topic Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body in Inventor Forum

how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

armansesar — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:01:26 GMT

I don't believe this was posted before, so I'm curious if there is a way to stop Inventor from collapsing the model trees under each solid body within a part.

For instance, if you have multiple bodies in a single part, each body has a dedicated model tree which makes it very easy to find all the consumed geometries and features for each solid body fast. However, currently, Inventor likes to collapse these dedicated trees after each command, so if for example, you find a sketch under one of these dedicated model trees, enter sketch, and exit, the dedicated model tree is automatically collapsed.

Is there a way to stop this automatic function?

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

johnsonshiue — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:22:56 GMT

Hi! I must not have followed the steps correctly. I cannot seem to reproduce the behavior on 2026.2. I tried editing an existing feature, adding a new feature, and deleting a feature. None of them collapse expanded Solid Body nodes.

Is Primary Design View Rep active? Please share the file that exhibits the behavior with me directly at johnson.shiue@autodesk.com. I would like to understand the issue better.

Many thanks!

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

lauri_barnhart — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:49:10 GMT

Hi @armansesar,

I wanted to check in and see if you saw @johnsonshiue's follow up request and you still needed assistance, or if you found a solution to your question already? Please share any available screenshots or screen recordings so the community can assist you further.

All the best,

Lauri | Community Manager

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

armansesar — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:57:12 GMT

Hi Johnson, I noticed your response, thank you. I'm not able to share this specific file at the moment, but after retrying multiple times and navigating options, I still have the same issue (which is not a major issue) just a small added step. I wanted to leave this open if anyone happens to have the same issue, or has a direct solution. I will share with you a file with multiple similar bodies when I get a chance, but I suspect it is a software properties option, which would not transfer over by simply opening the .ipt file, I am also on Inventor 2026.

thank you.

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

jnowel — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 03:03:53 GMT

@johnsonshiue Not sure if the same case with @armansesar
But I can replicate a similar behavior if the part has Features (e.g. Bend, Combine, Split) that changes the resulting total body list/structure.

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

armansesar — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:55:21 GMT

Mainly referring to the model tree under each model tree. Its very useful for editing each individual body independently, but mine continuously collapses the tree upon entering and exiting a feature, sketch...etc. The main model tree is fine.

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

johnsonshiue — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:39:38 GMT

Hi Folks,

I need to see the files. I must not have followed the steps correctly. Somehow I cannot reproduce it on my machine.

Many thanks!

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

armansesar — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:59:36 GMT

Sending you a similar file now.

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

jnowel — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:59:56 GMT

here is a sample one.

if you try to edit anything above Combine1, say Sketch2, then the SolidBodies Tree will collapse.

I kinda understand why as at Sketch2, there exists Solid1, Solid2, Solid3, Solid4 and Solid5.
But after exiting, the Combine1 feature results to only Solid1, Solid2, and Solid3.
This requires the SolidBodies Tree to refresh/update.

Move the EndOfPart above the Combine1 then this "auto-collapsing" of tree will stop.

You can also expand the SolidBodies Tree, then move the EndOfPart again after Combine1
Then the SolidBody Tree will "auto collapse again" upon activation of Combine1

This behavior will also exhibit with other feature commands like Bend or Split Solid.

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

kmiller — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:40:26 GMT

Anyone ever get anywhere with this? I had a user ask me the same question and so I was just curious. Thanks.

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

armansesar — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:15:59 GMT

From the communication I received, It appears that the model tree will automatically collapse if you have certain Modify features that split or combine a body into multiple bodies and maybe an inevitable part of Inventors back end processing. This behavior appears consistent regardless of where the combine/split feature was applied (before the feature that is being edited, or after). If the body has a combine/split feature anywhere within its design, the tree will immediately collapse, if not, it will remain open. Although I'm not sure if any other functions may cause the same behavior, such as Offset, Shell, Direct Edit...etc.

Re: how to stop Inventor from collapsing model tree under each solid body

lauri_barnhart — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:58:24 GMT

Hi @kmiller,

Did the info from @armansesar help answer your question?

If it did, it’d be great if you could click the "Accept Solution" button so others can easily find it too.

If you’re still needing more help, feel free to share an update here. The community will be happy to jump in with any next steps to help you get where you need to be.

Best,

Lauri | Community Manager