"Open file" interface to use active file location

[StuOG]

Can we please have a new configurable in the Application Options to handle default Open behaviour? If your workspace is such that your models and drawings are saved into separate folders, you're constantly wasting time with excess clicks to travel to the opposite folder locations (from model space to drawings, vice versa).

A configurable setting within Application Options would be amazing; some considerations which I think are beneficial:

• Always open to Project file default location (top level or somewhere else).
• Open last opened file location (current behaviour, I believe, which remembers the location of your last opened file via this interface, and defaults there).
• Open current file location (ie if you switch to a drawing, then Open file, it defaults to the folder that your active drawing is saved, allowing you to open other drawings that sit alongside your current one quickly).

[rpaquinUE26U]

Oh yes, I have no patience for that illogical way to work. I am working in the project X, do not open to the last project I had to open a part. At the very least have us choose, like 3 big buttons: same folder as current file, project root folder or last folder used. The absolute worst is when using Inventor Nastran... when you want to get the results from a FEA that you did in the past, you have to dig down to your file location, open the folder with the same name then InCAD then FEA then hope to choose the correct file that has this random naming system: uzv0i56si. (that is my current file name)

[StuOG]

Something else I forgot to include: overhaul browse interface to support URL navigation. Having the ability to copy a file path from File Explorer to use within the Open interface would save several clicks too. This is a feature many other Open interfaces already support.

[WCrihfield]

This Idea has some similarities to one of my own Ideas from a couple years ago.  Only my idea is asking for more 'Options' for 'saving' rather than opening.  We all use Inventor in different ways, and have different file system layouts, but there is likely a vast majority who use it nearly the same way, and want 'more control' in most of the same areas.  I think most folks would agree that more options are better than fewer options, when it comes to how the main tool that we use all day, every day works.  The Link to my Idea post is below, if you or any others may be interested in reading it, or voting for it.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/suggest-model-file-path-amp-name-when-saving-new-drawi... 

[StuOG]

Thanks for the link Wesley, I've voted now. It's absurd that your request from over 2 years ago (and I see 2 other similar requests mentioned there too) still hasn't had much implementation. I've heard that Inventor 2026 has overhauled the Open interface to support URL navigation, bringing it into line with a standard Windows 10/11 File Explorer experience + functionality. If that's true, it's disappointing that update hasn't occurred in 2025 -or earlier.

Anyway... I agree with you that more options are better than fewer options. We need the ability to customise our workflows as required - without writing a code that replaces the whole Open or Create New interface/process.... 

[StuOG]

I was made aware of this being implemented within Inventor 2026.. see below for Inventor release notes. Disappointing that this hasn't made it into 2025, but here you go:

General Enhancements (What's New in 2026.1)

Enhancements to Open and Save (What's New in 2026)

[rpaquinUE26U]

This is great news! Thanks for the update StuOG. We will have to try it and see how close it gets to our suggestions.