Default 'save' or 'retrieve' folder locations...

[Wright_Track]

First, it's Inventor 2016 -- I VPN/RDP onto my customer's computer/license, and they are -never- going to upgrade it.

The problem (which is not likely a specific 2016 license issue):

When I do various things like save a new drawing, replace a revised component in an assembly, etc., Inventor defaults to the last folder I used for that particular function, rather than defaulting to the the folder containing the part, drawing, assembly, etc.

How can I change that default?

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! Are you using Default project or a custom project? The Default project does follow the last used folder. If you use a custom project, Inventor saves the files in the \Workspace\.

Many thanks!

[Michiel.Valcke]

@johnsonshiue 

Is there any way to change this behaviour? I have a client actively asking to change this behaviour. I always thought Inventor worked as you described, but the client is adamant that this behaviour was different in (his) previous versions.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Michiel,

I am sorry I don't understand the request. The user would like to have a custom project, following last used folder? Or he would like to have Default project, following \My Documents\?

Many thanks!

[Michiel.Valcke]

Hi Johnson,

The user has a lot of custom projects, (which I wouldn't recommend - but it works) and we recently helped him switch to 2026 (of which he is very happy) but he remarked that the save option always goes to the workspace instead of going to the last used folder, and he insists that when working in his previous versions it always went to his last used folder. So I don't know what to make of it.

EDIT: I apologize for highjacking this threat, but the question seemed appropriate to the theme.

[Michiel.Valcke]

@johnsonshiue I had the time to sit together with our client. We determined the error in 2026 only happens with the save+replace function. I have made a support case 24451220 about this.

[j.stewartSMPHK]

I also have noticed this, would be good to know if you find a solution. 

thanks

[Michiel.Valcke]

I got a reply from Autodesk support, this is considered a bug and has been assigned to the dev team. So hopefully the next update contains a fix for this issue.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Michiel,

If possible, please share the defect ID here so that users can track the progress.

Many thanks!

[Michiel.Valcke]

I didn't get the dev ID from the autodesk agent, I only have my case number. @s.john.simon 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Michiel,

Just FYI, the defect ID is INVGEN-84784.

Many thanks!

[bill_sapp]

Right after upgrading from 2025 to 2026, this bug hit my workflow. I did a search with "

When the save and replace tool is now used in Autodesk Inventor, the navigation behavior has changed from defaulting to the component's folder to returning to the project folder, requiring manual navigation back to the saved component's folder. Why?" This forum discussion came up, so I wanted to chime in. It is slowing me down, and causing parts to be saved in the wrong location. I hope it wasn't intentional. If this change is benefitting other users, there should be a choice in the software to use one method over the other.

[Wright_Track]

Keeping in mind that I am using

Inventor version 2016, which I mentioned in my original post.  However, I might add that apparently users have been complaining about this behavior on through at least version 2025.

And to answer the first responder's note - I am indeed using custom projects, but it has not in the least solved the issue at hand.  Inventor 2016 still returns to the last folder used for a given operation, rather than the folder where the current active part is located.

In addition, even with custom folders, Inventor 2016 cannot seem to dig past one folder depth (into subfolders), so every time I open an assembly or drawing, Inventor 2016 announces "the parts you are looking for are not located in the current project".  It's still finds them some of the time, but, ten ends up in the correct folder, yet asking me to select the part it's seeking, even though it's right there in front of its eyes.

I have resigned myself to the fact that Inventor 2016, and probably every version before and after, are simply sub par in comparison to the Solidworks and Creo's of our industry, many seemingly routine tasks are going to be ongoing challenges. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I believe you are using Default project. If you set up the Workspace properly in a custom project, any file in the project folder cone should be located on open. I don't understand your last comments. Please share your difficulties here. We have plenty of experts to address your concerns.

Many thanks!

[bill_sapp]

Hi Johnson,

I am using a custom project, not the default that installs with the software. I have been rushed into a new installation in recent weeks due to a new hire. I was already behind in my work, and they hired someone to help that has previously been using Solid Works. I have set up projects before, but it could be I have missed a step. I usually revisit a video by Neil Cross that used to post Inventor tutorials on YouTube, which I believe is still available, but I haven't had time to revisit. It involves copying folders from the c: drive installation into the new project folder, and them configuring the project folder to access those instead. Useful for creating custom templates that change things in the Styles Editor. I would hope Autodesk would have a tutorial along those lines, but I am unaware of one. I know it involves copying the Design Data folder, and the Templates folder into the new project folder.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Bill,

I believe there are indeed tutorials showing how to set up a custom project. It may or may not suit your need because not all options may be relevant to you.

Here are a few more resources.

https://files.upskill-dev.autodesk.com/public/inventor-modeling-mechanical-design/210104_SBS_W1-L2-0...

Inventor Back to Basics

https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Inventor-Back-Basics-2019

Setting Up Inventor Vault Project

https://www.autodesk.com/learn/ondemand/course/how-to-install-and-set-up-your-vault/unit/5vt5gEEKaKT...

Many thanks!