Part templates

When you install Autodesk Inventor, your selection of default units of measurement sets the default template used to create parts. Use this template or another predefined template, modify one of the predefined templates, or create your own template.

A part file becomes a template when you save it in the Templates folder. For example, if you have a part file that contains settings, properties, or other elements you want to use for other parts, save a copy of it in the Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Templates folder. The next time you create a part file, the new template is available.

The location of the Templates folder is by default:

Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8: Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Templates.

Deciding what to include in a part template

Any settings that streamline the creation of parts or establish default values can be included in a template.

• Change the grid settings and the size of the origin work planes to accommodate the average sizes of the parts you create.
• Create a default sketch that has default work features, such as an origin point at the intersection of the three base work planes.
• Create a sketch on a plane other than XY to change the definition of the Home View.
• Add sketches or solid geometry as the start for commonly created parts.
• If you use different units of measurement in different parts, create different templates for each.
• Define commonly used parameters or link to a spreadsheet of parameters.
• Set and define the default material.
• If you use lighting styles, set the styles so that they are available when you want them.
• If you use specific materials and appearances, set these for the template.

Setting properties

You can specify properties such as cost center, project name, or manager and save them as part of the template. Properties can be used to find, track, and manage your files. They can also be used to add and maintain information automatically in title blocks, parts lists, and bills of material.

Setting a default part template

You can set any template as the default template. Save the file in the Templates folder with the name standard.ipt. To avoid overwriting the existing default template, move or rename it before saving the new template.

Files that reside in the Templates folder appear on the Default tab of the New dialog box when you create new files. Files that reside in a subfolder of the Templates folder appear on other tabs in the New dialog box.

Note: To add tabs to the New dialog box, create new subfolders in the Templates folder, and add template files to them. The New dialog displays a tab for each subfolder in the Templates folder.