James Krenisky
These practical tips will help you design faster, more accurately, and with greater flexibility when using Fusion.
1. Master the S key for design shortcuts
The S key opens the Design Shortcuts Menu, a customizable panel that gives you instant access to your most-used commands. Add tools like Fillet, Extrude, Sketch, and Mirror for quick workflows.
One powerful feature is Selection Priority. Switching between Select by Body and Select by All helps you control what your cursor picks—ideal for hiding entire bodies or counting components without accidentally selecting edges or faces. This is especially useful when working on complex assemblies or snapping parts together.
2. Equal dimensions without patterns
Instead of creating patterns, you can make multiple dimensions equal by referencing constraints. Start by creating your first dimension, then link subsequent dimensions to it. This ensures all spacing updates automatically when the first dimension changes.
For circles, use the Equal Constraint. Holding Shift lets you select multiple circles and apply the constraint in one step. Need a precise wall thickness? Skip extra construction lines—right-click during dimensioning and choose Arc Tangent for accurate results in fewer clicks.
3. Adjust camera focal length for better views
By default, Fusion uses a 90mm focal length in the Design workspace. For a wider view, assign a custom keyboard shortcut to Scene Settings (found in the Render workspace). Once set, you can quickly adjust focal length in Design mode—try 35mm for a natural perspective or 18mm for a dramatic wide angle. This simple tweak improves visualization and makes reviewing assemblies easier.
4. Reset distance references in modeling commands
When using commands like Extrude, you don’t need to calculate offsets manually. Use the three-dot menu to reset the reference point to any geometry—such as the top of a peg—so you can enter the exact distance you want. This eliminates guesswork and speeds up design adjustments.
5. Use assembly constraints for precise positioning
The Constraints feature simplifies assembly by reducing degrees of freedom as you add constraints. Start by selecting faces or edges to align components. The standout tool is the Width Constraint, which automatically centers a part between two reference faces—no manual calculations required. This is a huge time-saver for symmetrical assemblies and ensures accuracy every time.
These tips can transform your workflow, making Fusion more intuitive and efficient. Try them out and see how much time you save on your next project.