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Autodesk® Fusion 360®
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
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Learning Guide
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Mixed Units - 6th Edition

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 ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®
Autodesk® Fusion 360®
Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Mixed Units - 6th Edition - Software Version: 2.0.15050
Prepared and produced by:

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ASCENT Center for Technical Knowledge
630 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 175
Charlottesville, VA 22911

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866-527-2368

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www.ASCENTed.com

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Lead Contributors: Jennifer MacMillan and Paul Burden
Copyright

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ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge (a division of Rand Worldwide Inc.) is a leading developer of
professional learning materials and knowledge products for engineering software applications. ASCENT

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specializes in designing targeted content that facilitates application-based learning with hands-on software

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experience. For over 25 years, ASCENT has helped users become more productive through tailored
custom learning solutions.

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We welcome any comments you may have regarding this guide, or any of our products. To contact us
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please email: [email protected].

© ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge, 2023

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All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced in any form by any photographic, electronic,
mechanical or other means or used in any information storage and retrieval system without the written
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permission of ASCENT, a division of Rand Worldwide, Inc.

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The following are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the
USA and other countries: 123D, 3ds Max, ADSK, Alias, ATC, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD, Autodesk, the Autodesk logo,
Autodesk 123D, Autodesk Alias, Autodesk Docs, ArtCAM, Autodesk Forge, Autodesk Fusion, Autodesk Inventor,
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All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

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Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, nothing contained herein constitutes nor is intended to constitute an offer,
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represented to be error free. ASCENT, its agents and employees, expressly disclaim any liability for any damages, losses
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The information contained herein is intended to be of general interest to you and is provided "as is", and it does not
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of fitness for a particular purpose.

AS-FUS15050-IPM1MU-SG
 C ont e nt s

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Preface ............................................................................................................ xi

In This Guide ................................................................................................ xiii

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Practice Files ................................................................................................. xv

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360 ...................................... 1-1
e EN1.1 Autodesk Fusion 360 Fundamentals............................................. 1-2
Feature-Based Modeling................................................................... 1-2
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Parametric Features.......................................................................... 1-4
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Direct Modeling ................................................................................. 1-5

Managing Assembled Designs.......................................................... 1-6
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Design Documentation...................................................................... 1-7

Associativity ...................................................................................... 1-7
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1.2 Getting Started ................................................................................ 1-8

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Understanding Workspaces .............................................................. 1-8

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Understanding Projects..................................................................... 1-8

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1.3 The Autodesk Fusion 360 Interface............................................. 1-10

Toolbar ............................................................................................ 1-10
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BROWSER...................................................................................... 1-11
Accessing Commands .................................................................... 1-11
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Accessing Help ............................................................................... 1-12

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Preferences..................................................................................... 1-12
1.4 Design Navigation and Display.................................................... 1-13
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Design Navigation ........................................................................... 1-13

ViewCube........................................................................................ 1-13
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Named Views .................................................................................. 1-13

Design Display ................................................................................ 1-14
Geometry Selection......................................................................... 1-15
Environment and Effects ................................................................. 1-15
Practice 1a Getting Started ................................................................. 1-16
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 1-26
Command Summary ............................................................................. 1-28

© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® i

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Chapter 2: Creating the First Feature with Quick Shapes ........................ 2-1
2.1 Design Units and Origin ................................................................. 2-2
Units .................................................................................................. 2-2
Origin................................................................................................. 2-3
2.2 Quick Shape Creation..................................................................... 2-4

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Practice 2a Creating Shapes I ............................................................... 2-6

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Practice 2b Creating Shapes II............................................................ 2-12

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 2-15

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 2-17

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Chapter 3: Creating Sketched Geometry.................................................... 3-1
3.1 Introduction to the Sketching Workflow ....................................... 3-2

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3.2 Sketch Entities ................................................................................ 3-3
Line ................................................................................................... 3-3

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Spline ................................................................................................ 3-3
e EN Points ................................................................................................ 3-4
Rectangles ........................................................................................ 3-4
Circles ............................................................................................... 3-5
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Arcs ................................................................................................... 3-7
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3.3 Dimensioning .................................................................................. 3-9

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Dynamic Input ................................................................................... 3-9

Adding Sketch Dimensions ............................................................... 3-9
Modifying Sketch Dimensions ......................................................... 3-12
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Deleting Sketch Dimensions ........................................................... 3-12

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3.4 Sketch Constraints ....................................................................... 3-13

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3.5 Extruding a Sketch........................................................................ 3-15

3.6 Revolving a Sketch ....................................................................... 3-19
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Practice 3a Extruded Solid Features .................................................. 3-21

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Practice 3b Revolved Solid Features ................................................. 3-29

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Practice 3c Additional Designs........................................................... 3-35

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 3-36
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 3-39

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ii © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

Chapter 4: Additional Sketching Tools....................................................... 4-1

4.1 Additional Entity Types .................................................................. 4-2
Polygons ........................................................................................... 4-2
Ellipse................................................................................................ 4-3
Slot .................................................................................................... 4-3

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Tangent Arc Using a Line.................................................................. 4-5
Tangent Line Between Two Circles or Arcs ...................................... 4-5

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Fillets................................................................................................. 4-6
Construction Entities ......................................................................... 4-7

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4.2 Editing Tools ................................................................................... 4-9

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Trim ................................................................................................... 4-9

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Extend ............................................................................................... 4-9
Mirror............................................................................................... 4-10
Sketch Scale ................................................................................... 4-10

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4.3 Additional Dimension Tools......................................................... 4-12
Center Dimensions.......................................................................... 4-12

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Radius or Diameter Dimensions ..................................................... 4-13
e EN Angular Dimensions ........................................................................ 4-13
Over-Constrained Sketches ............................................................ 4-14
4.4 Moving and Copying..................................................................... 4-15
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Move/Copy ...................................................................................... 4-15
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Copy and Paste............................................................................... 4-16

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4.5 Rectangular Sketch Patterns ....................................................... 4-17

4.6 Circular Sketch Patterns .............................................................. 4-20
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Practice 4a Applying Constraints ....................................................... 4-22

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Practice 4b Creating Sketched Geometry I........................................ 4-28

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Practice 4c Creating Sketched Geometry II ....................................... 4-35

Practice 4d Manipulating Entities ....................................................... 4-42
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Practice 4e Copy and Paste Sketches................................................ 4-43

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Practice 4f Patterning Sketched Entities ........................................... 4-47

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 4-51

Command Summary ............................................................................. 4-54
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Chapter 5: Sketched Secondary Features.................................................. 5-1

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5.1 Sketched Secondary Features....................................................... 5-2

5.2 Using Existing Geometry ............................................................... 5-7
Projected Geometry .......................................................................... 5-7
Offset................................................................................................. 5-8
Reusing Sketches ............................................................................. 5-9
Features from Planar Faces.............................................................. 5-9
Practice 5a Creating Sketched Extrusions I ...................................... 5-10

© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® iii

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Practice 5b Creating Sketched Extrusions II ..................................... 5-18

Practice 5c Reusing Sketches ............................................................ 5-25
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 5-29
Command Summary ............................................................................. 5-32

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Chapter 6: Pick and Place Features............................................................ 6-1

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6.1 Fillets................................................................................................ 6-2
Constant Radius Fillet ....................................................................... 6-2

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Variable Radius Fillet ........................................................................ 6-5

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Chordal Fillet ..................................................................................... 6-7
Rule Fillets ........................................................................................ 6-8

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Full Round Fillet .............................................................................. 6-11
6.2 Chamfers........................................................................................ 6-13

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6.3 Holes .............................................................................................. 6-15
6.4 Editing Pick and Place Features.................................................. 6-19

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e ENPractice 6a Constant Radius Fillets ................................................... 6-20
Practice 6b Fillets and Chamfers........................................................ 6-25
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Practice 6c Fillet Shapes ..................................................................... 6-35
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Practice 6d Holes ................................................................................. 6-39

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 6-48

Command Summary ............................................................................. 6-50
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Chapter 7: Construction Features............................................................... 7-1

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7.1 Construction Planes ....................................................................... 7-2

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Default Origin Planes ........................................................................ 7-2

Create Construction Planes .............................................................. 7-3
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7.2 Construction Axes .......................................................................... 7-6

Default Origin Axes ........................................................................... 7-6
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Creating Construction Axes .............................................................. 7-6

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7.3 Construction Points...................................................................... 7-10

Default Origin Point ......................................................................... 7-10
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Creating Construction Points .......................................................... 7-10

Editing Construction Features......................................................... 7-13
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Practice 7a Using Construction Features to Create Geometry I...... 7-14

Practice 7b Using Construction Features to Create Geometry II .... 7-20
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 7-31
Command Summary ............................................................................. 7-33

iv © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

Chapter 8: Equations and Parameters........................................................ 8-1

8.1 Equations......................................................................................... 8-2
8.2 Parameters....................................................................................... 8-6
Practice 8a Adding Equations............................................................... 8-7

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Practice 8b Adding Parameters .......................................................... 8-14
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 8-21

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 8-24

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Chapter 9: Additional Features and Operations ........................................ 9-1

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9.1 Draft.................................................................................................. 9-2
9.2 Shell.................................................................................................. 9-4

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9.3 Rib .................................................................................................... 9-5

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9.4 Split Face ......................................................................................... 9-6

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9.5 Scale................................................................................................. 9-8
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9.6 Thread .............................................................................................. 9-9
9.7 Press Pull....................................................................................... 9-11
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Practice 9a Creating Shells and Ribs ................................................. 9-13

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Practice 9b Using Advanced Design Tools ....................................... 9-17

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 9-25

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 9-26

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Chapter 10: Design and Display Manipulation......................................... 10-1

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10.1 Reordering Features ..................................................................... 10-2

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10.2 Inserting Features ......................................................................... 10-3

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10.3 Suppressing Features .................................................................. 10-5

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10.4 Measure and Section Analysis .................................................... 10-6

Measure .......................................................................................... 10-6
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Section Analysis.............................................................................. 10-7

10.5 Direct Modeling ............................................................................. 10-8
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Direct Edit Tools.............................................................................. 10-9

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Practice 10a Section Analysis........................................................... 10-12

Practice 10b Feature Order ............................................................... 10-18
Practice 10c Direct Edit ..................................................................... 10-25
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 10-31
Command Summary ........................................................................... 10-33

© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® v

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Chapter 11: Single Path Sweeps ............................................................... 11-1

11.1 Sweeps........................................................................................... 11-2
Practice 11a Creating Swept Geometry I ........................................... 11-6
Practice 11b Creating Swept Geometry II ........................................ 11-12

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Practice 11c (Optional) Additional Swept Geometry ...................... 11-16
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 11-17

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 11-20

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Chapter 12: Loft Features .......................................................................... 12-1

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12.1 Lofts ............................................................................................... 12-2
Practice 12a Creating Rail Lofts ......................................................... 12-7

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Practice 12b Creating Centerline Lofts I .......................................... 12-11

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Practice 12c Creating Centerline Lofts II ......................................... 12-13

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 12-19
e ENCommand Summary ........................................................................... 12-21

Chapter 13: Feature Duplication Tools..................................................... 13-1

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13.1 Mirroring Geometry....................................................................... 13-2

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13.2 Patterning Features ...................................................................... 13-3

Rectangular Patterns ...................................................................... 13-3
Circular Patterns ............................................................................. 13-5
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Pattern on Path ............................................................................... 13-7

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Practice 13a Mirroring Geometry........................................................ 13-9

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Practice 13b Patterning Geometry.................................................... 13-14

Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 13-24
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 13-26

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Chapter 14: Distributed Design ................................................................. 14-1

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14.1 Assembly Design Methods .......................................................... 14-2

14.2 Distributed Design ........................................................................ 14-3
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Inserting Components ..................................................................... 14-3

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MOVE/COPY Palette ...................................................................... 14-5

Grounding Components .................................................................. 14-6
14.3 Joint Origins .................................................................................. 14-7
Selecting Joint Origins .................................................................... 14-7
Creating Joint Origins...................................................................... 14-9
14.4 Assigning Joints ......................................................................... 14-13
Joint Types.................................................................................... 14-15

vi © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

Practice 14a Creating a Distributed Design..................................... 14-21

Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 14-42
Command Summary ........................................................................... 14-44

Chapter 15: Component Design Tools ..................................................... 15-1

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15.1 Rigid Groups ................................................................................. 15-2

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15.2 Interference Detection .................................................................. 15-3

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15.3 Miscellaneous Joint Tools ........................................................... 15-4
Joint Limits ...................................................................................... 15-4

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Drive Joints ..................................................................................... 15-5

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Contact Sets.................................................................................... 15-5
Motion Linking ................................................................................. 15-6
Motion Studies ................................................................................ 15-6

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Practice 15a Incorporating Motion Between Components
in a Design ............................................................................................ 15-7

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 15-34
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 15-36
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Chapter 16: Multi-Body Design ................................................................. 16-1
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16.1 Multi-Body Design......................................................................... 16-2

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16.2 Multi-Body Design Tools .............................................................. 16-4

16.3 Components .................................................................................. 16-7
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Creating Components ..................................................................... 16-7

Using the BROWSER ..................................................................... 16-8
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Reusing Components...................................................................... 16-9

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Positioning Components ............................................................... 16-10

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16.4 As-Built Joints............................................................................. 16-11

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Practice 16a Multi-Body Design........................................................ 16-13

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Practice 16b Working with Multi-Bodies to Create an

Assembled Design ............................................................................. 16-27
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 16-39

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 16-41

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Chapter 17: T-Spline Geometry ................................................................. 17-1

17.1 Introduction to the Form Contextual Environment .................... 17-2
Control Mesh................................................................................... 17-2
Display Modes................................................................................. 17-3
Performance Options ...................................................................... 17-5
17.2 Surface Quick Shapes .................................................................. 17-6
Exiting the Form Contextual Environment....................................... 17-8

© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® vii

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

17.3 Creating Sketched T-Spline Surfaces ....................................... 17-10

17.4 Creating Faces and Filling Holes............................................... 17-11
Creating a Face............................................................................. 17-11
Filling a Hole ................................................................................. 17-12
Practice 17a T-Spline Surface Modeling I ........................................ 17-14

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Practice 17b T-Spline Surface Modeling II ....................................... 17-25

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 17-31

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 17-34

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Chapter 18: Editing T-Spline Geometry.................................................... 18-1

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18.1 Editing Form Geometry ................................................................ 18-2
18.2 Deleting Entities ............................................................................ 18-7

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18.3 Working with Edges...................................................................... 18-8
18.4 Working with Faces .................................................................... 18-13

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e EN18.5 Working with Points.................................................................... 18-15
18.6 Controlling Symmetry................................................................. 18-18
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18.7 Thickening Geometry ................................................................. 18-21
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Practice 18a Box T-Spline Modeling................................................. 18-23

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Practice 18b Cylinder T-Spline Modeling......................................... 18-33

Practice 18c Working with Multiple T-Spline Bodies ...................... 18-43
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Practice 18d Bridging T-Spline Geometry ....................................... 18-51

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 18-55

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 18-57

Chapter 19: Drawing Basics ...................................................................... 19-1

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19.1 Creating a New Drawing ............................................................... 19-2

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Base Views ..................................................................................... 19-3

Projected Views .............................................................................. 19-4
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19.2 Additional Drawing Views ............................................................ 19-6

Auxiliary Views ................................................................................ 19-6
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Section Views.................................................................................. 19-7

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Detail Views .................................................................................... 19-9

Break Views .................................................................................... 19-9
19.3 Exploded Views........................................................................... 19-11

viii © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

19.4 Manipulating Drawings............................................................... 19-15

Delete Views ................................................................................. 19-15
Move Views................................................................................... 19-15
View Alignment ............................................................................. 19-15
View Orientation............................................................................ 19-15
Change View Scale....................................................................... 19-16

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Editing View Labels....................................................................... 19-16
Add Component or Exploded Views to an Assembly Drawing...... 19-17

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Sheet Settings............................................................................... 19-18

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Modifying the Text in a Title Block ................................................ 19-20
Creating a New Title Block............................................................ 19-20

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Drawing Templates ....................................................................... 19-21

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Sheets ........................................................................................... 19-22
Practice 19a Creating a Drawing I..................................................... 19-23

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Practice 19b Creating a Drawing II ................................................... 19-29

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Practice 19c Creating a Drawing III................................................... 19-37

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 19-47
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 19-50
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Chapter 20: Detailing Drawings................................................................. 20-1
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20.1 Dimensions.................................................................................... 20-2

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Dimension Types ............................................................................ 20-2

Dimensioning to Extension Lines .................................................... 20-5
Arrange Dimensions........................................................................ 20-6
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20.2 Other Annotations......................................................................... 20-7

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Text Notes....................................................................................... 20-7

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Centerlines and Center Marks ........................................................ 20-9

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Symbols ........................................................................................ 20-10

20.3 Tables, Parts List, and Balloons................................................ 20-12
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20.4 Annotation and Dimension Settings ......................................... 20-15

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20.5 Drawing Output ........................................................................... 20-17

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Practice 20a Annotations and Dimensions...................................... 20-18

Practice 20b Parts List and Balloons ............................................... 20-29
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 20-33

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 20-35

© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® ix

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Chapter 21: Static Analysis Using the Simulation Environment............ 21-1

21.1 Introduction to the Simulation Environment .............................. 21-2
Creating a Design Study ................................................................. 21-2
Typical FEA Workflow ..................................................................... 21-5
21.2 Setting Up a Structural Static Analysis....................................... 21-6

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Assigning Study Materials............................................................... 21-6
Assigning Structural Constraints ..................................................... 21-8

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Assigning Loads............................................................................ 21-10

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Assigning Contacts ....................................................................... 21-15
Reviewing the Setup in the BROWSER........................................ 21-18

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21.3 Setting Up the Mesh.................................................................... 21-20

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21.4 Solving a Design Study .............................................................. 21-22
21.5 Visualizing the Results ............................................................... 21-24

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RESULTS DETAILS Dialog Box ................................................... 21-25

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Results Legend ............................................................................. 21-26

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Practice 21a Cantilever Beam Analysis ........................................... 21-28
e ENPractice 21b Plant Hanger Analysis ................................................. 21-42
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 21-54
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 21-56

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Index ...................................................................................................... Index-1

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x © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Pr e fa c e

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The Autodesk® Fusion 360®: Introduction to Parametric Modeling guide provides
you with an understanding of the parametric design philosophy using the
Autodesk® Fusion 360® software. Through a hands-on, practice-intensive

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curriculum, you will learn the key skills and knowledge required to design models

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using the Autodesk Fusion 360 software.

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Software Version
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As a cloud-based platform, updates are frequently available for the Autodesk
Fusion 360 software. This learning guide has been developed using software
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version 2.0.15050. If you are using a version of the software later than version
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2.0.15050, you might notice some variances between images and workflows in
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this learning guide and the software that you are using.

Topics Covered
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• Understanding the Autodesk Fusion 360 interface

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• Creating, constraining, and dimensioning 2D sketches

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• Creating and editing solid 3D features

• Creating and using construction features
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• Creating equations and working with parameters

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• Manipulating the feature history of a design

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• Duplicating geometry in a design

• Placing and constraining/connecting components in a single design file
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• Defining motion in a multi-component design

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• Creating components and features in a multi-component design

• Creating and editing T-spline geometry
• Documenting a design in drawings
• Defining structural constraints and loads for static analysis

© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xi

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Note on Software Setup

This guide assumes a standard installation of the software using the default
preferences during installation. Lectures and practices use the standard software
templates and default options for the Content Libraries.

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Lead Contributor: Jennifer MacMillan

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With a dedication for engineering and education, Jennifer has spent over 25 years

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at ASCENT managing courseware development for various CAD products.

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Trained in Instructional Design, Jennifer uses her skills to develop instructor-led
and web-based training products as well as knowledge profiling tools.

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Jennifer has achieved the Autodesk Certified Professional certification for
Inventor and is also recognized as an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI). She

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enjoys teaching the training courses that she authors and is also very skilled in
providing technical support to end-users.

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Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree as well as a Bachelor of Science
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in Mathematics from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Jennifer MacMillan is a Lead Contributor for this sixth edition of the Autodesk®
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Fusion 360®: Introduction to Parametric Modeling guide.

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Lead Contributor: Paul Burden

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Paul Burden is the Director of Product Development for ASCENT – Center for
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Technical Knowledge. He has been in the business of technical training and

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support for CAD systems since 1995. During that time, he has led courseware
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projects for CAD and PDM software from most of the major developers of this type
of software.
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Paul holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Memorial University in

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Newfoundland, Canada, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario,

Canada. Paul’s latest projects include implementation of digital formats for
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learning guides, including eBooks and online learning portals.

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Paul Burden is a Lead Contributor for this sixth edition of the Autodesk®
Fusion 360®: Introduction to Parametric Modeling guide.
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xii © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 In Thi s G u ide

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The following highlights the key features of this guide.

Feature Description

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Practice Files The Practice Files page includes a link to the practice files and
instructions on how to download and install them. The practice files

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are required to complete the practices in this guide.
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Chapters A chapter consists of the following: Learning Objectives, Instructional
Content, Practices, Chapter Review Questions, and Command
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Summary.
• Learning Objectives define the skills you can acquire by learning
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the content provided in the chapter.

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• Instructional Content, which begins right after Learning

Objectives, refers to the descriptive and procedural information
related to various topics. Each main topic introduces a product
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feature, discusses various aspects of that feature, and provides

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step-by-step procedures on how to use that feature. Where

relevant, examples, figures, helpful hints, and notes are provided.
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• Practice for a topic follows the instructional content. Practices

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enable you to use the software to perform a hands-on review of a

topic. It is required that you download the practice files (using the
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link found on the Practice Files page) prior to starting the first
practice.
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• Chapter Review Questions, located close to the end of a

chapter, enable you to test your knowledge of the key concepts
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discussed in the chapter.

• Command Summary concludes a chapter. It contains a list of the
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software commands that are used throughout the chapter and

provides information on where the command can be found in the
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software.

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

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 1
Chapter

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Introduction to Autodesk

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Fusion 360

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The Autodesk® Fusion 360® software is a hybrid application that combines locally
installed software and cloud-based tools. It enables users to use parametric
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modeling and direct manipulation modeling techniques to create 3D designs. To
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successfully begin creating geometry using the Autodesk Fusion 360 software,
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you must install the software, access your Autodesk user account, create a
project in the cloud, and become familiar with the interface and navigation tools.
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Learning Objectives in This Chapter

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• Identify the key areas of the Autodesk Fusion 360 interface.

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• Create a new project for use in the Autodesk Fusion 360 software.
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• Load files into an Autodesk Fusion 360 project.

• Open files in the Autodesk Fusion 360 software.
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• Use the design orientation commands to pan, zoom, rotate, and view a design.
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• Change the Visual Style, Environment, and Effects settings to customize the display of a
design.
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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

1.1 Autodesk Fusion 360

Fundamentals
The Autodesk Fusion 360 software is a flexible design tool that

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enables you to incorporate a variety of 3D modeling techniques
and strategies. Its characteristics and capabilities include:

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• Feature-based modeling

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• Parametric features

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• Direct manipulation modeling

• Managing assembled designs

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• Design documentation

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• Associativity
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Feature-Based In feature-based modeling, a design can evolve by creating
features one by one, while keeping the feature history. Each
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Modeling feature is individually recognized by the software. A design that
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consists of several individual features is shown in Figure 1–1.

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Extruded features can Extrude Copied feature

either join or cut
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Shell
material from the
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design. Hole
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Extrude
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Drafts Fillets
Figure 1–1
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To start a design, create a simple extruded feature that

approximates the shape of the design. Continue adding features
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until the design is complete, as shown in Figure 1–2.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

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1st Feature: Extrude 2nd Feature: Drafts 3rd Feature: Fillets

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4th Feature: Shell 5th Feature: Extrude 6th Feature: Hole

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7th Feature: Copy

Figure 1–2
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Features from Profiles

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Features can be created from 2D profiles that can be extruded

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(as shown in Figure 1–3), swept, lofted, etc. Features created

from profiles can add or remove material.
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Figure 1–3

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Pick and Place Features

Pick and place features (e.g., fillets, chamfers, etc.) perform

operations on existing geometry. These types of features usually
require you to select references to locate them on the existing

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geometry, such as edges or surfaces. Figure 1–4 shows an
example of a design where chamfers and fillets have been
added.

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Fillets

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Countersunk
Hole
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Figure 1–4
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Feature Relationships
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Relationships between In feature-based modeling, features are added one after another.
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features are formed as a The complete history of the features and the relationships
design is created. between them is retained. Relationships are created as new
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features reference existing ones.

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For example, the countersunk hole shown in Figure 1–4

references the top surface of the rectangular extrude. If the
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extruded feature is deleted, the hole becomes undefined

because at least one of the references that defines its location
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no longer exists.
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Parametric Fully constrained features created through parametric modeling

m

have dimensions (also known as parameters) that define their

Features shape, size, and position. You can change the values of the
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dimensions or parameters at any time, and the features update

accordingly. Figure 1–5 shows how the geometry of a design
changes when the dimensional value that positions an extruded
cut feature changes.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

Names are assigned

automatically to
dimension parameters.
You can change the
name of a parameter to

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be more descriptive in
the Parameters dialog
box (e.g., change d127

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to Width). Figure 1–5

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Dimensioning is an important step in parametric modeling. When
you are creating dimensions, consider the following:

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• Changes: How might the design need to change? Do the
dimensions help or hinder these changes?

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• “What if” scenarios: Periodically modify dimension values

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to ensure that the design behaves as expected. This is
known as flexing the design.

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Equations are
user-defined
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and control design intent. For example, you can use an equation
mathematical relations. to force the width of a rectangular block to be equal to half of its
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height. Using equations in a design can help you to make a
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robust design that captures your design intent.

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Direct Modeling Direct modeling enables you to create and edit designs very
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quickly, without needing dimensional constraints. Instead, you

make manipulations with operations on faces, such as Move and
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Offset. The design shown in Figure 1–6 is manipulated in

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Figure 1–7 in a non-parametric fashion by moving (rotating) a

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face.
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Figure 1–6 Figure 1–7

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Managing A design can consist of multiple components that communicate

how an assembled product is designed. There are two methods
Assembled that can be used in the Autodesk Fusion 360 software to design
Designs a product with multiple components:

• Components can be inserted into a single design, or

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• Components can be created within the context of a single

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design.

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In either scenario, joints are added to create relationships

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between components to define their degrees of freedom and
enabling you to build an intelligent, multi-component design. The

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design shown in Figure 1–8 comprises over 40 individual
components.

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This barbecue design is
shown in multi-colors to

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help identify all of the
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components. You can
use this color
assignment tool in the
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INSPECT panel by
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clicking Display
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Component Colors.
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Figure 1–8

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

Design The tools available in the drawing environment enable you to

quickly create production-ready drawings for manufacturing,
Documentation such as the example shown in Figure 1–9. Drawings can be
created from designs that represent single or multi-components.
Adding details to your drawings enables you to communicate
additional information about the design.

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There is a link between the drawing and the source design that

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can always be refreshed to get the latest design. If a change is

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made to the source design, you can update all of the drawing
views that reference with the latest information.

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Figure 1–9
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Associativity
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The Autodesk Fusion 360 software is fully associative, which

means that it operates in a concurrent engineering environment.
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You can work with the same design in different contexts (e.g., a
stand-alone component, a component within a multi-component
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design, and a drawing of the component), and all modes are fully
associative. Any changes made to a design in any of these
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contexts propagate to all of the other contexts.

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

1.2 Getting Started

Understanding The Autodesk Fusion 360 software combines related tools and
functions into groups called workspaces. When a workspace is
Workspaces

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activated, you are only able to pick tools from that workspace
until another workspace is activated.

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To change workspaces, expand the Change Workspace menu

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(shown in Figure 1–10) and select a workspace to launch it.

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Figure 1–10
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Understanding The Autodesk Fusion 360 software uses projects to manage and
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organize data. You can access this in the Data Panel by

Projects
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selecting (Show Data Panel) in the Application Bar. At the

top-level, you can select New Project to create a new project,
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and then create folders in the project. Similar to folders, each

project only contains data that is specific to that particular
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project. If you create a project, you are designated as the owner,

administrator, and moderator.
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• Projects include permissions that restrict who has access to

the data and what they can do with it.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

• Projects can be used for communication and collaboration.

Within your project, you can post comments, use a shared
calendar, publish documents to a project-specific wiki, and
generate polls to gather input from project members.

• You can open your project in your personal hub in the

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Autodesk Fusion 360 software to further manage the project
files and members, as shown in Figure 1–11. To easily

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access this page, select the icon adjacent to the project

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name at the top of the project’s Data panel.

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Figure 1–11
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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

1.3 The Autodesk Fusion 360

Interface
When you launch the Autodesk Fusion 360 software, one of the

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first things you might note is that the interface has a minimalistic
layout that presents only the information needed, when it is
required. Figure 1–12 shows an example of the interface once a

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design is opened, including the toolbar, panels, BROWSER, and

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other interface elements. Multiple designs can be open at once.

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Data Panel Application Bar Tabs Account Settings and

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Preferences

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ViewCube
BROWSER
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Graphics Window
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Timeline
Display
Controls
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Figure 1–12
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Toolbar The toolbar (shown in Figure 1–13) provides access to many of

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the tools and options available in the Autodesk Fusion 360

software.
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Figure 1–13

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

BROWSER The BROWSER is where all of the design data is organized in a

tree-like structure, as shown in Figure 1–14. The BROWSER
can contain design information, features, work features, folders
and more.

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Figure 1–14

Accessing The majority of commands are located within panels opened

from the tabs of the toolbar. Additional tools are also available in
Commands context menus or contextual tabs.

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Accessing Help The Help tool enables you to access resources, such as online
help, tutorials, and forums. To access these tools. expand the

menu in the top right corner of the software and select from
the available options.

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Preferences There are a number of preferences you can set to configure the

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Autodesk Fusion 360 environment. To access these settings,
click on your user profile icon in the top right-hand corner of the

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software and select Preferences. Expand and select each

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preference type to access the customization options. To return to
the defaults settings, click Restore Defaults.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

1.4 Design Navigation and

Display

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Design There are many ways that you can navigate around the
Autodesk Fusion 360 interface, which can make working with
Navigation your designs easier. This includes techniques for zooming,

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panning, and orienting the design using the mouse or the

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on-screen tools.

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• The on-screen tools can be found in the Navigation Bar at the

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bottom of the screen.
• The setting that controls the mouse is the Pan, Zoom, Orbit
shortcuts setting under Preferences. It is set to Fusion by

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default. Hold down the middle mouse button to pan the
model. To zoom the model, roll the middle mouse button or

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press <Ctrl> + <Shift> + middle mouse button. To orbit the
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ViewCube One of the most convenient ways to change orientation is using

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the ViewCube, as shown in Figure 1–15. The ViewCube is
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located in top right-hand corner and enables you to quickly snap

to standard orthographic views, such as Front, Top, Side, and
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Bottom.
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Figure 1–15
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Named Views Named views can also be used to quickly orient your design to
specific views that are predefined in the software, or to views
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that you have created and saved. The Named Views folder is
listed at the top of the BROWSER for each model. The four
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views shown in Figure 1–16 are provided by default when you

start a new design.
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Figure 1–16

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

To create a custom named view, right-click on the Named Views

folder and select New Named View. The new view is added to
the list. To rename the view, select its default name and enter a
new one.

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Design Display To make a design easier to work with, its display can be
customized by changing its visual style. These options are

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located in the Display Settings menu at the bottom of the
interface. The Visual Style settings are an application setting

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and are not saved with the design file. Figure 1–17 shows

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examples of the display styles that can be used.

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Shaded Shaded with Shaded with Visible

Hidden Edges Edges Only
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Wireframe Wireframe with Wireframe with Visible

Hidden Edges Edges Only
Figure 1–17

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

Geometry When working in a design, you work with faces, features, bodies,
components, work features, etc. To make this process easier,
Selection you can use selection filters to enable control over which items
are selectable. The selection filter tools are available in the
SELECT panel. Selection techniques include the following:

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• Items in the graphics window highlight as you move the
cursor over them. By default, faces and edges are selectable.

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• To select an entire body, you can click on the body or

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component in the BROWSER.

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• You can use the Selection Filters options to customize

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exactly what can or cannot be selected. The options that are
available change depending on the design and items that are
being used.

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Environment The Autodesk Fusion 360 software has a variety of

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and Effects display of your model. The Environment options enable you to
control the background color in the graphics window. The default
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is white (Photo Booth). The Effect options enable you to control
the display of the ground plane, shadows, reflections, etc. Both
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options are located in the Display Settings menu at the bottom

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of the interface. Similar to the visual style options, environments

and effects are application settings and are not saved with the
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design file.
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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Practice 1a Getting Started

Practice Objectives
• Create a new Autodesk Fusion 360 project and upload files to the

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project.
• Open a file from an Autodesk Fusion 360 project.

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• Use the BROWSER to control the visibility of components in the design.
• Practice orienting the design using several different methods.

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• Change the visual style of a design.

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• Create a new Autodesk Fusion 360 design.

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In this practice, you will begin by setting up an Autodesk Fusion
360 project that will be used with this learning guide, and you will
then upload files to the project. To become familiar with the

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software’s interface and navigation controls, you will then open
one of the provided designs and practice using all of the

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navigation tools that are available in the software. To complete
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begin learning how to create geometry in the Autodesk Fusion
360 software.
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Task 1 - Setting up the practice files.

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If the software has not 1. Launch the Autodesk Fusion 360 software.
been updated recently,
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you might be prompted 2. Log in to your Autodesk user account, if not already logged
in. If you do not have an account, create one using the
d

to update it to the latest

Create an Account option.
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version of the software.

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3. Verify that the C:\Autodesk Fusion 360 Practice Files folder

exists and contains the files that are required for this learning
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guide. If it does not, return to the Practice Files page at the

beginning of the learning guide to download and extract the
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files to your local computer to prepare the files for upload.

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4. At the top of the interface, in the Application Bar, click

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(Show Data Panel).

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5. At the top of the Data Panel, click New Project.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

6. Create a new project called Autodesk Fusion 360 Practice

Files. This project should now be included in your list of
projects, as shown in Figure 1–18.

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Figure 1–18

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7. Double-click on the new project.

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8. Ensure that the Data tab is selected at the top of the project

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page.

There are a number of methods that can be used to upload and

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open files in the Autodesk Fusion 360 software. The following

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method involves uploading files directly to the project file. In an
upcoming chapter you will learn how to open files directly in the

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software and then save them to the project file.
e EN 9. Click Upload and select Select Files.
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10. Using the Open dialog box, navigate to the C:\Autodesk
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Fusion 360 Practice Files folder. Select BBQ.f3d and then

click Open.
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11. In the Upload window, click Upload. The barbecue design

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will upload to your project in Fusion Team.

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Files can be displayed 12. Once the file has been uploaded, in the Job Status window,
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in the Data Panel in click Close. The new project and the file should display as
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either List or Grid view. shown in Figure 1–19.

To select the view type,
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click and select

either the View as List
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or View as Grid
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options.
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Figure 1–19

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Task 2 - Opening a file in the Autodesk Fusion 360 software.

1. In the Data Panel, ensure that the Autodesk Fusion 360

Practice Files project is active and displayed. In the list of
files, double-click on BBQ to open the file.

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2. Close the Data Panel by clicking (Hide Data Panel). The

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design displays as shown in Figure 1–20.

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Figure 1–20
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3. In the interface, note the following:

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• The DESIGN workspace is currently active.

• The BROWSER contains the default folders (i.e., Named
Views, Origin) and the Sketches folder.
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• Multiple components ( ) and sub-assemblies ( ) are

listed in the BROWSER, defining the BBQ design.
• The Layout Grid may or may not be displayed,
depending on how the option has been previously set.
This option is set in the Grid and Snaps drop-down list at
the bottom of the window. Enable the Layout Grid option
to display the grid, if not already displayed.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

Task 3 - Use the BROWSER to select and hide components.

1. In the BROWSER, adjacent to the Named Views folder,

click to expand the folder. Select the TOP, FRONT, RIGHT,
and HOME views to reorient the design to the preset views.

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2. In the BROWSER, hover the cursor over the component

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names to highlight them in the design.

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3. Select the 1-0-01-GAS TANK:1 component. The tank

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highlights in the graphics window.

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4. Hold <Ctrl> and select the 1-0-01-GAS TANK:2 component.
Both tank components are highlighted in the design.

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5. Click in the graphics window to clear the selection.

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6. Click (Show/Hide) adjacent to one of the tank

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(Show/Hide) displays, indicating that the component is

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not visible.
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7. Repeat Step 6 to hide the display of the other tank

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component.
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8. In the BROWSER, expand the 1-1-00:1 component ( ) by

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clicking adjacent to its name. This node contains the

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components that form the top of the BBQ.

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9. In the BROWSER, click (Show/Hide) adjacent to the

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1-1-00:1 component. Note how the top of the BBQ is entirely

hidden in the display, as shown in Figure 1–21.
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Figure 1–21

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

10. Click (Show/Hide) again to return the 1-1-00:1

component to the display.

11. Practice hiding components by hiding the COVER and

HANDLE components, as shown in Figure 1–22.

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Figure 1–22
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12. On the right of the BROWSER bar, click to collapse the

BROWSER. Click to expand the BROWSER.
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13. On the left of the BROWSER bar, click to compress the

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BROWSER. The collapse and compress options can be used

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individually or together to provide additional space for

manipulating and viewing a design.
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Task 4 - Navigate the design using the mouse scroll wheel.

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1. To zoom in and out, scroll the mouse scroll wheel forward

and backward. Note that the view zooms based on the
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position of the cursor in the design.

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2. To pan, hold the mouse scroll wheel down as you move the
cursor around the design.

3. Reposition and zoom the design as required.

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 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

Task 5 - Navigate the design using the ViewCube.

1. In the top right corner of the graphics window, hover the

cursor over the ViewCube. Click (Home) to return the

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design to its default view.

2. Select the top face of the ViewCube (TOP) to reorient the

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design to the top view.

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3. Hover the cursor over the ViewCube until the rotational

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arrows display in the top right corner, as shown in

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Figure 1–23. Select the left arrow to rotate the view.

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Figure 1–23
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4. Hover the cursor over the ViewCube until the triangles
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pointing to the four edges display. Click the bottom to

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switch to the FRONT view.

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5. Click (Home) to return to the Home view.

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6. Use the ViewCube to orient the design as shown in the two

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views in Figure 1–24. In addition to selecting faces on the

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ViewCube, you can also select edges and corners to orient

the design, as required.
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Figure 1–24

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

7. Once the Back view is oriented, click to expand the

BROWSER, if required.

8. Expand the Named Views folder.

9. Right-click on the Named Views folder and select New

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Named View. Click once on the NamedView folder to edit its
name. Enter BACK as the new name for the view.

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10. In the Named Views folder, select Home.

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11. In the BROWSER, make the COVER and HANDLE
components visible again.

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12. In the Named Views folder, select BACK. Note that the
design orientation is changed to the saved orientation, but

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that the component visibility was not saved with the view.

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13. Return to the Home view.

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e EN 14. Enable the display of the two gas tanks.

15. Hover the cursor over the ViewCube. Select to expand

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the ViewCube options, as shown in Figure 1–25.
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Figure 1–25
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16. Note that Orthographic is currently selected. Click

Perspective to compare the design display.
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17. Return the design to the Orthographic setting.

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Task 6 - Navigate the design using the Navigation Bar.

1. In the Navigation Bar at the bottom of the graphics window,

activate the Look At tool by clicking (Look At). Select a

planar face on the design to reorient that face parallel to the
screen.

1–22 © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

2. Using the Look At tool, reorient the design as shown in

Figure 1–26.

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3. Return to the Home view.

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4. On the Navigation Bar, click (Pan). Hold the left mouse
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button, and then move the cursor to move the design. The
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design pans in the same way as pressing the middle mouse

button did.
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5. On the Navigation Bar, click (Zoom). Hold the left mouse

button, and then move the cursor to zoom in on the design.
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6. On the Navigation Bar, click (Constrained Orbit). A

circular outline displays around the design and the cursor
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displays as .
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You can also start the 7. Hold the left mouse button and move the cursor to spin the
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Orbit command by design in any direction.

holding <Shift> and
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holding the middle 8. Hover the cursor over one of the lines that extends
mouse button or scroll horizontally or vertically from the circular outline. The cursor
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wheel as you move the

displays as (vertical) or (horizontal). Click and drag on
cursor.
these lines to spin the design horizontally or vertically in the
current plane.

9. With (Constrained Orbit) still active, select a point

anywhere on the design. Once selected, that point is
centered in the circular outline.

© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–23

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

10. Practice spinning, panning, and zooming the design using the
Navigation Bar.

11. If required, orbit the design until at least one of the

barbeque’s wheels is visible. Click (Zoom Window) and

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draw a box around one of the wheels to zoom into that area.

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12. Click adjacent to and then click (Fit). Once
selected, the design resizes to fit in the graphics window

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while staying in the same orientation.

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13. Return to the Home view.

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Task 7 - Manipulating the design display.

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1. In the Navigation Bar, click (Display Settings). Expand
Visual Style, as shown in Figure 1–27.

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The Camera options on
the Display Settings
menu enables you to
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choose between an
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Orthographic and
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Perspective display, as
an alternative to using
the ViewCube.
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Figure 1–27
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2. Click on each of the display settings to review how they

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change the design’s appearance.

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3. Return the design to the Shaded with Visible Edges Only

option.
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4. In the Navigation Bar, click (Display Settings). Expand

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Environment, as shown in Figure 1–28.

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Figure 1–28

1–24 © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

5. Click on each of the Environment settings to review how they

change the appearance of the design.

6. Return the design to the Photo Booth option.

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7. In the Navigation Bar, click (Display Settings). Expand
Effects. Toggle the various effect settings to customize the
view as required.

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The display settings are 8. Clear the Ground Shadow option before continuing, if it was
set for the current enabled. The shadow is removed from the ground plane.

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Autodesk Fusion 360

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session and are not Task 8 - Create a new design in the Autodesk Fusion 360
saved with the design. software.

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1. In the Application Bar, click (File) to access the

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commands in the File drop-down list.
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3. In the Autodesk Fusion 360 interface, note the following:

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• A new window called Untitled is added at the top of the

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interface.
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• The DESIGN workspace is active.

• The BROWSER has the Named Views and Origin folders
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created by default.
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• The Document Settings node contains the unit of

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measure for the new design

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4. In the Application Bar, click (Save). Enter New Design for

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the filename and then click Save. This design will be used in
the next chapter of this learning guide when you begin
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learning about the modeling tools in the Autodesk Fusion 360

software.
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5. Close the BBQ v1 window by clicking . When prompted to

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save changes to the design, click Don’t Save.

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© 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–25

 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Chapter Review Questions

1. Match the numbers shown in Figure 1–29 with the interface
components listed below.

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6

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2

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3

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1

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4
7
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Figure 1–29
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Interface Element Answer

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a) Data Panel
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b) BROWSER
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c) Timeline
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d) Display Controls
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e) Toolbar
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f) Graphics Window

g) ViewCube

h) Tabs

1–26 © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360

2. Clicking enables you to automatically reorient the

display of the design to the TOP view.
a. True
b. False

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3. Which mouse button do you use to pan the design in the
graphics window, without having to use the Pan option?

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a. Left

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b. Middle

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c. Right
4. Which combination of items do you select to quickly orient a
design face parallel to the screen without spinning? (Select

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all that apply.)

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a. A surface and .
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b. A planar surface and .
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c. A surface and .
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d. A planar surface and .

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e. A face on the ViewCube.

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5. You can have multiple designs open in the Autodesk Fusion

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360 software at the same time.

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a. True
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b. False
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Answers: 1.(a=6, b=5, c=4, d=7, e=3, f=8, g=1, h=2), 2.b, 3.b, 4.(d,e), 5.a

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 Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Parametric Modeling

Command Summary
Button Command Location
Constrained • Display Controls

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Orbit (rotate)

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Display • Display Controls
Settings

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File • Application Bar

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Fit • Display Controls

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Help • Account Settings and Preferences

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Home View • ViewCube
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Pan • Display Controls
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Hide/Show • Application Bar

Data Panel
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Save • Application Bar

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Zoom • Display Controls

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Zoom • Display Controls

Window
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1–28 © 2023, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®