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QUICK TIP: Pan, Zoom, & Orbit Preferences
Learning new software can be hard, but there are steps we can take to make it easier. So, if you’re exploring Fusion 360, but coming from a different design tool, I want to show you something that should help.
If you access your preferences, one very important option you should be aware of are the default pan, zoom, and orbit controls. From there you can cut down on the learning curve, by using the default pan, zoom, and orbit controls from your past software.
These include three options, and if your software isn’t included in this list, you might be able to align with one of the three pre-existing options:
That said, should you choose to learn the default controls, I can almost guarantee that they’ll become second nature in no time at all. To start learning how to Pan, Zoom, and Orbit in Fusion 360, watch the video now:
So, a quick recap:
- To pan, click and hold the mouse wheel button, and move your mouse from side-to-side.
- To zoom, spin your mouse wheel forward or backward, and while doing so, pay attention to where your cursor is (thats where the zoom center is)! Also note that you can access your preferences to reverse the default zoom direction.
- To orbit, click and hold the
key on your keyboard, at the same time you hold the mouse wheel button, then move the mouse. Pay attention to whether you’re using ‘constrained orbit’ or ‘free’.
When in doubt, or you ever find yourself unable to find your model, double click the mouse wheel button which will ‘zoom to fit’.
Thanks for reading and watching!
~Aaron
Comments
raalvesefilhos
Hey guys! Maybe we can use Maya’s navigation style…
Aaron.Magnin
You’re not the only one asking for this. Get on ideastation and vote for this (if you haven’t already):
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/ideastation-request-a-feature-or/maya-pan-zoom-orbit-shortcuts/idi-p/7004508
The more support it gains, the better the chances of it being added.
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vincenteUARK
Or just make all the controls customizable. I’m used to working in Rhino, and looking to add Fusion360 to my skillset. The lack of ability to customize controls keeps me putting it on the back burner though. It’s so frustrating to have to relearn basic navigation over and over for every new program. (I actually set up Rhino to work like Slicer for Fusion 360, where Right button is Orbit, and clicking the scroll wheel is Pan in the perspective window.)
Aaron.Magnin
So this did just post on Friday: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/product-roadmap-update-february-2018/ …which you might note shows the “Custom Keyboard Shortcuts” as in-progress.
Not 100% sure it’ll address control customizations, but its a potential.
nivs1978
What if you are on a laptop with no middle button? No wonder I couldn’t figure how to pan my drawing. I use zoom out and zoom in to go to another location in the drawing.
Aaron.Magnin
The mouse doesn’t have a middle mouse button? Or the laptop itself? If the latter, and on a mac, see this: http://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/?guid=GUID-7B742BB2-65B3-4ADA-9B11-9D57E1E31292 . You can also customize within the OS to add this functionality.
If on a PC, you might find a solution here: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-design-validate/using-fusion-360-with-thinkpad-trackpad/td-p/7423001
wilsoa2
Why is there still no way to actually customize the controls? It’s such a god-damn basic feature even simpleplanes has it. I want to orbit using the right mouse button like you can in:
besiege
ksp
goat simulator
rock of ages
spore
autocraft
planet coaster
beam.ng drive
universe sandbox
basically any game where you build anything
fuckin stupid how you keep adding features I don’t need yet you refuse to add shit i’ll actually use
davidoliveramanz
Thanks! 🙂 very useful