Customize middle mouse to rotate/orbit instead of pan

[Milrtime83]

Is there a way to change the middle mouse button to rotate instead of pan the part?

The only thing close to a solution I've found is to map the middle button to F4 but then I still have to press the middle and left buttons for it to work. I want to be able to just press the middle mouse button to rotate.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I searched for the exact same thing when I first started into Inventor. I haven't found anything (in 2008 at least) that will work better than what you described - mapping the F4 key. Other folks at my office have 'solved' this by requesting 3d spacetracker mice.

Boo Inventor for not giving us full control over our own input devices.

 

[mcgyvr]

Anyone who uses 3d CAD MUST have a 3d motion controller like the 3d connexion space navigator... Trust me.. best $99 ever spent. Get one problem solved..and you will work faster guaranteed...

Seems silly to rotate (which can be a complete 3d motion)using a 2d input tool like a scroll wheel

 

[Milrtime83]

I've looked into the space navigator type controllers and understand their benefits but it seems odd that it isn't possible to change the mouse button controls. I'm coming from a Solidworks background and now that I think about it, I'm not sure if you can change its middle mouse button to anything besides rotate either.

I wonder if Inventor pans because 2D Autocad pans and they didn't want to change the function of the middle button.

Regarding the space navigator...The $99 one wouldn't work for me because I would constantly be going back and forth between it and my keyboard to use shortcuts. I can't justify the price for the higher end ones with more buttons and my company won't spend that much either.

 

[mflayler]

You can do this now in IV 2010 by holding down the Shift button while holding down the middle mouse button:

http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/blogs/blog/view/6/Fridays_Quick_Tip/

 

[Jabberwocky]

Seriously? That is reason enough to switch to 2010 right there. I've heard that we'll be upgrading soon anyways but now I can't wait!

I know this isn't really the place for it - but is there anything else in 2010 that helps model rotation and view control like this?

 

[mflayler]

I guess that depends on which version you are updating from. There was a big update when the Viewcube was added in 2009. Now in 2010 using the Ribbon; all the Model Manipulation commands are customizable on the Navigation Bar on the far right side of the screen. -->

http://rand.com/imaginit/1/rss/viewitem.asp?feedid=BLOGS_MFG_ALL&guid=612