Locate a Part in a Large Assembly

Challenge:

How can I find a part in a large assembly?

Solution:

On the Tools Tab, select the Find Part tool.  Define criteria like Files of Type, File Name or Material of the parts you are looking for.  Add to List until you have well described your part.

Select Find Now and Inventor will seek out these parts in your open assembly and even in its subassemblies.

When Inventor completes its search, all instances of that part will be highlighted.  You can then Close the dialog and you parts remain highlighted.  Right click and select Isolate.  All other components will turn off and you can then select an individual instance in the graphic area, right click and find in browser.  Inventor will expand the browser here where necessary. 

Tip: If the part is in a subassembly, it might be necessary to shift+right click and select Part Priority.

To turn all the rest of your parts back on, you should be able to right click and select Undo Isolate.