In Autodesk Inventor, what is the function of the 'Project Geometry' tool?

The 'Project Geometry' tool in Autodesk Inventor is designed to create references in sketches without modifying the original geometry. This means that when you use this tool, you can project existing geometry, such as edges or faces from a 3D model, into a 2D sketch. The projected geometry serves as a guide or reference for the new sketch entities. This is particularly useful for maintaining alignment and relationships with existing features on the model, ensuring that new designs are accurately positioned.

Furthermore, using projected geometry helps in maintaining the integrity of the original features because it does not alter them in any way; it simply creates a reference in your sketch. This function is a crucial part of the design process as it allows for efficient and precise modeling, enabling users to make informed design decisions based on existing geometry.

The other options refer to different functions within Inventor. For instance, creating a 3D model from a 2D sketch involves extrusion or revolution techniques, converting text into geometry typically requires special text tools in Inventor, and applying materials is done through the material library, none of which align with the specific purpose of the 'Project Geometry' tool.