Autodesk Inventor Project Geometry

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about Project Geometry in Autodesk Inventor, including what it is, when to use it, and how to use it effectively. When working with 3D models in Autodesk Inventor, you’ll often need to reuse or reference existing sketch or model edges in a new sketch.

What is Project Geometry?

Project Geometry allows you to bring existing edges, faces, sketch lines, points, or even part features, into a new sketch as reference lines. These projected elements are not editable directly but serve as guides for creating new geometry that aligns with existing features.

When should you use Project Geometry?

• You want to align a new sketch with an edge or hold on another face.
• You need to replicate features like holes, slots or cutouts from one face onto another.
• You want to create symmetrical or concentric shapes based on existing geometry.
• You’re working in a multi-part assembly and need to align components.

How to use Project Geometry in Autodesk Inventor:

• Open a new standard mm ipt:

• Start a new 2D Sketch on the desired plane or face:

• Using the Rectangle (Two Point Center) command, draw something as displayed below – add Dimensions and Finish Sketch:

• Use the Extrude Command to extrude the profile by 10mm as shown below:

• Start a new 2D Sketch on the face as shown below:

• Select Project Geometry command and select the Edge as shows below. You can use this same concept on an edge, vertex, or face you want to project into the current sketch. Or just click once in an empty space to project all visible edges of the face you’re sketching on.

• Continue in the Sketch Mode to draw the Line as shown below, snapping to the end points of the edge you have just projected. Then Finish Sketch. The projected lines will appear in yellow or purple (depending on settings) and behave as reference lines. You can also add constraints or dimensions to them. Use them to define the boundaries of cuts, extrusions, or other features.

• Extrude using the new geometry/sketch as your Profile (you will see the project geometry with your 2 lines you sketched, create a closed loop to extrude).

And there you have it! Project Geometry is a foundational tool in Autodesk Inventor that simplifies the process of aligning and referencing existing features in new sketched. Whether you’re creating a complex part, or working with assemblies, mastering this tool will save you time and improve your design accuracy.

Things to keep in mind:

• Projected geometry is associative; it updates automatically if the source geometry changes.
• Too much project geometry can clutter your sketch and make updates slower.