Replace a model in an .ipn - File

[mihaela_kaufmann]

Hi,

can I replace the modell (.iam) in an ipn-file? 

BR

[RaphaelMichel]

you can use the design assistant and replace the modell in the ipn-file

[SBix26 · Accepted solution]

You can always use the manual hack method:

• rename the model (.iam) file (or move it to a location outside the active project)
• open the presentation file (.ipn)
• when asked to find the original .iam file, select the replacement file instead
• save the presentation
• return the original file to its original filename (or move it back to its previous location)

This is only possible if the replacement assembly file is a copy of the original, I suspect.  The whole presentation is likely to fail if it's not.

Update: just tried it in 2025-- if not a copy of the original file all tweaks are lost, which probably defeats the purpose of replacing the file rather than just creating a new one.  If the replacement is a copy of the original, then tweaks are retained where possible.

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2025.1.1 | Windows 11 Home 23H2

[mihaela_kaufmann]

thank you! It works for my situation! BR,

[James_Willo · Accepted solution]

There is also a 'replace model reference' button on the ribbon, although I think this is a fairly recent enhancement. (Think it's only in 2025)

[SBix26]

I did not remember the new Replace Model Reference tool.  I found that using this tool does not delete tweaks that still make sense even though the replacement file is not a direct copy of the original file.  If using Inventor 2025 or later, always use the Replace Model Reference tool-- it seems to be more robust than the workflow I recommended above.

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2025.1.1 | Windows 11 Home 23H2