Constraints and best practices

[smallj]

So Hi everyone, I'n new to inventor. In a past life I used Pro E a little, and the past several years all I have used is PowerShape Pro and Mastercam.

When I get started what is the best way to handle constraints for a rectangular shape to keep it at the center of a plane. This may not be necessary to do, but out of habit I like my solids to be centered on the WCS. Also when i go to do other features I would like my references to stay relative to the original lines that are there when you create a sketch.

anyone have any ideas on what i can do? 

[MechMachineMan]

For any 2 adjacent sides, constrain the center point of the side to the origin center point via horizontal/vertical constraints.

Or use 2 pt rectangle/similair method. Draw your crossing construction lines. Add a point sketch feature to the point at which they cross. Then constrain that point to the origin center point.

[mcgyvr]

So a few options.

Lets ensure this is turned on first (if its not already)..

Go to tools..application options.. sketch tab and check "Autoproject Part Origin on sketch create"

What that does is allow the center point to be automatically included in new sketches..

Now for a rectangle you have a few options..

#1- (easiest) is to just use the "two point center rectangle" which allows you to just pick that center point and then drag out to create a rectangle..

Doing so automatically constraints that center point so the rectangle is centered on it..

#2- (old school way before the center point rectangle was available) Just sketch a regular rectangle and then place a horizontal constraint from the midpoint of one of the vertical lines to the center point and then a vertical constraint from the midpoint of one of the horizontal lines to the center point..

#3-You can use construction lines and constaints too but #1 and #2 are just quicker/easier,etc...

[JDMather]

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/skillsusa-document-now-on-screencast/m-p/5856691#M5648...