Using Autodesk A360 Drive for Collaborative Design - Part 2

I apologize of taking so long to get to part 2 of this article where I talk about the features when working inside Autodesk A360 Drive, so let's get started.

I will be using my second method of adding an Inventor assembly with all supporting files which I think is the most productive method of using A360 Drive.  If you need a refresher, see Part 1 of this article.  The first recommendation is to place all files in a folder structure.  Some of the functions within A360 Drive can only be applied to a group of files by selecting a folder, unless you enjoy selecting one file at a time and then applying the function.  In the following graphic I show one folder, which is selected, which in turn selects each file contained within.  

Next I would like to take a look at the functions available when viewing a file.  I will be viewing an Inventor assembly.  Selecting the folder, Right Angle Engine, you will be taken to the list of Inventor files.  I will select the assembly file and this will open the A360 Drive viewer.  At the bottom you will see various tools which are labeled below.

1. Orbit - This function operates identical to the Inventor Orbit function.  Using your left mouse button drag while hovering near various locations on the compass, you can achieve different obit motions.  Do not forget about the model centering feature by left clicking on a model location to make it the pivot of the orbit.  Of course after you really mess it up, you can return to "Home" position by selecting the "Home" icon in the upper right corner of the viewing window.  By the way, the orbit command is automatically engaged when you enter the viewing window, you just do not have all the controls the actual Orbit command offers.  To deselect the Orbit command, select the command again or press ESC on the keyboard.  This applies to all the commands.
2. Pan -  This function allows you to hold down your left button and pan the model in any direction.  You can skip this command by holding down your middle mouse button.  I you do not have a middle mouse button  hold down the Shift key and the left mouse button to perform the same function.  The right mouse button works also.
3. Zoom - Selecting this command allows you to use your left mouse button drag to zoom your model.  You can do the same thing using the wheel on your mouse if available.
4. First Person - This allows you to use the keyboard for viewing the model instead of using a mouse.  The keys are defined on-screen as soon as you select the command.
5. Camera Interactions - This command has three options, Fit to View, Roll and Focal Length.  Select the command then close to the small up arrow to change the option.
6. Section Views - This command has four model sectioning options, X, Y, Z axis and Box.  Select the command and then close to the small up arrow to change the sectioning option.  Leaving the command by selection it a second time or pressing ESC returns the model to a non-sectioned state.  One thing about the Box option I did not care for is that you can only "size" the box in one axis.  
7. Measure - By selecting two objects the measurement is returned.  This is meant for measurement estimates, not accuracy so be aware of your results.
8. Explode Model - Selecting this command will present a slider bar.  Dragging the slider with your left mouse will explode an assembly components.  This function will of course not work when viewing a single assembly component.
9. Properties - This function is of little value when viewing a model.  It reports the name of the component or assembly which you already know from the file name you selected to open the view.  Properties will be covered later in this article.
10. Settings - This function opens a dialog box with two tabs, Navigation and Selection settings and Performance and Appearance settings.  One particular setting you will want to use immediately is under the Performance and Appearance tab.  The Environmental and Lighting selection drop down will enable you to adjust the colors and intensity of the lighting for better viewing.  I would suggest using the "Plaza" selection which I found to be the best.  The viewer does a very poor job of representing true model colors.
11. Full Screen - This functions just as it is named.  Use ESC to return to the normal viewing window.

If you have selected the setting to show the View Cube, it functions exactly like the view cube in Inventor.  You will find the View Cube options appear below and to the right of the view cube when you hover over it.  The default view is perspective and even after you change it, it will return when the viewing window is open again.

When viewing an Inventor assembly, one of the most valuable tools is the Scenes button in the upper left corner of the viewing screen.  Selecting it will expand the assembly into a list of its components.  By selecting one or more (using the Shift key) you can hide all other components for detail viewing.  To return all hidden components either press ESC or right click in the background and select "Show All Objects".  The most valuable feature of this process is selecting the "Properties" function when only one component is showing.  The full Inventor iProperties are displayed.  The "Other" iProperties are the custom iProperties of the component.  the iProperty is not displayed unless it has a value.

This article is getting pretty long and I have a lot more to mention so I will continue in Part 3 of this article.  I promise it will not be as long as the time between Part 1 and Part 2.