Default planes just show when creating the first feature.

Interesting idea.  My first thought was that this would be extremely annoying.  But on second thought, if your work process is to select they type of feature that you are going to create first, then where you want it, this could be a timesaver.  However, if you select where to place the feature first (which is how I almost always work - select a plane or face, create sketch, the select feature type [extrude, cut, etc.]) then this would be very annoying.  So, if the planes only show when a feature that requires a sketch is going to be created, it might be handy.  As always, it should be something that the user can disable in options if desired.

Just my $.02

I'm not exactly sure what you mean. In my part template the Front/Top/Right planes are always hidden, so even for the first sketch I need to select it from the tree. On the other hand if I show the planes, then even after the first sketch/feature they remain visible.

Are you saying that for you the planes are shown, but after you make a sketch they get hidden? If you show them and make another sketch do they hide again?

Edit: I think I know what you mean now. If you click to create a sketch without selecting the plane first then you want it to show up like it does for the first sketch. I would just suggest if you will repeatedly be using the standard planes then you should just show them in the tree so they are always visible.

Hi Elias,

I see what you mean.  I believe the intent of the current design was to help you figure out what orientation you want to start with but once you've created something we assume you will pick a face or some other geoemtry to next sketch on rather than simply click the Sketch command again.  This is certainly something that could be enhanced in a future release.  I looked for but didn't find an existing Enhancement Request for this so if you are interested in submitting one, please go to the Enhancement Request page and submit one.

Jody

Open the part document template (.prtdot), set the planes to Show, and then save the template.

Also make surethe View > Planes option is selected.

The planes will then be selectable from the  graphics area.

Good practice using planes, as you are, whenever possible. I made "P" a shortcut key to turn my plans on and off. Saves a ton of time.