolbar, click the drop-down arrow.
2 On the Customize menu, click Show Above the Ribbon to display the
Quick Access toolbar above the ribbon. Or, click Show Below the Ribbon
to display the Quick Access toolbar below the ribbon.
A check mark next to a command name indicates it is displayed on the

Status Bar
The Status bar displays across the bottom of active window. The status bar
provides the following information:
■ When you are in a command that requires you to perform an action to

continue, a message displays on the far bottom left. It indicates the next
step to proceed with the active command.
Keytips
Use the keyboard to access the Application Menu, Quick Access toolbar, and
ribbon.
Press the Alt key or F10 to display shortcut keys for common tools in the
application window. Use keytips to perform tasks without using your mouse.
When you select a keytip, more keytips are displayed for that tool. Keytips
appear as underlined characters to indicate which key or combination of keys
on the keyboard to press to activate a command.
Use keytips to navigate in the Application Menu and in the ribbon using only
the keyboard. Use the keyboard arrows to navigate to commands on the ribbon
and Application Menu
Glossary
application button The button that is displayed in the top-left corner of the
application. If you click the application button, the Application Menu is
displayed.
Application menu The menu that is displayed when you click the application
button. The Application menu contains common tools for creating, saving,
and publishing a file.
push pin A push pin-shaped button used on the ribbon and in the Application
menu. On the ribbon, push pins are used to keep a ribbon panel expanded.
In the Application menu, push pins keep an item in the list of recently opened
items.
Navigation tools
Navigation tools change the orientation and view of your model.
Status Bar | 49
The display of a model can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the
magnification at which objects are displayed, rotating the model among other
ways of changing the orientation of the model using the tools on
SteeringWheels. You can create a view that defines an area of a model as the
Home view and use preset views to restore known viewpoints of a model with
the Autodesk® ViewCube® navigation tool.
View Cube
Overview of the ViewCube

The ViewCube tool is a persistent, clickable and draggable interface that you
use to switch between standard and isometric views of your model. When you
display the ViewCube tool, it is shown in one of the corners of the window
over the model in an inactive state. While the ViewCube tool is inactive, it
provides visual feedback about the current viewpoint of the model as view
changes occur. When the cursor is positioned over the ViewCube tool, it
becomes active; you can switch to one of the available preset views, roll the
current view, or change to the Home view of the model.
Control the Appearance of ViewCube

The ViewCube tool is displayed in one of two states: inactive and active. When
the ViewCube tool is inactive, it appears partially transparent by default so
that it does not obscure the view of the model. When active, it is opaque and
may obscure the view of the objects in the current view of the model.
In addition to controlling the inactive opacity level of the ViewCube tool,
you can also control the following properties for the ViewCube tool:
■ Size
■ Position
■ Default orientation

■ Compass display
Using the Compass

The compass is displayed below the ViewCube tool and indicates which
direction North is defined for the model. You can click a cardinal direction
letter on the compass to rotate the model, or you can click and drag one of
the cardinal direction letters or the compass ring to interactively rotate the
model around the center of the view.
To control the position of ViewCube
1 Right-click the ViewCube and click Properties.
2 In the ViewCube Properties dialog box, under Display, select one of the
available positions from the On-screen Position drop-down list.
3 Click OK.
To control the size of ViewCube
2 In the ViewCube Properties dialog box, under Display, select an option

from the ViewCube Size drop-down list.
3 Click OK.
To control the inactive opacity of ViewCube
2 In the ViewCube Properties dialog box, under Display, select an option

from the Inactive Opacity drop-down list.
3 Click OK.
Navigation tools | 51
To display the compass below ViewCube
2 In the ViewCube Properties dialog box, under Compass, select Show the
Compass.
The compass is displayed beneath the ViewCube and indicates the
direction of North for the model.
3 Click OK.
Quick Reference
ViewCube
Ac- By default, the ViewCube is displayed in the top right of the graphics window. To control the
cess: display: Ribbon: View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ User Interface. Click the drop-down arrow
and deselect ViewCube to turn off the display. When the display of the ViewCube is disabled
in the ribbon, ViewCube is automatically available from the Navigation bar.
ViewCube
Go Home The default view of the model. You can change the default view using Set current
view as home. You can navigate to the Home position by selecting this option from
the context menu or by clicking the Home icon displayed just above the ViewCube.
Orthographic A display mode where all points of a model are projected along parallel lines to the
screen.
Perspective A display mode where a model is displayed in three-point perspective, like the way
the human eye perceives objects in the real world.
Perspective with A display mode where the model is displayed in orthographic projection when one
Ortho Faces of the faces of the ViewCube is active.
Lock to current The center and distance does not change regardless of whether objects are selected
selection or deselected.

Set current view Defines the current view as the default view:
as Home ■ Fixed Distance: Sets a Home view that defines both the direction of the view
and the extent of the model that fills the view.
■ Fit to View: Sets a Home view that defines the direction of the view, with the
extent always “view all.” The initial Home view of Legacy documents is set to Fit
to View.
Set current view Defines the current view as the front view.
as Front
NOTE The front view that is defined in the top-level assembly file prevails as the
front view when you edit a part in the context of an assembly file.
Reset Front Rests the front view to the default setting.
NOTE The front view that is defined in the top-level assembly file prevails as the
front view when you edit a part in the context of an assembly file.
NOTE It is also the orientation assigned to migrated legacy files.
Properties Opens the ViewCube Properties dialog box.
Help Topics Opens the Help system and displays the topic on the ViewCube.
Quick Reference
ViewCube Properties
Sets the preferences for working with the ViewCube.
Ac- Right-click the ViewCube and select Options.

cess:
Application Options
Sets preference for automatic display of ViewCube.
Show the ViewCube When the check box is enabled, the ViewCube displays in the graphics window
on window create by default.
All 3D Views Displays the ViewCube in all 3D views.
Only in Current View Limits the default display of the ViewCube to the Current view.
Display
Set preferences for the display of the ViewCube
NOTE The Home button also disappears when the cursor is distant from the ViewCube
On Screen Position The ViewCube can be placed in any corner of the screen by selecting one of
the items in the On-screen Position combo box control: Top Right, Bottom
Right, Top Left, or Bottom Left.
ViewCube Size Sets the ViewCube size to Tiny, Small, Normal, or Large.
Inactive Opacity When the cursor is in the vicinity of the ViewCube, the cube and all the addi-
tional controls are displayed, fully opaque. However, when the cursor is distant
from the ViewCube, the additional controls (except the Home button) are not
displayed. The ViewCube and the Home button may display at reduced opacity.
Specifies the opacity display when the cursor is distant (inactive) from the
ViewCube.
When Dragging on the ViewCube

Snap to the closest view: While being dragged, the ViewCube and the scene
rotate in an arcball-like fashion. If Snap to closest view is selected, the
viewpoint snaps to one of the fixed views when it is angularly close to one of
the fixed views.
When clicking the ViewCube

Set preferences for clicking the ViewCube.
Fit-to-View on view If selected, clicking the ViewCube rotates around the center of the scene and
change zooms out to fit the scene into the viewport. When dragging the ViewCube,
the view changes to look at the scene center before the drag (but does not

zoom) and continues to use that as the pivot point while dragging. If not selec-
ted, clicking or dragging the ViewCube rotates around the current pivot point
and does not zoom in or out.
Use animated trans- An animated transition displays when you click a section of the ViewCube to
itions when switch- help visualize the spatial relationship between the current viewpoint and the
ing views selected viewpoint.
NOTE When navigating about 3D scenes that contain vast amounts of geometry,
the application frame rate can drop significantly. It makes it difficult for the
system to animate a viewpoint transition smoothly.
Keep model upright When clicking edges, corners, or faces of the ViewCube, the orientation al-
gorithm normally attempts to turn the viewpoint. It avoids upside-down orient-
ations of the scene.
Default ViewCube Orientation

Set preferences for the default orientation of the ViewCube. When a new part or assembly is created from
a template, it inherits the orientation from the base template.
Front View Plane Sets the model-space plane to which the front plane of the ViewCube should
align.
Top View Plane Sets the model-space plane to which the top plane of the ViewCube should
align.
Document Settings
Set preferences for the display of the Compass. By default, the display is off.
Show the Compass Sets the preference for the display of the Compass.
below the ViewCube
Angle of North Sets the angle between the ViewCube FRONT face and the Compass direction
North.
ViewCube Menu
Use the ViewCube menu to restore and define the Home view of a model,
switch between view projection modes, and change the interactive behavior
and appearance of the ViewCube.
The ViewCube menu has the following options:
■ Go Home restores the Home view saved with the model.
■ Orthographic switches the current view to orthographic projection.
■ Perspective switches the current view to perspective projection.
■ Perspective with Ortho Faces switches the current view to perspective

projection unless the current view aligns with a face view defined on the
ViewCube.
■ Lock to Selection uses the selected objects to define the center of the view
when a view orientation change occurs with the ViewCube.
NOTE If you click Home on the ViewCube, the view returns to the Home view
even if Lock to Current Selection is selected.
■ Set Current View as Home defines the Home view of the model based on
the current view.
■ Restore Default Home resets the Home view of the model to its default
orientation.
■ Set Current View as Front defines the Front view of the model based on
the current view.
■ Reset Front resets the Front view of the model to its default orientation.
■ Properties displays the dialog box so you can adjust the appearance and
behavior of the ViewCube.
■ Help Topics Opens the Help system and displays the topic for the
ViewCube.
To display the ViewCube menu

To display the ViewCube menu, do one of the following:
■ Right-click on the compass, Home icon, or the main area of the ViewCube.
■ Click the context menu button located near the ViewCube.

Reorient the View of a Model with the ViewCube
ViewCube is used to reorient the current view of a model. You can reorient
the view of a model with the ViewCube by clicking predefined areas to set a
preset view current. Click and drag to change the view angle of the model,
and define and restore the Home view.
Reorient the Current View

The ViewCube provides 26 defined areas you can click to change the current
view of a model. The 26 defined areas are categorized into three groups: corner,
edge, and face. Of the 26 defined areas, six of the areas represent standard
orthogonal views of a model: top, bottom, front, back, left, and right.
Orthogonal views are set by clicking one of the faces on the ViewCube.
NOTE When the cursor is over one of the clickable areas of the ViewCube, it
changes to an arrow with a small cube to indicate the mouse pointer is over the
ViewCube. A tooltip is also displayed. The tooltip describes the action that can be
performed based on the location of the mouse pointer over the ViewCube.
You use the other 20 defined areas to access angled views of a model. Clicking
one of the corners on the ViewCube reorients the current view of the model
to a three-quarter view, based on a viewpoint defined by three sides of the
model. Clicking one of the edges reorients the view of the model to a half
view based on two sides of the model.
You can also click and drag the ViewCube to reorient the view of a model to
a custom viewpoint other than one of the 26 predefined viewpoints that are
available. As you drag, the mouse pointer changes to indicate that you are
reorienting the current view of the model. If you drag the ViewCube close to
one of the preset orientations, and it is set to snap to the closest view, the
ViewCube rotates to the closest preset orientation.
The outline of the ViewCube helps identify the form of orientation it is in:
freeform or constrained. When the ViewCube is in freeform orientation, not
orientated to one of the 26 predefined views, its outline is displayed as dashed.
The ViewCube is outlined in a solid continuous line when it is constrained
to one of the predefined views.
Roll a Face View

When you view a model from one of the face views, two roll arrow buttons
are displayed near the ViewCube. Use the roll arrows to rotate the current
view 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise around the center of the view.
Switch to an Adjacent Face

When the ViewCube is active while viewing a model from one of the face
views, four orthogonal triangles are displayed near the ViewCube. You use
these triangles to switch to one of the adjacent face views.
Front View
You can define the Front view of a model to define the direction of the face
views on the ViewCube. Along with the Front view, the Up direction of a
model is also used to define the direction of the face views on the ViewCube.
To reorient the current view to a preset orientation
■ Click one of the faces, edges, or corners on the ViewCube.

To view an adjacent face
NOTE A face view must be current.
■ Click one of the triangles displayed near the edges of the ViewCube.
To interactively reorient the view
■ Click the ViewCube, hold down the left mouse button on your pointing
device, and drag to orbit the model.
Drag in the direction that you want to orbit the model.
To use animated transitions when reorienting a view to a preset orientation
1 Right-click the ViewCube, and click Properties.
2 In the ViewCube Properties dialog box, under When Clicking on the

ViewCube, click Use Animated Transitions when Switching Views.
When checked, transitions from one view to another appear animated
when clicking a predefined area on the ViewCube.
3 Click OK.
To fit the model after a view orientation automatically
2 In the ViewCube Properties dialog box, under When Clicking on the

ViewCube, click Fit-to-View On View Change.
When checked, clicking a predefined area of the ViewCube reorients the
model and fits the model to the window.
3 Click OK.
To roll a face view
NOTE A face view must be displayed.
■ Click one of the roll arrows displayed above, and to the right of, the
ViewCube.
The left roll arrow rotates the view 90 degrees in a counterclockwise, while
the right roll arrow rotates the view 90 degrees in a clockwise.
To define the Front view
■ Right-click on the ViewCube and click Set Current View as Front.
NOTE You first must orient the view using a view tool so that you are looking at
what you consider to be the Front of the model, with its Top facing upward. Then
choose Set Current View as Front.
To restore the Front view
■ Right-click the ViewCube and click Reset Front.
Set the View Projection Mode

The ViewCube supports two different view projections: perspective and
orthographic. Perspective projected views are calculated based on the distance
from a theoretical camera and target point. The shorter the distance between
the camera and the target point, the more distorted the perspective effect
appears; greater distances produce less distorted effects on the model.
Orthographic projected views display all the points of a model being projected
parallel to the screen.
The following illustration shows the same model viewed from the same viewing
direction, but with different view projections.

When the view for a model changes, the view is updated using the last
projection mode unless the current projection mode set for the ViewCube is
Perspective with Ortho Faces. The Perspective with Ortho Faces mode forces
all views to be displayed in perspective projection unless the model is being
viewed from one of the face views: top, bottom, front, back, left, or right.
To change the view projection mode
➤ Right-click on the ViewCube, and click one of the following options:

■ Orthographic
■ Perspective
■ Perspective with Ortho Faces
Home View
The Home view is a special view stored with a model that makes it easy to
return to a known or familiar view. You can define any view of the model as
the Home view. The saved Home view can be applied to the current view by
clicking the Home button near the ViewCube or from the ViewCube menu.
Define a view of the model as the Home view to return easily to that view by
clicking the Home icon, or by selecting Go Home from the right-click context
menu. You can define a Home view as:
■ Fixed Distance: Defines both the direction of the view and the extent of
the model that fills the view.
■ Fit to View: Defines the direction of the view and the extent is always “view
all.” The initial Home view of Legacy documents is set to Fit to View.
NOTE The Fit to View option is the same as the default Isometric view functionality
found in versions of Inventor before Autodesk Inventor 2009.
To define the Home view
■ Right-click the ViewCube and click Set Current View as Home.
To reorient the model to the Home view
Use one of the following methods:
■ Click the Home button ( ) located near the ViewCube.
■ Right-click the ViewCube and click Go Home.
Examine Individual Objects with the ViewCube

You can lock the ViewCube to a set of selected objects. Click the Lock to
Selection option from the ViewCube menu. Locking a selection of objects to
the ViewCube defines the center of the current view and the distance from
center for the view based on the selected objects. Lock to Selection is enabled
until it is cancelled from the ViewCube menu. Or click the Lock to Selection
button (next to the Home view button).
Selecting and deselecting objects after Lock to Selection is enabled does not
affect the center or distance from the center of the view when a view
orientation change occurs with the ViewCube. Zooming to the extents of a
model does not occur when Lock to Selection is enabled. It is true even if the
ViewCube is set to zoom to extents after each view orientation change.
NOTE When the Fit-to-View on view change option in the ViewCube Properties
dialog box is not selected, the object is kept in a consistent location on the screen.
It is not centered and does not affect zoom.
To lock to the current selection
■ Right-click the ViewCube and click Lock to Selection.

If Lock to Selection is checked when a view orientation change occurs, the
ViewCube uses the selected objects to calculate the center of the view and
zooms to the extents of the selected objects. When unchecked, the
ViewCube uses the selected objects to calculate the center of the view and
zooms to the extents of the model.
To examine an individual object with the ViewCube
1 In the model, select one or more objects to define the center point of the
view.
2 Click one of the preset locations on the ViewCube, or click and drag the
ViewCube to reorient the view of the model.

The ViewCube reorients the view of the model based on the center point
of the selected objects.
Glossary
3D view
Any view where the UCS icon appears in rendered colored form: current visual
style is not 2D Wireframe.
compass
A visual aid that indicates the directions North, South, East, and West in the
current model.
Home view
A special view saved with the drawing that is controlled through the ViewCube.
The Home view is similar in concept to the default, initial view presented
when a drawing is first opened.
roll arrows
Curved arrows located above the ViewCube with which you can rotate the
current view 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.
selection sensitivity
The ability to define the pivot point for reorienting a model based on the
current selection.
ViewCube
User interface element that displays the current orientation of a model. You
can interactively rotate the current view or restore a preset view.
SteeringWheels
SteeringWheels are tracking menus (that follow your cursor) from which you
can access different 2D and 3D navigation tools from a single tool.
Overview of SteeringWheels
SteeringWheels, also known as wheels, can save you time by combining many
of the common navigation tools into a single interface. Wheels are specific
to the context from which a model is being viewed.

The following illustrations show the different wheels available:
2D SteeringWheel
3D SteeringWheel
2D Navigation
Wheel
Full Navigation View Object Wheel Tour Building

Wheel (Basic Wheel) Wheel (Basic
Wheel)
Mini Full Mini Mini
Naviga- View Ob- Tour
tion ject Building
Wheel Wheel Wheel
First Contact Balloon

When a SteeringWheel is displayed the first time and a 3D view is current,
the First Contact balloon for the wheels is displayed. The First Contact balloon
serves as an introduction to the purpose of the wheels and shows how to use
them.
Display and Use Wheels

Pressing and dragging on a wedge of a wheel is the primary mode of
interaction. After a wheel is displayed, click one of the wedges and hold down
the button on the pointing device to activate the navigation tool. Drag to
reorient the current view. Releasing the button returns you to the wheel.
Appearance of the Wheels

You can control the appearance of the wheels by switching between the
different styles of wheels that are available, or by adjusting the size and opacity.
Wheels (except the 2D Navigation wheel) are available in two different styles:
big and mini.
The size of a wheel controls how large or small the wedges and labels appear
on the wheel; the opacity level controls the visibility of the objects in the
model behind the wheel.

Wheel Tooltips, Tool Messages, and Tool Cursor Text
Tooltips are displayed for each button on a wheel as the cursor is moved over
them. The tooltips appear below the wheel and identify what action will be
performed if the wedge or button is clicked.
Similar to tooltips, tool messages and cursor text are displayed when you use
one of the navigation tools from a wheel. Tool messages are displayed when
a navigation tool is active; they provide basic instructions about using the
tool. Tool cursor text displays the name of the active navigation tool near the
cursor. Disabling tool messages and cursor text only affects the messages that
are displayed when using the mini wheels or the big Full Navigation wheel.
To display a Wheel
➤ On the Navigation bar, click the Wheels drop-down arrow, and make a
selection.
To close a wheel
Use one of the following methods to close a wheel:
■ Click Close.
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Close Wheel.
To change the size of a wheel
1 Display a wheel.
2 Right-click the wheel, and click Properties.
3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, next to Big Wheel or Mini

Wheel, click the drop-down arrow and make a selection.
Move the slider left to reduce the size of the wheel; move it to the right
to increase the size of the wheel.
4 Click OK.
To change the opacity of a wheel
1 Display a wheel.
3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, next to Wheel Opacity, click

the drop-down arrow and make a selection.
4 Click OK.
To enable tooltips for a wheel
1 Display a wheel.
3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, click Show Tooltips.

Tooltips are displayed for each wedge and button on a wheel when the
cursor moves over the wheel.
4 Click OK.
To enable tools messages for a wheel
1 Display a wheel.
3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, click Show Tool Messages.

Messages are displayed when you use the navigation tools.
4 Click OK.
Quick Reference
SteeringWheels
Access:
On the Navigation bar, click a Wheels command.

Access:
Right-click on the wheel, and make a selection to toggle between the different
Wheels.
Mini View Object Wheel: Displays the mini version of the View Object wheel.
Mini Tour Building Wheel: Displays the mini version of the Tour Building
wheel.
Mini Full Navigation Wheel: Displays the mini version of the Full Navigation
wheel.
Full Navigation Wheel: Displays the big Full Navigation wheel.
Basic View Object Wheel: Displays the big View Object wheel.
Basic Tour Building Wheel: Displays the full Tour Building wheel.
Go Home: Changes the current view to the Home view saved with the model.
Fit to Window: Resizes and centers the current view to display all objects.
Restore Original Center: Restores the center point of the view to the extents
of the model.
Properties: Displays the dialog box that so you can adjust the preferences for
the wheels.
Close Wheel: Closes the wheel.
Help Topics: Launches the online Help system and displays the topic on the
wheels.
Quick Reference
SteeringWheels Properties
Access:
Right-click the wheel in the graphics window and select Properties
Show Tool Messages

Sets the preference for displaying Wheel messages.
Show Tool Tips

Sets the preference for displaying Wheel tooltips.
Display
Mini Wheel Size
Sets the Mini Wheel size to the size of your preference.
Big Wheel Size
Sets the Big Wheel size to the size of your preference.
Wheel Opacity
Sets the Wheel opacity to your preference.
Navigation Options
Look Tool - Invert Vertical Axis
Swaps the up-down mouse motion of the Look tool.
Zoom Tool - Enable Incremental Zoom-In
When Enable Incremental Zoom-In is checked, single clicking over the Zoom
wedge increases the magnification of the model, and when left unchecked
nothing happens if you single-click over the Zoom wedge.
Orbit Tool - Selection Sensitivity
When selection sensitivity is enabled, the objects selected before the Orbit
tool are used to calculate the pivot point to use for orbiting. The pivot point
is calculated based on the center of the extents of the selected objects.
Walk Tool - Constrain movement to ground plane

Adjusts the walking movement direction based on your current camera looking
direction instead of the default ground plane. It is used in combination with
the Look Tool to move around in 3D space.
Walk Tool - Speed Factor
Sets the speed for the Walk Tool.
Wheel Menu
Use the Wheel menu to switch between the big and mini wheels that are
available, go to the Home view, change the preferences of the current wheel,
and control the behavior of the orbit, look, and walk 3D navigation tools. The
menu items available on the Wheel menu are dependent on the current wheel
and program.
The Wheel menu has the following options:
■ Mini View Object Wheel. Displays the mini View Object wheel.
■ Mini Tour Building Wheel. Displays the mini Tour Building wheel.
■ Mini Full Navigation Wheel. Displays the mini Full Navigation wheel.
■ Full Navigation Wheel. Displays the big Full Navigation wheel.
■ Basic Wheels. Displays the big View Object or Tour Building wheel.
■ Go Home. Goes to the Home view saved with the model.
■ Fit to Window. Resizes and centers the current view to display all objects.
NOTE When you select Fit to Window and the Far Clipping parameter is active
(either set to Clip without Line or Clip with Line), it will be disabled. You can
use the Rewind tool to return to a view where the Far Clipping parameter was
active, or you can enable the property again through the Element Properties
dialog for the view. For more information on the Far Clipping parameter, see
Cutting an Elevation, Section, or Callout View by the Far Clip Plane.
■ Restore Original Center. Restores the center point of the view to the extents
of the model.
■ Level Camera. Rotates the current view so it is relative to the XY ground

plane.
■ Increase Walk Speed. Increases the walk speed used for the Walk tool by
two times.
■ Decrease Walk Speed. Decreases the walk speed used for the Walk tool by
one half.
■ Orient to View. Orients the camera to match the view angle of the selected
view (a plan, elevation, section, or 3D view).
■ Orient to a Plane. Adapts the view according to a specific plane.
■ Save View. Saves the current view orientation with a unique name.
NOTE Save View only allows you to save a 3D view with a unique name when
you are viewing the default 3D view. If you are viewing a previously saved
orthographic 3D view or a perspective (camera) 3D view, the view is simply
saved with the new orientation and you are not prompted to supply a unique
name.
■ Increase/Decrease Focal Length. Acts as a zoom lens on the model, because

it changes the focal length of the camera in a perspective view.
■ Move Crop Boundary. Moves the position of the crop boundary around
in a perspective view.
■ Re-center Crop Boundary. Repositions the crop boundary to the center of

the perspective view.
■ Help. Launches the online Help system and displays the topic about the
wheels.
■ Properties. Displays the dialog box where you can adjust the preferences
for the wheels.
■ Close Wheel. Closes the wheel.
To display the Wheel menu
■ Click the down arrow in the lower-right corner of the wheel or right-click
on the wheel.

Navigation Wheels
Wheels are available in two sizes: big and mini. The big wheel is larger than
the cursor. A label is on each wedge in the wheel. The mini wheel is about
the same size as the cursor. Labels are not displayed on the wheel wedges. The
2D Navigation wheel is only available in a big version.
2D Navigation Wheel
With this wheel, you can access basic 2D navigation tools; it is useful when
you do not have a pointing device with a scroll wheel. The wheel includes
the Pan and Zoom tools.
The 2D Navigation wheel wedges have the following options:
■ Pan. Repositions the current view by panning.
■ Zoom. Adjusts the magnification of the current view.
NOTE Pan and Zoom in a 2D SteeringWheel are used to pan or zoom the
page space. In all other wheels, Pan and Zoom moves the camera.
■ Rewind. Restores the most recent view orientation. You can move backward
or forward by clicking and dragging left or right.
View Object Wheels

With the View Object wheels (big and mini), you can view individual objects
or features in a model. The big View Object wheel is optimized for new 3D
users while the mini View Object wheel is optimized for experienced 3D users.
Big View Object Wheel
The big View Object wheel wedges have the following options:
■ Center. Specifies a point on a model to adjust the center of the current

view or change the target point used for some of the navigation tools.
■ Rewind. Restores the most recent view orientation. You can move backward
or forward by clicking and dragging left or right.
■ Orbit. Rotates the current view around a fixed pivot point.
Mini View Object Wheel

The mini View Object wheel wedges have the following options:
■ Zoom (Top wedge). Adjusts the magnification of the current view.
■ Rewind (Right wedge). Restores the most recent view. You can move
backward or forward by clicking and dragging left or right.
■ Pan (Bottom wedge). Repositions the current view by panning.
■ Orbit (Left wedge). Rotates the current view around a fixed pivot point.
NOTE When the mini wheel is displayed, you can press and hold the middle
mouse button to pan, scroll the wheel button to zoom in and out, and hold the
SHIFT key while pressing and holding the middle mouse button to orbit the model.
To switch to the big View Objects wheel
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Basic View Object Wheel.
To switch to the mini View Objects wheel
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Mini View Object Wheel.

Tour Building Wheels
With the Tour Building wheels (big and mini), you can move through a model,
such as a building, assembly line, ship, or oil rig. You can also walk through
and navigate around a model. The big Tour Building wheel is optimized for
new 3D users while the mini Tour Building wheel is optimized for experienced
3D users.
Big Tour Building Wheel

The big Tour Building wheel wedges have the following options:
■ Forward. Adjusts the distance between the current point of view and the
defined pivot point of the model. Clicking once moves forward half the
distance as far as the object you clicked.
■ Look. Swivels the current view.
■ Rewind. Restores the most recent view. You can move backward or forward
by clicking and dragging left or right.
■ Up/DownTool. Slides the current view of a model along the Z axis of the
model.
Mini Tour Building Wheel

The mini Tour Building wheel wedges have the following options:
■ Walk (Top wedge). Simulates walking through a model.
■ Rewind (Right wedge). Restores the most recent view. You can move
backward or forward by clicking and dragging left or right.
■ Up/Down (Bottom wedge). Slides the current view of a model along the
Z axis of the model.
■ Look (Left wedge). Swivels the current view.
NOTE When the mini wheel is displayed, you can press and hold the middle
mouse button to pan, scroll the wheel button to zoom in and out, and hold the
SHIFT key while pressing and holding the middle mouse button to orbit the model.
To switch to the big Tour Building wheel
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Basic Wheels ➤ Tour Building Wheel.
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Basic Tour Building Wheel.
To switch to the mini Tour Building wheel
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Mini Tour Building Wheel.
Full Navigation Wheels

The Full Navigation wheels (big and mini) combine the 3D navigation tools
found on the View Object and Tour Building wheels. You can view individual
objects, and walk through and around a model. The big and mini Full
Navigation wheels are optimized for experienced 3D users.
NOTE When one of the Full Navigation wheels is displayed, you can press and
hold the middle mouse button to pan, scroll the wheel button to zoom in and
out, and hold the SHIFT key while pressing and holding the middle mouse button
to orbit the model.
Big Full Navigation Wheel

The big Full Navigation wheel wedges include the following options:
■ Rewind. Restores the most recent view. Move backward or forward by

clicking and dragging left or right.
■ Pan. Repositions the current view by panning.

■ Orbit. Rotates the current view around a fixed pivot point.
■ Center. Specifies a point on a model to adjust the center of the current

view or change the target point used for some of the navigation tools.
■ Walk. Simulates walking through a model.
■ Look. Swivels the current view.
■ Up/Down. Slides the current view of a model along the Z axis of the model.
Mini Full Navigation Wheel

The mini Full Navigation wheel wedges include the following options:
■ Zoom (Top wedge). Adjusts the magnification of the current view.
■ Walk (Upper right wedge). Simulates walking through a model.
■ Rewind (Right wedge). Restores the most recent view. Move backward or
forward by clicking and dragging left or right.
■ Up/Down (Lower right wedge). Slides the current view of a model along
the Z axis of the model.
■ Pan (Bottom wedge). Repositions the current view by panning.
■ Look (Lower left wedge). Swivels the current view.
■ Orbit (Left wedge). Rotates the current view around a fixed pivot point.
■ Center (Upper left wedge). Specifies a point on a model to adjust the

center of the current view or change the target point used for some of the
navigation tools.
To switch to the big Full Navigation wheel
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Full Navigation Wheel.
To switch to the mini Full Navigation wheel
■ Right-click the wheel, and click Mini Full Navigation Wheel.
Navigation Tools
Each wheel is divided into different wedges. Each wedge contains a navigation
tool that you can be uses to reorient the current view of a model. The
navigation tools that are available depend on the active wheel.
Center Tool
With the Center tool, you can define the center of the current view of a model.
To define the center, drag the cursor over the model. A sphere is displayed in
addition to the cursor. The sphere indicates that the point below the cursor
in the model is the center of the current view. When you release the mouse
button, the model is centered on the sphere.
NOTE If a center point on a model cannot be identified, then an icon indicating

that the operation cannot be performed. A circle with a diagonal line is displayed
instead of the sphere.
The point defined by the Center tool provides a focal point for the Zoom tool
and a pivot point for the Orbit tool.
NOTE If you want to zoom from the Full Navigation wheels from your defined
center point, hold down the CTRL key before zooming.
To specify a point on a model as the center of a view
1 Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the big View Object wheel.
2 Click and hold down the Center wedge.
3 Drag the cursor to the desired location of the model.
4 Release the button on your pointing device when the sphere is displayed.
The model is panned until the sphere is centered.

To specify the target point for the Zoom and Orbit tools
1 Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the big View Object wheel.
2 Click and hold down the Center wedge.
3 Drag the cursor over the desired location of the model.
4 Release the button on your pointing device when the sphere is displayed.
The model is panned until the sphere is centered.
5 Use the Zoom or Orbit tool to reorient the view of the model.
If you are using one of the Full Navigation wheels, hold down the CTRL
key before using the Zoom tool.
Forward Tool
Use the Forward tool to change the magnification of the model by increasing
or decreasing the distance between the current point of view and the pivot
point. The distance that you can move forward or backward is limited by the
position of the pivot point.
NOTE In orthographic views, the Forward tool is limited to the distance between
the current position and the pivot point. In perspective views, it is not limited,
allowing you to move the cursor through the pivot point.
To adjust the distance between the current point of view and the pivot point
you use the Drag Distance indicator. The Drag Distance indicator has two
marks on it that show the start and destination distances from the current
point of view. The current traveled distance is shown by the orange position
indicator. Slide the indicator forward or backwards to decrease or increase the
distance towards the pivot point.
To reorient a view by moving towards or away from the model
1 Display the big Tour Building wheel.
2 Click and hold down the Forward wedge within the scope of the model.
The Drag Distance indicator is displayed.
NOTE If you click the Forward wedge once, the model moves forward 50%
of the distance between the current location and the pivot point.
3 Drag the cursor up or down to change the distance from which you view
the model.
4 Release the button on your pointing device to return to the wheel.
Look Tool
With the Look tool, you can rotate the current view vertically and horizontally.
When rotating the view, your line of sight rotates about the current eye
position, like turning your head. The Look tool can be compared to you
standing in a fixed location, and looking up or down while turning your head
left or right.
When using the Look tool, adjust the view of the model by dragging the
cursor. As you drag, the cursor changes to the Look cursor and the model
rotates around the location of the current view.
Walking through a Model

When using the Look tool from the big Full Navigation wheel, you can walk
through a model by using the arrow keys on the keyboard. Use the Properties
dialog box for the SteeringWheels to adjust the walk tool.

Invert Vertical Axis
When you drag the cursor upward, the target point of the view lowers; dragging
the cursor downward raises the target point of the view. Use the properties
dialog box for the SteeringWheels to invert the vertical axis for the Look tool.
To look around a view with the Look tool
1 Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the mini Tour Building
wheel.
2 Click and hold down the Look wedge.

The cursor changes to the Look cursor.
3 Drag the pointing device to change the direction in which you are
looking.
To look around and walk through a model with the Look tool
1 Display the big Full Navigation wheel.
2 Click and hold down the Look wedge.

The cursor changes to the Look cursor.
3 Drag to change the direction in which you are looking.
4 While holding down the button on your pointing device, press the arrow
keys to walk in the model.
6 Click Close to exit the wheel.
To invert the vertical axis for the Look tool
1 Display a wheel.
3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, select Invert Vertical Axis

for Look Tool.
Dragging downward and upward lowers and raises the target point of the
current view.
4 Click OK.
Orbit Tool
You use the Orbit tool to change the orientation of a model. The cursor changes
to the Orbit cursor. As you drag the cursor, the model rotates around a pivot
point while the view remains fixed.
Specify the Pivot Point

The pivot point is the base point used when rotating the model with the Orbit
tool. You can specify the pivot point in the following ways:
■ Default pivot point. When you first open a model, the target point of the
current view is used as the pivot point for orbiting the model.
■ Select objects. You can select objects before the Orbit tool is used to
calculate the pivot point. The pivot point is calculated based on the center
of the extents of the selected objects.
■ Center tool. You can specify a point on the model to use as the pivot point
for orbiting with the Center tool.
■ CTRL+Click and drag. Press and hold down the CTRL key before clicking
the Orbit wedge or while the Orbit tool is active. Then drag to the point
on the model you want to use as the pivot point. This option is only
available when using the big and mini Full Navigation wheels or the mini
View Object wheel.
NOTE While the Orbit tool is active, you can be press and hold the CTRL key
at anytime to move the pivot point used by the Orbit tool.
Maintain Up Direction
You can control how the model orbits around the pivot point by choosing to
maintain the up direction of the model. When the up direction is maintained,
orbiting is constrained along the XY axis and in the Z direction. If you drag
horizontally, the camera moves parallel to the XY plane. If you drag vertically,
the camera moves along the Z axis.

If the up direction is not maintained, you can roll the model using the roll
ring which is centered around the pivot point. Use the properties dialog box
for the SteeringWheels to control whether the up direction is maintained or
not for the Orbit tool.
To orbit a model with the Orbit tool
1 Display one of the View Object or Full Navigation wheels.
2 Click and hold down the Orbit wedge.

The cursor changes to the Orbit cursor.
3 Drag to rotate the model.
NOTE Use the Center tool to re-center the model in the current view, if you
are using one of the Full Navigation or View Object wheels.
To orbit around an object with the Orbit tool
1 Press ESC to ensure that no commands are active and to clear any
previously selected objects.
2 Select the objects in the model for which you want to define the pivot
point.
4 Click and hold down the Orbit wedge.

The cursor changes to the Orbit cursor.
5 Drag to rotate the model.
To turn on selection sensitivity for the Orbit tool
3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, select Selection Sensitivity

for Orbit Tool.
4 Click OK.
The extents of any objects selected before the wheel is displayed are used
to define the pivot point for the Orbit tool. If no objects are selected, the
pivot point used by the Orbit is the one defined by the Center tool.
To start the Orbit tool with the middle mouse button
1 Display one of the wheels other than the big View Object or Tour Building
wheels.
2 Press and hold down the SHIFT key.
3 Press and hold down the scroll wheel or middle button on your pointing
device and drag to orbit the model.
Pan Tool
When the Pan tool is active, the Pan cursor (a four-sided arrow) is displayed.
Dragging the pointing device moves the model in the same direction. For
example, dragging upward moves the model up, while dragging downward
moves the model down.
In a 3D context, primarily when using 3D SteeringWheels, Pan dollies the
camera left and right. In a 2D context, Pan scrolls the view. If you are using
Pan with an active view on a sheet, Pan scrolls the sheet view, not the active
view on the sheet.
TIP If the cursor reaches the edge of the screen, you can continue panning by
dragging further to force it to wrap around the screen.
To pan the view with the Pan tool
1 Display the 2D Navigation wheel, one of the Full Navigation wheels, or

the mini View Object wheel.

2 Click and hold the Pan wedge.
The cursor changes to the Pan cursor.
3 Drag to reposition the model.
To start the Pan tool with the middle button
1 Display the 2D Navigation wheel, the Full Navigation wheel, or one of

the mini wheels.
2 Press and hold down the scroll wheel or middle button.

The cursor changes to the Pan cursor.
3 Drag to reposition the model.
4 Release the wheel or button on your pointing device to return to the

wheel.
Rewind Tool
As you use the navigation tools to reorient the view of a model, the previous
view is saved to the navigation history. The navigation history holds a
representation of the previous views of the model along with a thumbnail. A
separate navigation history is maintained for each window; it is not maintained
after the window is closed. Rewind navigation history is view-specific.
With the Rewind tool, you can retrieve previous views from the navigation
history. From the navigation history, you can restore a previous view or scroll
through all the saved views.
When you hold down the button on the pointing device over the Rewind
tool on the wheel, the Rewind History panel is displayed. You can scroll
through the navigation history. To restore one of the previous views in the
navigation history, drag the bracket to the left in the Rewind History panel.
NOTE Rewind history is not saved between sessions.
To restore the previous view
1 Display a wheel.
2 Click the Rewind wedge.
To restore a previous view with the Rewind History panel
1 Display a wheel.
2 Click and hold the Rewind wedge.

The Rewind History panel is displayed.
3 While holding down the button on your pointing device, drag to the left
or to the right to restore a previous view.
Dragging to the left restores an older previous view. Dragging to the right
restores a view that is newer than the one you are currently viewing. You
must have previously used the Rewind tool to see views available on the
right. The current position in the navigation history is indicated by the
orange box dragged along the Rewind History panel.
Up/Down Tool
Unlike the Pan tool, you use the UP/Down tool to adjust the height of the
current viewpoint along the Z axis of the model. To adjust the vertical elevation
of the current view, you drag up or down. As you drag, the current elevation
and the allowed range of motion is displayed on a graphical element called
the Vertical Distance indicator.
The Vertical Distance indicator has two marks that show the highest (Top)
and lowest (Bottom) elevation possible for the view. While changing the
elevation with the Vertical Distance indicator, the current elevation is shown
by the bright orange indicator. The previous elevation is shown by the dim
orange indicator.

To change the elevation of a view
1 Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the Tour Building wheels.
2 Click and hold down the Up/Down wedge.

The Vertical Distance indicator is displayed.
3 Drag up or down to change the elevation of the view.
Walk Tool
With the Walk tool, you can navigate through a model as if you were walking
through it. Once you start the Walk tool, the Center Circle icon is displayed
near the center of the view. The cursor changes to display a series of arrows.
To walk through the model, you drag in the direction in which you want to
move in.
Constrain the Walk Angle

When walking through a model, you can constrain the movement angle to
the ground plane. If the Constrain Walk Angle to Ground Plane option is
enabled, you can freely walk around while maintaining a constant camera
viewpoint elevation. If the walk angle is not constrained, you will “fly” in the
direction you are looking. Use the Properties dialog box for the SteeringWheels
to constrain the movement angle to the ground plane for the Walk tool.
Movement Speed
As you walk or “fly” through a model, you can control the movement speed.
Movement speed is controlled by the distance in which the Cursor is moved
from the Center Circle icon and the current movement speed setting. You
can adjust the movement speed setting permanently or temporarily as you
use the Walk tool. To adjust the movement speed permanently, use the
Properties dialog box for the SteeringWheels or the < and > keys when the
Walk tool is active. To increase movement speed temporarily, press and hold
the + (plus) key while using the Walk tool.
Change the Elevation

As you use the Walk tool, adjust the camera elevation by holding down the
SHIFT key. It temporarily activates the Up/Down tool. With the Up/Down tool
active, drag up or down to adjust the elevation of the camera. You can also
use the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys as you walk to adjust the height of
the view.
To use the Walk tool to move through the model
wheel.
2 Click and hold down the Walk wedge.

The cursor changes to the Walk cursor and the Center Circle icon is
displayed.
3 Drag in the direction you want to walk.
NOTE While walking, press and hold down the + (plus) key to increase your
movement speed temporarily.
To change the movement speed for the Walk tool
1 Display a wheel.

3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, under Walk Tool, drag the
Walk Speed slider to the left to decrease the walking speed. Or, drag to
the right to increase the walking speed.
4 Click OK.
To constrain the Walk tool to the ground plane
1 Display a wheel.
3 In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, under Walk Tool, select

Constrain Walk Movement Angle to Ground Plane.
4 Click OK.
Movement when walking is done parallel to the ground plane of the
model.
To adjust the height of the current view from the Walk tool
wheel.
2 Click and hold down the Walk wedge.

The cursor changes to the Walk cursor and the Center Circle icon is
displayed.
3 Do one of the following:

■ Press and hold down the SHIFT key to enable the Up/Down tool; drag
up or down.
■ Press and hold down the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key.
Zoom Tool
You use the Zoom tool to change the zoom magnification of a model. The
following mouse click and key combinations are available to control how the
Zoom tool behaves:
■ Click. If you click the Zoom tool on a wheel, the current view is zoomed
in by a factor of 25 percent. If you are using the Full Navigation wheel,
incremental zoom must be enabled in the Properties dialog box for the
SteeringWheels.
■ SHIFT+click. If you hold down the SHIFT key before you click the Zoom
tool on a wheel, the current view is zoomed out by a factor of 25 percent.
Zooming is performed from the current location of the cursor, and not the
current pivot point.
NOTE When you start the Zoom tool from the Full Navigation wheel,
incremental zooming must be enabled in the Properties dialog box for the
SteeringWheels to use CTRL+click and SHIFT+click.
■ CTRL+click. If you hold down the CTRL key before you click the Zoom tool
on a wheel, the current view is zoomed in by a factor of 25 percent.
Zooming is performed from the current pivot point, and not the location
of the cursor.
■ Click and drag. If you click the Zoom tool and hold down the button on
your pointing device, you can adjust the magnification of the model by
dragging up and down.
■ CTRL+click and drag. When using the Full Navigation wheels or the mini
View Object wheel, you can control the target point used by the Zoom
tool. By holding down the CTRL key, the Zoom tool uses the location of
the previous pivot point defined by the Zoom, Orbit, or Center tool.
■ SHIFT+click and drag. When using the Full Navigation wheels or the mini
View Object wheel, zoom in to an area of the model by dragging a
rectangular window around the area you want to fit in the window. Hold
down the SHIFT key and then click and drag a window around the area in
which you want to zoom.
NOTE If you hold down the CTRL key along with the SHIFT key, you can zoom
in to an area of a model using a center-based window, instead of one defined
by opposite corners.
■ Mouse wheel. When a wheel is displayed, scroll the mouse wheel up or

down to zoom the view of the model in or out.
NOTE When you use the Zoom tool from the Full Navigation wheel or the View
Object wheel, the point in the view where you click to zoom becomes the Center
point for future Orbit operations until you either use the Zoom tool again or use
the Center tool. If you press CTRL before you click the Zoom wedge, the Center
point does not change.

Zoom Constraints
When changing the magnification of a model with the Zoom tool, you cannot
zoom in any closer than the focus point, or out any further past the extents
of the model. The direction you can zoom in and out is controlled by the
center point set by the Center tool.
NOTE Unlike the Zoom tool on the big View Object wheel, the Zoom tool on the
mini View Object wheel and the Full Navigation wheels are not constrained.
To zoom the view with a single click

Enable incremental zoom before using the Full Navigation wheels. The setting
can be changed from the Properties dialog box for the SteeringWheels.
1 Do the following to ensure that Enable Incremental Zoom In option is

selected:
■ Display the Full Navigation wheel.
■ Right-click on the wheel, and click Properties.
■ In the SteeringWheels Properties dialog box, under Zoom Tool, select

Enable Incremental Zoom In.
■ Click OK.

3 Click the Zoom wedge.

The magnification of the model is increased and you are zoomed in closer
to the model. If you hold down the SHIFT key while clicking the Zoom
wedge, the model is zoomed out; you can hold down the CTRL key to
zoom in.
To zoom a view in and out by dragging

2 Click and hold down the Zoom wedge.

The cursor changes to the Zoom cursor.
3 Drag vertically to zoom in or out.
To zoom in to an area of the model by specifying window
1 Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the mini View Object wheel.
2 Press and hold down the SHIFT key.
3 Click and hold down the Zoom wedge.

The cursor changes to the Zoom cursor.
4 Drag the pointing device to define the opposite corner of the window
that defines the area in which you want to zoom.
NOTE Holding down the CTRL key while defining the second point of the
window determines if the first point of the window is used as the corner or
center of the window being dragged. When the CTRL key is held down, the
first point defines the center of the window.
To zoom in and out by scrolling the mouse wheel when a SteeringWheel is

displayed
1 Display one of the wheels other than the big Tour Building wheel.
2 Scroll the wheel forward or backward to zoom in or out.
Glossary
basic wheels
A reference to the View Object wheel and Tour Building wheel.

big wheels
The large version of the SteeringWheels. Labels are displayed on each wheel
wedge and they are larger than the size of the cursor.
First Contact balloon

The interactive graphical tooltip that is displayed when the SteeringWheel is
pinned during startup.
heads-up display (HUD)

The process of transparently displaying user interface elements on top of or
over the drawing area without obscuring the view of the objects drawn on
the drawing area.
mini wheels
The small version of SteeringWheels. No labels are displayed on any of the
wedges, and they are often the size of the cursor.
rewind
Restores the previous view or movement path created by the Autodesk
ViewCube navigation tool, SteeringWheels, and other navigation tools.
selection sensitivity
The ability to define the pivot point to reorienting a model based on the
current selection.
SteeringWheels
Tool set that provides access to 2D and 3D navigation tools.
tool message
A small instructional message that appears over the drawing window and is
specific to the active navigation tool from a SteeringWheel.
tracking menu
A cluster of buttons that follows the cursor as you move it over the window.
wheel
A reference to one of the individual user interface elements that make up
SteeringWheels. See also SteeringWheels.
wheel surface
Area of a SteeringWheel that is used to organize wedges and other buttons.
wheel wedge
A section on the surface of a SteeringWheel that is designated for a specific
navigation or orientation tool.
wheels
A reference to more than one of the individual user interface elements that
make up SteeringWheels. See also SteeringWheels.
wrap around
Behavior in which the cursor wraps around the window and appears on the
opposite side to allow the continuation of a drag operation instead of stopping
at the edge of the drawing area.
Navigation Bar
The navigation bar displays by default in the upper right in the graphics
window. You can access viewing and navigation commands from the
navigation bar.
Access Navigation Tools from the Navigation Bar

The navigation bar is a user interface element from which you can access both
unified and product-specific navigation tools. Unified navigation tools (such
as Autodesk ViewCube and SteeringWheels) can be found across many
Autodesk products. Product-specific navigation tools are unique to a product.
The navigation bar floats over and along one of the sides of the window of
the current model.
The unified and product-specific navigation tools are organized into separate
areas of the navigation bar. The unified navigation tools are located on the

two ends of the navigation bar, while the product-specific navigation tools
are located in the center. Start navigation tools by clicking one of the buttons
on the navigation bar. Or, select one of the tools from a list that is displayed
when you click the smaller portion of a split button.
Available Navigation Tools

The following unified navigation tools are available from the navigation bar:
■ ViewCube. Indicates the current orientation of a model and is used to

reorient the current view of a model.
■ SteeringWheels. Collection of wheels that offer rapid switching between

specialized navigation tools.
The following product-specific navigation tools are available from the

navigation bar:
■ Pan. Moves the view parallel to the screen.
■ Zoom tools. Set of navigation tools for increasing or decreasing the

magnification of the current view of a model.
■ Orbit tools. Set of navigation tools for rotating the current view of a model.
■ Look At. Views faces of a model from a selected plane.
Reposition and Reorient the Navigation Bar

Adjust the position and orientation of the navigation bar by linking it to the
ViewCube, docking it when the ViewCube is not displayed, or freely
positioning it along one of the edges of the current window. When linked to
the ViewCube, the navigation bar is positioned above or below the ViewCube
and in a vertical orientation. When not linked or docked, the navigation bar
Navigation Bar | 95
can be freely aligned along one of the edges of the window of the current
model.
You specify how the navigation bar can be repositioned from the Customize
menu. When not linked to the ViewCube or docked, a grip handle is displayed.
Drag the grip handle on the navigation bar to reposition it along one of the
sides of the window of the current window.
If the side of the window that the navigation bar is aligned to is not long
enough to show the entire navigation bar, it is truncated to fit. When
truncated, a More Controls button is displayed and replaces the Customize
button. When you click the More Controls button, a menu is displayed that
contains the navigation tools that are not currently being displayed.
Control the Display of Navigation Tools on the Navigation Bar

You can control which unified and product-specific navigation tools are
displayed on the navigation bar with the Customize menu by clicking the
drop-down arrow located on the bottom right of the navigation bar. The
Customize menu is displayed by clicking the Customize button. From the
Customize menu, you click the navigation tools that you want displayed on
the navigation bar. The position of the navigation tools on the navigation
bar is predefined and cannot be changed.
Use the navigation bar

To display the navigation bar
If the navigation bar is not visible, do one of the following:
■ Click in the graphics window.
■ On the ribbon, click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ User Interface, and
select the Navigation Bar check box .

To close the navigation bar
To close the navigation bar, do one of the following:
■ Click Close.
■ Right-click a control and click Close navigation bar.
NOTE The Customize drop-down arrow is located on the bottom right of the
navigation bar as shown in the following image.
To display a navigation tool on the navigation bar
1 On the navigation bar, click Customize.
2 On the Customize menu, click the navigation tool you want to display
on the navigation bar.
A check mark next to the name of a navigation tool indicates it is
displayed on the navigation bar.
To remove a tool from the navigation bar

To remove a navigation tool from the navigation bar, do one of the following:
■ Right-click the tool you want to remove, and click Remove from Navigation
Bar.
■ On the navigation bar, click Customize. On the Customize menu, click

the tool to remove.
To reposition the navigation bar and ViewCube
2 Click Customize menu ➤ Docking Positions ➤ Link to ViewCube.
Navigation Bar | 97
When Link to ViewCube is checked, both the navigation bar and
ViewCube are repositioned together around the current window. When
ViewCube is not displayed, the navigation bar is docked in the same
location in which ViewCube would be instead.
3 Click Customize.
4 Click Customize menu ➤ Docking Positions ➤ an available docking

position.
The navigation bar and ViewCube are repositioned.
To link the position of the navigation bar to ViewCube

When Link to ViewCube is checked, both the navigation bar and
ViewCube are repositioned together around the current window.
To reposition the navigation bar freely along the edge of the current window

The grip handle for the navigation bar is displayed along the top of the
navigation bar.
3 Click the grip handle and drag the navigation bar along the edge of the
window where you want it displayed. Release the button on the pointing
device to orient the navigation bar along the edge of the window.
Dragging the navigation bar to the top or bottom of the window orients
it horizontally. Dragging it to the left or right side of the window orients
it vertically.
4 Drag the navigation bar along the edge of the window to adjust its
position along the edge.
To adjust the opacity of the navigation bar
2 Click Customize menu ➤ Inactive opacity or Active opacity and make

a selection.

View faces of models from selected planes
Use View Face to zoom and rotate the display in the graphics window. You
can position a selected planar element parallel to the screen or position a
selected edge or line horizontal to the screen.
1 On the Navigation Bar ➤ View Face.
2 Click an edge, line, or planar element in the graphics window.
Pan views
Use Pan to move the view in the graphics window in any direction planar to
the screen. You can pan the view while other commands are active.
1 On the Navigation bar ➤ Pan or press F2.
2 Use the arrow cursor to drag the view in the graphics window.
Rotate views with the Free Orbit and Constrained Orbit command
Use Free Orbit on the Navigation bar to rotate the model in screen space:
■ On the Navigation bar ➤ Free Orbit
■ Moving the mouse left-right rotates the view about the vertical screen axis.
■ Moving the mouse away or toward you rotates the view about the
horizontal screen axis.
■ Rotation is about the center of the screen.
Use Constrained Orbit to rotate the model about axes in model space,
equivalent to moving the eye position about the model in latitude and
longitude:
■ On the Navigation bar ➤ Constrained Orbit
■ Moving the mouse left or right rotates the view about the model space
axis that passes through the TOP and BOTTOM faces of the ViewCube. It
is like the model is on a turntable. This view is equivalent to moving the
eyepoint in an orbit about the object along lines of constant latitude.
Navigation Bar | 99
■ Moving the mouse away or toward you, rotate the view about the
horizontal screen axis, as if you were tilting the turntable. This view is
equivalent to moving the eyepoint along lines of longitude.
■ Rotation is about the model space center point set by the SteeringWheels
CENTER command or other methods described elsewhere.
You can rotate the view using these commands while other commands are
active.
Zoom views in or out

Use Zoom to zoom the view in the graphics window in or out to achieve the
desired scale. You can zoom the view while other commands are active.
1 On Navigation bar ➤ Zoom or press F3.
2 Use the arrow cursor to click and drag the view to the desired scale. Dragging
down increases view scale; dragging up decreases view scale.
Zoom to view all
On the Navigation bar ➤ Zoom All to execute the zoom.
Zoom views of selected features

Use Zoom Selected to zoom a selected edge, feature, or other element to the
size of the graphics window.

1 On Navigation bar ➤ Zoom Selected.
2 Click the edge, feature, or other element on which to focus.
Zoom views of areas
1 On Navigation bar ➤ Zoom Window.
2 Use the cross hairs to locate the area.
3 Click and drag to frame the area of interest.
Quick Reference
Viewing commands
Navigation Bar | 101

The viewing commands manipulate the view in the graphics window of the
active part. You can use viewing commands to manipulate the view while
performing other operations. For example, rotating a part during a fillet
operation so that you can select edges that are otherwise hidden.
In a part, zooms the view so that all elements in the model fit in the graphics window. In a
drawing, zooms the view so that all active sheet fits in the graphics window.
Changes the cursor into cross hairs that are used to define a frame for the view. The elements
within the frame zoom to fill the graphics window.
Turns the cursor to an arrow that is used to zoom the view in or out.
Changes the cursor to a four-directional arrow used to drag the view in the graphics window.
In a part, zooms the selected edge, feature, line, or other element to fill the graphics window.
You can select the element either before or after clicking the Zoom button. Not used in drawings.
In a part, adds a rotate symbol and cursor to the view. You can rotate the view planar to the
screen around the center mark, around a horizontal or vertical axis, or around the X and Y axes.
Not used in drawings.
In a part, zooms and rotates the model to display the selected element planar to the screen or
a selected edge or line horizontal to the screen. Not used in drawings.

Glossary
navigation bar
Interface element from which you can access both unified and product-specific
navigation tools from a centralized location.
unified navigation tools

Navigation tools that are common across multiple Autodesk programs. The
unified navigation tools include Autodesk ViewCube and SteeringWheels
navigation tools.
Views of models
Orthographic views
In Orthographic Camera mode, a model is displayed so all its points project
along parallel lines to their positions on the screen. All same-length parallel
edges display as the same length, even when you orient them so one edge is
closer to you than the other. In Orthographic Camera mode, a 3D model
appears flat and unlike objects observed in the real world.
Views of models | 103

Use Orthographic Camera mode to confirm visually or compare the relative
dimensions of entities.
NOTE The term “camera mode" indicates only the particular view method used
for models in the graphics window. It is not meant to indicate that you can record
actions that take place in the graphics window by choosing either Orthographic
Camera mode or Perspective Camera mode.
Quick Reference
Shadows
Sets display of model shadows. Shadows do not display for models in wireframe
view.
Shadows are cast vertically from above the model onto a plane below the
model. The plane is tilted slightly toward the viewer to make the shadow more
visible in an orthographic view.

Ac- On the View tab, Appearance panel, click the Shadow command.
cess:
Quick Reference
View mode
Sets the view mode to Orthographic Camera mode or Perspective Camera
mode.
The following image shows how perspective camera affects the model view.
Orthographic views | 105

The following image shows how a model displays in orthographic camera.

Ac- On the View tab, Appearance panel, select either Orthographic or Perspective.
cess:
Display shadows
To present a model more realistically and provide orientation when viewing
a model, you can cast a shadow on the plane beneath the model. If visibility
Orthographic views | 107

of any geometry such as a feature or surface is turned off, no shadow is cast.
Work features, annotations, and sketch geometry are not visible in shadows.
On the View tab, Appearance panel, click the Shadow command.
Perspective views

NOTE The term "camera mode" indicates only the particular view method used
actions that take place in the graphics window by choosing either Perspective
Camera mode or Orthographic Camera mode.
By default, the Zoom command works with a fixed target point. You can use
the Zoom command with keyboard key combinations to move the camera
and the camera target point simultaneously. These key combinations used
with the Pan command allow you to navigate the model in 3D.
Some of the View commands behave differently when you select Perspective
Camera mode.
Zoom Window
Because zoom values are dependent on your distance from the model in Perspective Camera
mode, it is necessary to specify a target point on the model. The zoom window has a cross hair
in the center of the rectangle to pick the target point.
Zoom
Perspective Camera mode uses two types of zoom: camera position and lens focal length.
Camera position zoom affects changing your position, either further from or
closer to the camera target point. As zoom values change, the relative sizes of
edge lengths and surface areas change. Edges and surfaces closer to you appear
larger. Edges and surfaces further from you appear smaller, relative to those
edges and surfaces which are closer. When zooming in, edges and surfaces
that are further from you can also become increasingly obfuscated by the
edges and surfaces that are closer.
Lens focal length zoom is the same as zooming the lens on a camera or
camcorder. As zoom values change, the relative sizes of various edge lengths
and surface areas do not change. Lengths and surfaces become equally larger
or equally smaller.
The default zoom type is camera position.
NOTE You can adjust camera position and lens focal length simultaneously to set
the amount of perspective distortion.
Perspective views | 109

Pan
Perspective Camera mode uses two types of pan: camera translation and camera pivot.
Camera translation pan affects moving you parallel to the screen without
changing the direction of your line of sight. While you pan, your line of sight
does not remain trained upon a fixed point. Camera translation pan changes
the aspect of various edges and surfaces as they correspond to your line of
sight.
Camera pivot pan affects sweeping your line of sight across the model as your
line of sight starts from a fixed point. It is as if you are pivoting your head
from side to side. The relative sizes of various edges and surfaces remain
unchanged.
The default pan type is camera translation.
Next section: System Requirements on page 113.
Navigating a model in 3D
In Perspective Camera mode, use the Zoom and Pan commands with
key combinations to navigate through a model in 3D.
Set the model view to Perspective Camera mode by selecting the

Perspective Camera in the Appearance panel of the View tab. Then,

position the model so that you are sighting down the axis of your
intended initial motion.
1 Use the key combination SHIFT+F3. Click and hold the left mouse button
and drag the mouse while the Zoom command is active. It moves the
camera and the camera target point along your current line of sight.
2 Use key F3. Click and hold the left mouse button and drag the mouse while
the Zoom command is active. It moves the camera and the camera target
point along your current line of sight.
➤ Use the key combination SHIFT+F2. Click and hold the left mouse button
and drag the mouse while the Pan command is active. This action pivots
the camera to change the line of sight.
TIP You can adjust camera position and lens focal length simultaneously to set
the amount of perspective distortion. For instance, for a given view or view path,
you may need a wider angle lens. Use SHIFT+CTRL+F3.
NOTE The term "camera mode" indicates only the particular view method used
actions that take place in the graphics window by choosing either Perspective
Camera mode or Orthographic Camera mode.
Perspective views | 111

112
System Requirements
4
Operating System
■ Microsoft® Windows® Vista (32-bit or 64-bit), SP1
■ Microsoft®Windows® XP (32-bit), SP2, SP3
■ Microsoft®Windows® XP (64-bit), SP2
Hardware
■ Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 or later with 2.0GHz or faster processor;
or compatible
■ 1.0+ GB RAM
■ 2.0+ GB of free disk space (for installation)
■ Microsoft Direct 3D 9 or 10 graphics support with 64+ MB
113
114
Glossary
5
add operation One of three Boolean operations (add, subtract, and intersect) that define the
relationship between a sketched feature and an existing feature. An add operation adds the
volume of a sketched feature to the existing feature. Not available for base features.
coordinate system The set of magnitudes (visually represented by the X, Y, and Z axes) that
determines the position of points, lines, curves, and planes in a part file. By default, a grid
displays on the active sketch plane of the coordinate system.
intersect operation One of three Boolean operations (add, subtract, and intersect) that define
the relationship between a sketched feature and an existing feature. An intersect operation
creates a feature from the shared volume of a sketched feature and an existing feature. Material
not included in the shared volume is deleted. Not available for base features.
linear arrow manipulator A 3D in-canvas manipulator used to move or offset faces and
edges in a single direction.
marking menu An in-canvas UI for the execution of commands.
planar face A 2D (flat) part face.
profile A closed loop defined by sketched geometry that represents a cross section of a feature.
A profile can enclose islands.
radial arrow manipulator A 3D in-canvas manipulator used to rotate faces and edges around
a single axis.
ring manipulator A 3D in canvas manipulator used to edit diameters and radii of faces and
edges. The ring can be a complete circle or some subset thereof.
sketch plane A planar face or work plane on which the current sketch is created.
sphere manipulator A 3D in-canvas manipulator used for various edit operations.
subtract operation One of three Boolean operations (add, subtract, and intersect) that define
the relationship between a sketched feature and an existing feature. A subtract operation
115
removes the volume of a sketched feature from an existing feature. Not available for base
features.
work plane A construction feature that defines the parametric location of a sketch plane
in 3D space. A work plane is useful when no planar face exists to use as a sketch plane, for
example, when sketching on curved or toroidal faces.
116 | Chapter 5 Glossary

Index
3D models
Orthographic Camera mode 104
Perspective Camera mode 110 F
files
A opening 43
saving 44
AutoCAD Free Orbit tool 100
orbit (free orbit) 100 function keys 16
B G
browser 38 glyphs 14, 24
glyphs and manipulators 24
C
H
cameras
Perspective Camera mode 110–111 hot keys
components 17 panning in view modes 107
constaints 17 zooming in view modes 107
multiple 17
constaints
component 17 I
Constrained Orbit tool 100 importing
customizing DWG files 43
ribbon 23 Inventor Fusion
accessing menus and commands 7
D commands 7
menus 7
dimensions Ten Tips 7
sketch 9 Typical Workflows 5
DWG files
opening 43
saving 44 K
keyboard shortcuts
E keytips 49
panning in view modes 107
editing zooming in view modes 107
select area 9 keytips 49
sketch dimensions 9
Index | 117
L R
Look At button 99 ribbon
customizing 23
tool palettes and 23
M rotating
manipulators 13, 24 navigating models in 3D 110
marking menu 27 views 100
modeling
printing models 44 S
SAT files
N saving 44
navigating Save As dialog box 44
models in 3D 110–111 Save dialog box 44
navigation tools 78 saving
SteeringWheels 64 files 44
ViewCube 50 selecting
navigational tools zooming selected features 101
SteeringWheels options reference 70 selection tools 15, 33
select other 15, 33
Shadow tool 105, 108
O shadows
displaying 105, 108
Open dialog box 43 shortcut keys
orbit (AutoCAD) keytips 49
free orbit 100 panning in view modes 107
Orthographic Camera mode zooming in view modes 107
about 104, 107 sketch
lines and arcs 10
P spline tangency 12
stop 12
Pan button 99 sketch entities
panning creation 10
navigating models in 3D 110–111 status bar 49
Pan button 99 SteeringWheels 64
view modes and 107 SteeringWheels options reference 68
Perspective Camera mode STEP files
about 107, 110 saving 44
navigating models in 111 system requirements
plotting hardware 113
files 44 operating system 113
Print dialog box 44
printing
files 44
118 | Index
T W
tool palettes windows
ribbon and 23 zooming graphics windows 101
tooltips Workflows 5
enhanced 38
triad 26
F5 to reorient 14 X
reorient 14 X_B files
saving 44
V X_T files
saving 44
View Cube options reference 53
view face 99
ViewCube 50 Z
views Zoom All button 100
keyboard shortcuts 107 Zoom button 100
navigating models in 3D 110–111 Zoom Selected button 101
Orthographic Camera mode 104, Zoom Window button 101
107 zooming
Perspective Camera mode 107, 110 navigating models in 3D 110
rotating 100 view modes and 107
shadows 105, 108 Zoom tools 100–101
viewing tools 99–101, 103, 105, 108
Index | 119
120

Autodesk Inventor Fusion: Getting Started

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Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview

Autodesk Inventor Fusion:

Autodesk Inventor Fusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Autodesk Inventor Fusion Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Inventor Fusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 3 Working with Inventor Fusion TP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Chapter 4 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Chapter 5 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Typical Workflows in Inventor Fusion

Modify an Existing Model

1 Open the file in Inventor Fusion

2 Direct Manipulation: Edit the file in Inventor Fusion.

2 Add new features, such as holes, fillets, and chamfers.

3 Optionally, create new components. Add constraints to show relationships

5 Save to desired format.

Create a Model from Scratch

1 Create a model in Inventor Fusion.

3 Optionally, create new components. Add constraints to show relationships

4 Add dimensions to the model.

5 Save to appropriate file format.

Next section: Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users on page 7.

6 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Inventor Fusion

■ Click the command button on the ribbon.

■ Select the command from the marking menu.

■ Select the command name in the context menu.

8 | Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users

Selecting multiple sketch entities will display additional dimensions. As you

Line/Arc Segment Creation

10 | Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users

Line drawn perpendicular to a circle

Line/Arc Segment Creation | 11

1 Click the Stop Sketch glyph in the sketch environment:

12 | Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users

Use Manipulators and Glyphs

Use Manipulators and Glyphs | 13

Extrude operation showing active and in-

Press F5 Key to Reorient the Triad

14 | Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users

■ Objects that obscure one another

■ Small, hard-to-select faces and edges

Function Key Behavior

Function Key Command/Operation

Shift+F3 Zoom Window

16 | Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users

F7 Slice Graphics (see note)

F10 Toggle Shortcut Keytips in Application menu and

Work with Multiple Components

Work with Multiple Components | 17

18 | Chapter 2 Ten Tips for Inventor Fusion Users

Next section: Working with Inventor Fusion TP1 on page 21.

Work with Multiple Components | 19

Display and Organize the Ribbon

Ribbon Tabs and Panels

To minimize the ribbon

2 The minimize behavior cycles through the following minimize options:

To display or hide a ribbon panel

To show or hide text labels on ribbon panels

22 | Chapter 3 Working with Inventor Fusion TP1