Parallel constraint would be such a nice addition. Because of metric models brought in to english assemblies sometimes the desired offset numbers can be out 8 places or more. I have found the constraints in IV to be extremly tiresome to use.
Hi and welcome to the forum!
There is a parallel constraint.
It's called the angle constraint. Just input 0 degrees and it will make your entities parallel.
For future reference, if you have an idea to improve Inventor, you can submit your idea at the IdeaStation, where other users can vote for your idea by giving it kudos:
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Inventor-IdeaStation/idb-p/v1232
Cameron Whetten
Inventor 2014
Adaptivity can be useful, once in a while. In those rare situations a partially constrained sketch has been a blessing, if used properly.
The angle constraint works well, in any situation a parallel constraint would work. I prefer the directed angle so I don't need to worry about a cross-product vector, but it won't flip on me as easily.
I agree that the angle constraint can flip too often, but when the options are 0 and 180, this is hardly a big issue.
Another option, you can "Mate" within bounds, as a flexible constraint. Set an upper bound of 25.5mm, lower bound of 25.3mm, and that one inch distance should be fine. Or, type an equation in for your distance.
@bcitrowske wrote:
.... I honestly liked IV a lot better before Autodesk bought them out.
...
Can you post a url reference to this information?
@bcitrowske wrote:
... really needs to work on its user friendliness and to take customer suggestions seriously.
.... but I'm not the only one at this location having the issue.
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Inventor-IdeaStation/idb-p/v1232
Post example datasets that exhibit the behavior you are experiencing.