Add objects to assemblies

You can add objects to assemblies in the following ways:


To	Do one of the following
Create a basic assembly	Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts.
Create a nested assembly	Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld assemblies to an existing assembly as sub-assemblies. Add assemblies to an existing assembly as sub-assemblies. Join existing assemblies together without adding any loose parts.

Note:

Sub-assemblies in a nested assembly retain their own assembly information and main part. You can also define properties separately for the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly in the part properties.

Assembly hierarchy

You can work on any level of a nested assembly, from single parts and bolts, through the basic and sub-assemblies, up to the highest level of the nested assembly. Hold down the Shift key and scroll with the mouse wheel to select objects on different levels in the assembly hierarchy. For more information, see Select nested objects.

The assembly hierarchy in nested assemblies affects drawings and reports. You can create separate drawings and reports of the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly, and still produce dimensions, marks, fabrication information, etc. for all assembly levels.

Add parts to an assembly

You can add secondary parts to a basic assembly or to any level of a nested assembly.

Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active.
Select the part you want to add.
Right-click and select Assembly > Add to assembly.
Select the assembly to add to.

Create a nested assembly

Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active.
Select the assemblies you want to add to another assembly. They will become sub-assemblies in the nested assembly.
Right-click and select Assembly > Add as sub-assembly.
Select the assembly to add to.

Join assemblies

You can join existing assemblies without adding any loose parts.

Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active.
Select the assemblies you want to join.
Right-click and select Assembly > Make into Assembly.

The assembly with the largest volume becomes the main assembly.