Add Component

Overview

The Add Component command is a core feature for building assemblies in Inventor. It allows you to add a new component—such as a part, assembly, or template—directly into your active assembly. This command is especially useful for placing Templates components, but it works with any valid Inventor part or assembly file, including those from different project workspaces.

Before using Add Component, it is essential that your assembly has a valid file name prefix. The prefix is required for this command to work and helps keep your project files organized and unique. For a detailed explanation of how prefixes work and how to structure your file names, see File Names. It is strongly recommended to always use a prefix for all assemblies and components in your projects.

When you use Add Component, the command creates a unique copy of the selected component and all nested components, saving them in the same folder as the active edit document. This ensures your assembly remains organized and all related files are easy to locate. The command automatically manages component names by applying the assembly prefix and appending a unique index to each new file name. If the component already has a prefix, it is replaced with the current assembly's prefix for consistency.

To maintain data integrity, the active assembly must be saved and have a valid prefix before you can add a component. If these conditions are not met, you will be notified and the command will close without making changes. This safeguard helps prevent accidental file placement and naming conflicts.

If any files are static or not located in the assembly folder, they are not copied and are listed in the logger output for your review. For more details on static and library files, see Static and Library Files.

Overall, Add Component is an essential tool for users who need to efficiently build assemblies with unique, well-organized components, whether working with templates, library parts, or custom designs from other projects.

How It Works

Select the component you want to add to your assembly.
The command creates a new unique copy of the component and all nested components.
All new files are saved in the same folder as the active edit document.
Component names are managed by applying the assembly prefix and a unique index to each new file name.
If the component already has a prefix, it is ignored and replaced with the current assembly prefix.
If files are static or not located in the assembly folder, they are listed in the logger output. See Static and Library Files for details.

Usage Instructions

Ensure the active assembly is saved and has a prefix.
Click the Add Component button in the Create panel.
Select the desired component file.
Follow any prompts to complete the operation.
Review the results in the active document and logger output.

Troubleshooting

If the assembly does not have a prefix, you will be notified and the command will close without adding a component.
Check the logger output for files that were not copied due to being static or outside the assembly folder.
Ensure all required files are accessible and not locked by other processes.

Add Examples

Add a template component from a library folder: A new unique component and all sub-components are added to the active edit document, saving all files in the same location as the active edit document.
Add a component from another folder: For example, copy “2404-TC – Booth Walls” from a “TC Booth” folder to a new assembly “2404-CC – Booth Walls” in a “CC Booth” folder. All files are copied to the new assembly folder and renamed with the new prefix.
Add a component from another project folder: The new component and sub-components are copied to the active edit document folder and renamed with the current assembly prefix and unique indexes. Static components from the previous project are also copied and references updated.