Learn how to use parameters in Fusion to automate design control, improve flexibility, and manage complex relationships efficiently.

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Parameters in Fusion are a game-changer for CAD users aiming for flexible, efficient, and easily adjustable designs. Parameters in Fusion allow you to automate dimensional control, streamline iterative tweaks, and manage relationships across entire assemblies — whether you’re a hobbyist or working on large engineering projects. Combining best practices and step-by-step workflows, this guide shows you how to create, edit, and master parameters in Fusion for simplified design control.

What are parameters in Fusion

Parameters in Fusion are predefined values — such as length, width, or hole count — that control features and dimensions throughout your model. These values can function as single numeric values, equations, or variables tied to other parameters. Whenever a parameter changes, every dependent feature updates instantaneously, saving hours of manual rework and minimizing the risk of human error.

Types of parameters in Fusion:

1. User parameters: Custom values defined by the user for enhanced reusability.
2. Model parameters: Automatically generated values tied to features as you build your design.
3. Global parameters: User parameters shared across multiple files for consistent standardization.

The power of parametric modeling

• Speed and efficiency: A single update to one value can adapt your entire design. 
• Design automation: Several features can be linked to mathematical equations for advanced control. 
• Customization: Easily create multiple design variations without starting from scratch.
• Collaboration: Standardize dimensions across teams or projects using global parameters.

How to create parameters in Fusion

1. Access the parameters dialog: To get started, navigate to the Design workspace and go to Modify > Change Parameters. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “S” (Tool Search), type “parameters,” and select the dialog for quicker access.
2. Create a new user parameter:
   • Click the “+” icon next to User Parameters.
   • Enter the Name, Unit (mm, cm, degree, count), Expression/Value (number or formula), and an optional Comment.
   • Press OK.
   • Example: Name: height, Unit: mm, Expression: 25, Comment: “Cabinet height”. You can now utilize the ‘height’ parameter in sketch dimensions and features (extrusions, patterns, etc.). Any changes to its value will result in live updates to your model.
3. Creating parameters on-the-fly: You don’t always need to open the parameter dialog to create parameters. As you input a value in a sketch or feature, type the parameter name (e.g., width=30). Fusion will prompt you to confirm creation. These are saved as Model Parameters in Fusion and appear in your parameter list, often as favorites for quick access.

Editing and managing parameters in Fusion

To manage your parameters in Fusion

• Open the Parameters Dialog under Modify > Change Parameters.
• Locate your parameter (User, Model, or Global) in the table.
• Edit the value, expression, or units directly.

The changes will propagate instantly across all dependent features. Here are some tips:

• Well-constrained sketches (“no blue lines”) prevent errors when updating parameters.
• Add clear comments and use naming conventions to keep your parameters organized, especially in complex designs.

Advanced workflows: Equations, relationships, and global parameters

You can use mathematical operators — +, -, *, / — to create relationships (e.g., holeoffset = holediameter * 2). This allows for advanced control over features and parts within the same design, ensuring automated updates whenever changes occur.

Global parameters in Fusion (Shared across files):

• Create a “Master Parameters” file holding all critical values for your project.
• Use the Derive or Insert Derive command to push or pull parameters between files.
• Any update in the master file instantly applies wherever that parameter is used.

Best practices for parameter management

 To ensure efficient parameter management:

• Group related parameters in Fusion by naming convention (e.g., bodyheight, bodywidth, hole_count).
• Document with comments for clarity and smooth collaboration.
• Only include necessary parameters in global/master files to avoid confusion.
• Review parameter lists regularly for unused or redundant entries to keep your workflow clean.

For larger designs, consider building a table of desired parameter names and order before entering them into Fusion.

Parameter workflow in Fusion

Parameters in Fusion are essential for making designs more efficient and adaptable. Whether controlling basic dimensions or managing complex relationships between parts, parameters in Fusion automate key aspects of the modeling process. Using operators, functions like floor and round, and conditional statements, you can create responsive models that adapt easily to changes. Additionally, configurations allow you to manage multiple design versions without rebuilding from scratch. For more in-depth guidance, Fusion’s help documentation provides a comprehensive look at using parameters in Fusion and advanced tools.