Replace Sketch References

[ljordan]

When there is a lost reference (projected geometry), I would like the option to replace it.

Right now, you have to delete it, select new one, AND then reconstrain.

For the picture below (just to simulate my complaint), I modeled a box, and then created a cut extrusion through it (the circle).  After doing so, I decided to split the box in half, making upper half a solid body, and the lower half a separate solid body. The lost reference is in magenta.

I understand that the reference rightfully is lost, but I want to be able to repair it. Yes, this particular model would be an easy fix, but complex parts could be a pain, ESPECIALLY in top down modeling where there is lots of referencing going on.

[Yijiang.Cai]

This idea has been implemented within Autodesk Inventor 2026.1. Please review the Inventor 2026.1 What's New article here. For more information regarding how you may leverage the feature, and please review this page. Special thanks to everyone who cast a vote for it.

[NOEL_GETTINGBYCZTUC]

Excellent news, can you confirm whether all projection references now appear in the model browser as per my Idea?
Can you also confirm whether this improvement will be available in an Inventor 2025 update?

My company has only just update to Inventor and Vault 2025 so it will likely be 3 years before they update again.

[Yijiang.Cai]

@NOEL_GETTINGBYCZTUC it is only available in Inventor 2026.1. As to the question "can you confirm whether all projection references now appear in the model browser as per my Idea", there is no change about the behavior projection reference for this enhancement, and we keep it consistent with legacy behavior. If you prefer to keep this request, please submit the new idea later. Many thanks!

[stuartmp]

I've been using this new feature and would say it still needs work. Just stretching a underlying rectangular sketch caused the redefined geometry to detach again. Also, I think we should be able to redefined any projected geometry not just sick, unattached geometry, this would make this command truly flexible.

[NOEL_GETTINGBYCZTUC]

@stuartmp, exactly!

Why give us ever so slightly more control only over sick sketch references when it could have been done properly, just like adaptive references.
My previous comment:
Replace Sketch References - Autodesk Community

[stuartG9TUA]

Question: I've found this works for lines, but not points. Is that intended, or am I clicking on the wrong thing?

[rlawrenceRFFYX]

What's the status on this? I'm on version 24. SOLIDWORKS had this feature 15 years ago.

[dan_szymanski]

@rlawrenceRFFYX,

Please see Yijiang Cai's comment above - it was implemented within Inventor 2026.1.