What type of surface can 2D profiles be sketched on in Autodesk Inventor?

In Autodesk Inventor, 2D profiles can be sketched on a sketch plane. A sketch plane is a defined two-dimensional surface within the 3D environment that allows users to create sketches which can later be used to generate 3D features. This space is specifically designed for drafting profiles, making it the ideal choice for sketching.

When a new sketch is initiated, the user must select a sketch plane, which determines the base surface on which the 2D drawings will be made. This is fundamental when beginning the design process, as it establishes the relationship of the sketch to the 3D model.

While other options like drawing surfaces, layout planes, and work planes are relevant in various contexts within Autodesk Inventor, they do not directly serve as the primary area for sketching 2D profiles in the same way that sketch planes do. Drawing surfaces are typically used for setting up 2D drawings or presentations, while layout planes and work planes are more often used to create reference geometry and provide additional options for advanced modeling tasks. However, these do not specifically facilitate the initial sketching of 2D profiles as the sketch plane does.