Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Two icons you need to be familiar with are our old friends Undo and Redo. If
you make a mistake, Inventor allows up to 30 steps of Undo and Redo. A great
feature in Inventor is that changes to the model view (zooming, panning, and so
on) don't use Undo steps. You can even undo the creation or opening of a fi le.
Just to the right of Redo is the Return button. You'll use the Return button
frequently, although its importance has been reduced in Inventor 2010 com-
pared to previous releases. This tool moves you from one editing state to the one
above it. Right now, that may not make sense; but its importance will become
clear as you start working in Inventor.
Some tools aren't always available, even though they're visible in a faded
state. If Inventor is unsure that what it's displaying is the most current infor-
mation, the Update button becomes available and lets you update the data that
is on the screen.
Next is the Filters pull-down list. Filters are tools for focusing or streamlining
selections. They can limit or enhance the selection of certain types of entities in
parts, assemblies, or drawings. The use of fi lters is a great thing to learn and
explore. Many experienced Inventor users are missing out by not becoming
more comfortable with them.
A different type of pull-down takes up quite a bit of space on the Quick Access
Toolbar. It allows you to choose a different color for a selected part or parts. With
no parts selected, it lets you access data about the physical properties or materi-
als used in Inventor. Materials are different than colors — if you tell a part it's
made of lead, it will have a different mass than a part with a Material value of
Aluminum. On the other hand, you can make a piece of aluminum look like it's
wood by changing its color.
The fi nal icon is Recover, which normally appears faded or dimmed. When it's
red, this indicates an error that Inventor's Design Doctor wants to assist you with.
The Design Doctor (Figure 1.16) lists any errors and allows you to select
which one you want to fi x fi rst in the Select screen. On the Examine screen, it
offers a solution; and the Treat screen lets you select what treatment method
you want to use.
Another important thing to know about the Design Doctor is that you don't
have to respond immediately. You can do most things in Inventor while a prob-
lem remains unresolved. In fact, you may do something that you know will
cause a problem, and when you're fi nished, the problem will resolve itself. This
is the kind of fl exibility that has made Inventor popular.
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