Modifying Inserted Parts in Assembly

casey_2

I'm working with a large library of available parts that I can Insert into my Assembly (from the FIRST Robotics library). I'm currently inserting an object like an aluminum extrusion, exporting it, importing it again, and then trimming it to length. I can't edit in context, nor can I create a version of it for my own use. My workflow feels cumbersome.

Is there a better way I can be doing this? 

eric_pesty

Use "derive" to create modified parts.
Also if you need different lengths of the same thing you can use a configuration variable to have the lengths you need out of just one part.

shawncrocker

Why can't you edit in context?

glen_dewsbury

You can edit in context. It will affect all uses of the part. In current assembly and any other assembly/document that uses that same part.
Configurations that Eric is suggesting allows as many variations as you need based on the same part model and can be used as one offs with out changing all parts in all documents.