Global Parameters in Fusion 360 | Explained in 5 minutes

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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Global Parameters Fusion 360 explained
00:10 - What are User Parameters?
00:25 - Create Global Parameters File in Fusion 360
00:41 - Open parameters window Fusion 360
01:26 - Favorite parameters Fusion 360
01:52 - Derive parameters in Fusion 360
03:05 - IMPORTANT must favorite derived parameters
03:20 - Insert Derive Fusion 360 command explained
04:07 - Testing Global Parameters in Fusion 360
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#Fusion360 #ProductDesignOnline

[@BrianBoniMakes]

I've never seen this information put together like this before, well done and so helpful!

[@funkynerd_com]

Interesting. I'm going to try this as I make a lot of models for 3D printing and have a lot of common dimensions for things like M2-6 bolt holes, bolt heads, etc. I usually have to copy them in each time. A proper implementation of global parameters would be nice, but I'll try this and see how it works. Thanks!

[@wizardOfRobots]

There should be an easier way to do this. Thanks for the tutorial Kevin!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Couldn't agree more, Hari! A full on global way (without Derive) would be ideal - especially since Fusion 360 is 'cloud based'. Thanks for watching :)

[@steve318k]

@@ProductDesignOnline - I couldn't agree more 😎👍

[@muskateer10]

@@ProductDesignOnline Just go to the modify menu and at the bottom there is an option to import/export parameters as a CSV file. Then you can put it wherever you want.

[@nikilragav]

Thank you so much for this!!! One edit at 3:20 - you don't have to favorite them - it will still work. But if you don't favorite them, it won't show up in suggestions as you type.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Thanks, got my answer quickly.

[@keysimfr]

Thanks !

[@tomsko863]

I learned something!

[@geranna3654]

This is the way 🤙👍

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Create Parameters for Beginners: productdesignonline.com/parameters More about Global Parameters: productdesignonline.com/global

[@emanggitulah4319]

That is indeed a great way. Global parameters are very powerful, but one needs to be very careful. It's easy to screw up many designs 😄. Thanks for sharing

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Very great point. Thanks, Emang!

[@orange-micro-fiber9740]

This is great because I usually design walls to be a multiple or extrusion width. I usually set it each time.

[@emanggitulah4319]

Another good way would be to create a "template" 3d file with all the parameters you usually use. Just need to remember to save it as a new file

[@benmo2227]

I recently just started using Derive feature, this is a need way to use it for bigger projects

[@Jeggo65]

There is also a very helpful F360 addin, that lets you export and import parameters as CSV. As it is still not possible to sort user parameters, you could use this tool for this.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Great tip, Jens! Hope you are well :)

[@ericmccormick8169]

Great tutorial! For free Fusion 360 users, does this method still work if either the master file or file that is referencing the master file are not one of the 10 "active" models?

[@juliejones8785]

just a quick note for anyone adding master parameters to a design that has already been started. Make sure the top level component in the browser is selected before using insert derived

[@TNSR-Destiny]

GREAT video led to Newbie mistake. I'm working on a 32' long panel but didn't want all that waving around while I was working on the first 4'. So set AboveGrade=4' and derived it into my work file, ie AboveGrade_ref. NOW...I want to extend it out to work on the next section and I have AboveGrade_ref used lots of places. I can't change the derived parameter in my work file. Looks like editing all those places it is used with:; 1) new user parameter a function of AboveGrade_ref, 2) changing AboveGrade=32', ...pretty confused on how to approach this. Is there a way to find all the places a parameter is used? (I am a paid-up PDO member)

[@thamm4]

How do you link existing global parameters from the master parameters to an existing part or component?

[@mmmareksmm]

Hi, what to do if I will copy this library to new project? Changing parameters will change also previous project? Is there solution for that?

[@cityectony]

Thanks for sharing! May I ask will read-only master file still work? Given free license can only have up to 10 active designs

[@ProductDesignOnline]

You will have to make 'Editable' to save changes to the master file. However, making it read-only vs editable should not affect any of the other design files over time.

[@cityectony]

@@ProductDesignOnline Thanks! So for example I going to make many different coaster with same thickness and diameter, I can just create one master, save it and change to read only, I can still use the global parameter on other file?

[@blueknight9748]

I'm trying to learn how to bring in a stl file like from thingiverse and separate the file into multiple parts and save each part as its own stl file so I can print the object in the right colors and then glue them together..Do you know how or do you know of a sight where I can get this training???

[@ProductDesignOnline]

You can use the 'Separate' tool in the Mesh tab. Here's a short that shows the process: kzbin.infojc_1QdIfXBI?feature=share

[@ninguhosaptot]

Great video thought I still don't understand why they use imperial units.

[@warpman74]

Fusion works with both metric and imperial so you can choose which ever one works for you.

[@nemesis851_]

I’d also like to keep the parameters sheet open and on screen while working the model

[@GuilhermeTorelly]

Nice tutorial, but parameters in Fusion 360 still need to be significantly improved, the workflow is not fluid. My main complaint is that we can't work with two monitors, leaving the parameter window open. Thanks and best regards!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Agreed. Would love to see some parameter updates (and multi-monitor support) :)

[@AlessioSangalli]

The parameter window can be left on another monitor, the problem is that it's modal and you must close it to continue using the Fusion 360 😭

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@AlessioSangalli That's always frustrated me as well. :(

[@theofficialczex1708]

Is there a good way to manage DXFs generated from projections? It's supremely annoying to have a supplier vary material thickness and have to re-export each DXF individually after updating the parameter.

[@emanggitulah4319]

Phyton scripting

[@ProductDesignOnline]

I'd have to agree with Emang. Having a script (per Fusion 360's Scripts and Add-ins') would be most ideal for this scenario.

[@emanggitulah4319]

When there are no tools you gonna have to make your own >

[@add859tankionline]

Interesting, but the real question is can i edit the derived (ref) parameters wthin my new design. Effectivily using the ref model as a foundation to adjust the parameter values and then by extention creating an instance of the ref deisgn file.

[@x3wy]

same question here...hopefully there's answer or video tutorial how to do that? for example I want to derive kitchen cabinet design same width and doors, etc while still be able to adjust the length to suit different room length?

[@add859tankionline]

@@x3wy I think we have our answer. Seriously, a few days after I posted this they had an update that includes "configurations". I dont think it is exactly what we want because it is effectivly parameter presets on steriods. It is still within the same project but MAYBE we can have a configuratioon of a derived part (hopefully when can then edit the configuration in the new project to circumnavigate the existing parameter derived issue). This would answer our question. I'd have to play around with it but there definatly seems to be a lot of ways to use this new feature which I like.

[@add859tankionline]

@@x3wy Also to add on from your adjusting to a given room length comment. There needs to be a parameter that directly adjusts based on an object. I know you can label the room length as a parameter then use that same paremeter to adjust your cabnetry but if there was a way to get rid of the 'middle man' that would be nice. This would help make sharing between projects easier.

[@x3wy]

⁠@@add859tankionlineThank you for the info about configurations, I will check and play with it, the intro video looks promising

[@mikepomerantz8024]

When I insert derive I get "Derive references can only be created within the same Hub and within the same Project. Please select a Design that meets these criteria."