Bulk Replace Part

[cstarker6VCG4]

I need to bulk replace all uses of Part A in all direct parents. Previously, there were no model states so we had many files named Part A (Shape 1), Part A (Shape 2), etc. Now that we have model states, we want each use to be Part A > Model State 1, 2, etc. The model states will be set per parent over time as those parents are revised. Right now, we just need all uses "united" under one IPT so Where Used is correct and iProperties are correctly propagated. Is there a way to do this?

[ihayesjr · Accepted solution]

No, you will need to modify each of the assemblies manually.

[cstarker6VCG4]

Oof, major oversight on Autodesk's part. "Replace all" is a well-established macro in modern software.

[Gabriel_Watson]

@cstarker6VCG4: The easiest workaround may be to throw all main assemblies into one top assembly, then save, close it, delete all "Part A(...)" IPTs from your local workspace, reopen the TOP assembly then resolve all assemblies to look for the new Part A instead. Save it all and check in (the top assembly can be deleted later if you check it in, or simply check in all other assemblies). You may need to set each specific model state consumption by opening each sub-assembly, but this makes it faster if you have them all there.

EDIT: Another workaround I am thinking about here is to perhaps use "Rename" in Vault to rename one of the Part A (...) files to simply "Part A" then move it to the location you want. Delete then that file from Vault (the assemblies pointing to it might retain the last location and name linkage). Repeat the same for all Part A (...). Then check in the new model states Part A at that location, and reopen all assemblies to see how they get resolved.

[cstarker6VCG4]

Interesting idea. Inventor will crash about once per day opening assemblies under 100 bottom-level parts. I am fairly certain that cramming over 150 assemblies with 80 children each will insta-crash every time... and that's assuming it even loads.