Brad Tallis
Learn best practices for working with imported geometry in Fusion, including direct editing, rigid groups, constraints, and appearance settings for assemblies.
Elevate your design and manufacturing processes with Autodesk Fusion
Brad here again, from CAD Ed, with the next installment in the Getting Started with Fusion series, where we create a fishing reel from start to finish. One of the most valuable capabilities in Fusion is the ability to work with imported geometry. Whether you’re reusing components from previous projects or integrating parts created in other CAD systems, Fusion makes it easy to upload, position, and modify external models. This approach saves time, reduces duplication, and helps maintain consistency across your designs.
Why imported geometry is important
In modern product development, starting from scratch isn’t always practical. Many assemblies rely on existing components—sometimes designed in different software environments. Fusion supports widely used formats like IGES and STEP, enabling you to bring those models into your workspace and adapt them to your needs. This flexibility is essential for teams working across multiple platforms or managing legacy designs.
Uploading and inserting components
The first step is getting your files into Fusion. Use the Upload feature in the Data Panel to add IGES or STEP files to your project. Once uploaded, you can insert them into your design and begin arranging them in the correct position. This process ensures that all your assets are organized and accessible within the same project environment.
Managing imported parts
Imported geometry often lacks parametric history, meaning it doesn’t include the sketches and constraints you’d normally use for edits. To keep your assembly stable, start by grouping related components using Rigid Groups. This locks them together so they move as a unit, preventing accidental misalignment. For functional assemblies, add constraints or joints to define motion—such as allowing a shaft to rotate within a bearing using an As-Built Joint.
Direct editing for fast changes
One of Fusion’s most powerful features is Direct Editing, which lets you modify imported geometry without rebuilding it from scratch. You can delete unwanted features, adjust faces, or extend surfaces—even if the original design came from another CAD tool. This is ideal for quick refinements, adapting legacy parts, or customizing components for a new product.
When components are linked to external files, use Edit in Place to make changes without breaking references. This keeps your design organized and ensures updates remain consistent across assemblies.
Adding features and finishing touches
Imported models aren’t static—you can add new features like holes, fillets, or recesses directly in Fusion. Combine these edits with appearance settings to give your design a polished look. Applying materials or finishes, such as powder coating or metal textures, helps communicate design intent and makes your models presentation-ready.
Working with imported geometry in Fusion streamlines your workflow and reduces duplication. Instead of recreating parts, you can adapt existing designs, maintain flexibility, and accelerate development.
Up next – How to use the Sweep Command.