new to inkscape. I was told that each time i want to draw something i need to set up document properties for inches before i start anything. 

something like change to PX then change to 96 then change back to inches. 

can someone please explain what im suposed to do to set this up? can i set it up to open as inches each time?

i need to have demintions correct so i can import into sheetcam for plasma cutting.

thank you

Go to File > Document Properties. On the Display tab look for the Display Units setting and the 'Front Page' document size setting. You can input sizes and units in the drop-down menus there.

I have often found that despite setting a document-wide unit, quite often some settings don't update automatically (for example, I often set my document to pixels, and when I go to change a stroke width, it may still be showing in millimeters, which is the default setting on my system). However, once I change it once, it usually sticks.

You can generate a new default page after your settings by saving as template with enabled "save as default", if that's what you want.

I don't know how to tag both of you! sorry!

Is this what i need to change? if so change to inches in both boxes then what about the scale? i was told to set it at 96????

in the past when i take the drawing into sheetcam it shows up as a different size. 

I will try to save it as default when i get the setting correct. 

Looks like you are using an old version of Inkscape.
In Inkscape 1.3, all templates selected in File > New from Template... is 96 per inch.
Remember File > Save template... Set as default template.

@aero thank you so much!