Fusion 360 Sketch Dimension Basics and 7 Pro Tips Everyone Must Know!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Here are the resources for this tutorial ► productdesignonline.com/6 __ *TIMESTAMPS* 0:00 - Adding Sketch Dimensions in Fusion 360 6:00 - Applying symmetry constraints 7:53 - Creating angle dimensions 9:04 - Creating the radius of a circle 10:18 - Changing dimension values 12:30 - Hiding constraints or dimensions 15:30 - Creating dimensions with functions 18:03 - Creating user parameters

[@KenOfHouston]

You are always so clear about your objectives, direct, use great English, don't "him and haw" about superfluous topics, and use international phonics correctly. Thanks also for the reference to your web site which, somehow, I've never visited before. You are clearly very constructive, even on an international basis, to those who may not have English as their primary language. Thanks again, not only for your great content but for the great delivery.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Ken! I'm happy to hear you find the delivery of my content to be clear and concise. Definitely check out my website. I'm in the process of re-working some things on there and will shortly start to add a lot more additional resources. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Please don't hesitate to comment on any of my videos should you have any questions. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@ericmenard3439]

I'm so grateful that you take the time to patiently explain exactly what you're doing. Especially hot keys. most video guys just speed run through the process and expect their ad money. I've only been using fusion 360 for 2 or 3 days and want to quit struggling. I will be following up with the constraints tutorial. Thanks again.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Glad to hear that, Eric! If you haven't already, check out my popular learn Fusion in 30 days course (on KZbin). It's a great place to start: kzbin.info/aero/PLrZ2zKOtC_-C4rWfapgngoe9o2-ng8ZBr

[@thomasbovington3180]

This guy makes the best videos. I wanted to check dimensions without constraining the drawing. Couldn't find the info but knew that if I watched his video about dimensioning he would mention the way to do it without constraining the drawing. Within 30 seconds he showed me the inspect tab that allows one to just look around the drawing and check dimensions without constraining. Thank You.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Thomas! Glad you found the answer to what you were trying to achieve. Thanks for your support! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@timd9430]

I am accustomed to parametric 3D software such as 3ds max. Is there a SIMPLE STRAIGHT FORWARD way to set object sizing without using dimensions linked as sketches? I.e. create a cylinder 100mm diameter by 100mm tall. After the fact, say I need to change the height to 80mm? I know I can just push/pull it down 20mm, but is there a way to just select the cylinder and type in 80mm for the height? Same for the diameter / radius? Thank you! GREAT STRAIGHT FORWARD VIDEOS!! 😊

[@scottdodd7354]

Second video completed. Number if things learned- 1,500,693...... Fully understand something's I was overdoing and something's I was doing wrong (or tool way too much time). I need to work out a way to watch yours videos first, then continue with my projects. It does help to have knowledge or familiarity of Fusion 360 to better understand the tutorial. I am 100% on board to try 2 videos a day ( as I am disabled with nothing else to do) and keep developing my newly learned skills with the many projects in the works. With your help, I will have the knowledge to develop my projects faster and easier. I may even be able to come of my disability and make my life normal again. Thanks for the newly found dreams of the future......

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, Scott. Glad to hear you're learning a lot. If you haven't already, I suggest my popular playlist titled, "Learn Fusion 360 in 30 Days for Complete Beginners!" In this series, I cover all of the core features of Fusion 360, getting brand new users up to speed and ready to build their own unique designs. You can check that out right here - bit.ly/learn-fusion360 Keep at it and happy learning! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@GregWoodsLancs]

awesome video. I was going through a Packt Publishing video series on Fusion 360, and the tutor got straight into dimensioning without any explanation. He was copying one dimension to another, and I watched 3 seconds of his video about a dozen times, trying to figure what he was clicking and in which order. I couldn't get it to work. Watching your video it instantly made sense. As I'm not from an engineering/technical drawing background, I just hadn't realised that I was primarily editing the actual dimension "markup" lines, which was, as a side effect, changing the dimensions of the object. This description may not make sense to anyone else, but because my mental model of what was being accomplshed was backwards, the result of my clicking just wasn't working. This is day 1 of my Fusion 360 learning, and I feel this video has given me a good foundation. Having had some Openscad experience, I was worries that my models would be difficult to modify in Fusion360. I can clearly see that this will not be the case.

[@1320freek]

Just started using Fusion 360 so I have discovered your tutorials. Man, these videos are GREAT!! Every one that I watch, I pick up great information. Thank you so much for sharing all this knowledge!!!! I am building a mud truck (my current project) and I don't have access to solid works anymore (since I am retired now) so I had to get something CAD/CAM for my house. I need F360 to run my CNC plasma cutter and CNC Mill. Again, thanks for doing these videos. They are truly game changing!!!!!

[@carmenceciliaquinteroherna9553]

You are so far the best 3D modelling teacher I've had ever!!! Thanks a lot...and I agree your English is perfect to teach...Follow in this way.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Carmen. I really appreciate the kind words and I'm happy you enjoyed this tutorial. Please don't hesitate to comment on any of my videos should you have any questions. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@hqracing013]

Great teaching! The videos are nice and short and to the point without all the blabla like in many other videos. Currently working on learning F360 as a replacement for other software. Working as a custom motorcycle builder making custom parts for new bikes.

[@pauldecastro1523]

Hello Kevin, I wanted to express my gratitude for your content. I'm in the process of learning Fusion 360 for my 3D printing design projects, and your videos have been incredibly helpful. Thanks again!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for your support. Best of luck with all your projects 😊

[@frogflyer79]

Thanks for a a clear helpful tutorial at an ideal speed to follow.

[@TheDaveOutlaw]

This was a real big help . It is one of the most useful concepts for beginners . You area very exceptional teacher that makes it easy to understand . I am a Patreon as I do believe in giving something back . If there is anything ai can help you with let me know I have 40 years of manufacturing experience in mold design , mold manufacturing and molding in high performance high volume in all market segments.

[@makerbarn_john7404]

I can't tell you how helpful and clear your instructions are. Thanks so much for wonderful content - please keep it coming!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, makerbarn_john! I appreciate your support and I'm happy to hear you find my tutorials to be clear. I'll definitely keep making more! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@CRBoiler]

Great companion video to the ones on constraints! Nice work as always.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, CRBoiler! I'm glad to hear you found this to be helpful. I appreciate your support. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@jacobposs1925]

I already said that but i LOVE your work. Fantastic resource on learning about dimensioning sketches. I recommend Fusion 360 along with your tutorials to all my hobbyst friends. Hope you'll get super famous soon U truely deserve it.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Jacob! I really appreciate you recommending and sharing my content! Glad to hear you're enjoying the tutorials. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@markhall3323]

Great video, clear and focused.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Mark. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@SuperChris1955]

Thanks,very helpful, well explained

[@MotorHead-qd8ls]

Awesome! Learned how to change between diameter & radius, what a driven dimension is and how to make one using the right-click menu, and how to rename sketch dimensions. I love picking up new tips like these. I am making an under laptop cooler specially for my HP Spectre x360 laptop that routinely gets to over 120F on the outside bottom of the case which literally burns me. I printed the first version and it came out great. Now I am going to keep making even better.

[@durgeshsingh-vv4it]

Hi Kevin, this is a very informative and useful tutorial, thank you for this course, and I Request you to make a course on Fusion 360 simulations. Thank you

[@TheOfficeTurtle]

This has saved me from a lot of stress. Thank you :)

[@g.j.647]

I have learnt so much from your great tutorials. I use Fusion 360 for constructing parts for my water rockets. Especially like the tips & tricks. Maybe you can answer a question, that I try to solve since my first use of Fusion 360: How can I force Fusion 360 to orient vertical SKETCH dimensions always to be readable from the right hand side (like ISO defines it)? To me it looks as if in your tutorials it is always correct. But when I use it, it depends on the sketch geometry that I dimension. For example: For a rectangle in top view it is ok when I click on the right vertical line, but not for the left vertical line. It also depends on the sequence of selecting points when defining vertical dimensions. In most cases it works correct, when I select the upper point first. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@robertrossi5363]

Really great video...Fantastic Instructor....Thank you!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for watching, Robert! Glad to hear you're enjoying my tutorials. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@michaelkeymont501]

Great tutorials! I’m working on my 3rd CNC build, for which I need a bunch of custom designed parts. I built the whole thing in F360 first and CAM the parts as I go, building the machine along the way. Also, learning to use Fusion 360 along the way too...

[@ripper9111]

Awesome video as always. Great explanations placed and ordered perfectly.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, ripper9111! I appreciate the support and I'm glad you enjoyed this tutorial. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@oldfarmhand7714]

Wow!!! You are so helpful with your tutorials Thank you for putting them up.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, oldfarmhand! I appreciate your support. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@cameronwhitaker3864]

Excellent tutorial! It was really helpful. In Fusion 360 I'm designing 3D printed parts to slip into acrylic enclosures for my master's thesis project.

[@pinenoot]

whenever i right click my mouse after making a dimension it comes up with a menu instead of the editable size

[@alex.germany]

Great tutorial. Nice explained. But I missed some important infos. On is, that you can simply add the dimension reference to another dimension when you click on the other dimension when the input is active. This works also when you are in a formula. If using this you need not to remember the dimension‘s name... Another important (and for me sometimes annoying thing) is, that driven dimensions cannot be used as a reference. There are some other topics missing. But as already said: I like the video...

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for sharing this, Alexander! All great tips. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@rjlatheart]

Well done once again thank you!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Rich! I appreciate your continued support. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@Brian-ei2mx]

Where is the sketch tab?

[@senjos]

So helpful!! Thank you!!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Josef! I appreciate your support and I'm happy to hear you found this helpful. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@SpinStar1956]

Weatherproof enclosures for electronics projects; RF tuning gear-reduction-drives; screw-assemblies.

[@natbrace5446]

Hi Kevin, very helpful tutorial video. I'm just getting around to unlearning all the bad habits I picked up learning F360 by trial and error. A thought (and maybe you have covered it elsewhere): it would be helpful to cover the importance of 'fully defining' elements in a 2D drawing and then some best practices around how to do that most efficiently. For instance, I was drawing a cylinder object and wanted three tabs to come out from the circular body in even spaces at the base. How do you do that using constraints and the least amount of dimensions? Situating objects equal distant from one another or at the midpoint of an edge or centerline of an object.

[@charlesjones257]

great video. i am just getting started, but have progressed quite well. can i dimension an extrusion?? how do i fly around the model without using the box in the upper right hand corner??

[@ProductDesignOnline]

You can use the orbit tool down at the bottom of the screen. Otherwise, click and hold on your center mouse wheel and you can orbit without activating a feature :)

[@Jeggo65]

I really love your very helpful videos. I have already watched the 30 days series. What about creating some kind of video glossary for the main functions or function groups. Would be really helpful for a beginner to find direct help for a specific function.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for the feedback/suggestion, Jens! I do hope to do something like that. My intention is to eventually cover all of the 3D modeling commands as well/update these sketch ones to the most recent UI and then have all of that organized on my website with supplemental resources. :)

[@TorIvanBoine]

Have a pro tip for the shortcut to create a dimension parameter when you'rere sketching?

[@the4thj]

Learning Fusion 360 and 49 YOA.

[@RamGuguloth13]

Thank you very much.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Ram! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@RamGuguloth13]

@@ProductDesignOnline you are the best Fusion 360 teacher that I found on the Internet. You taught me a lot.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@RamGuguloth13 Thanks. I really appreciate your kinds words! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@evolvevizdesignstudiobyend4712]

Hi thanks great tuts for the community. Please can you show us how you dimension FreeForm designs and create drawing from. Its one area Fusion has failed as a CAD program. I want to design say headphones in freeform and have initial dimensioning update too. Also to go back to connected sketch somehow and update changes to design. I don't think Fusion can do this ? Thanks for any reply

[@kornshadow097]

How do you toggle between dimension and angle? Because mine seems to do whatever it wants... Sometimes if like to set an angle but can't and other times I want to set a dimension and it forces me to set an angle and can't set dimensions...

[@arashrkarimi]

Could you show how to apply dimensions to objects designed with the form environment? I can't select a specific point on curved faces.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Form environment has limited ability to define during the T-spline creating process. For most specific/detailed dimensions, you have to set up your sketches to do T-spline Lofts, Sweeps, and Extrudes as the specified distances. Then, refine the shape where the dimensions are not as crucial - or by refining to additional reference/dimension data.

[@wissamelkadamani9750]

underrated

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for watching, The Master of Science and Invention! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@joelstolarski2244]

File is gone. I can make it, since I watched your fantastic video of the stamp and changeable insert. That tutorial was a huge forward push. After that I started designing much more items to 3d print. S, my recommendation is for everybody to try and do that video. It was a hard one for me , since I was only a couple of weeks into learning Fusion. Another recommendation is to watch Aurodesk tutorials on Foundational Concepts for Fusion 360. Learning how to organize files in folders and keep order is very important. Make files and folders. Don't be messy.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Joel. The file is not actually empty. I have a note below the link but you may not have seen it. Note: The file is not empty. Fusion 360 hub doesn’t show sketches on preview (and makes the error message seem like nothing is in the file). Click the blue download button, select download .f3d and then enter your email. Within a minute or two you will receive an email to download the demo file.

[@joelstolarski2244]

@@ProductDesignOnline Now, after watching quite a few of your videos, it is easy for me to recreate the designs. A month ago, Not. Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. I like Fusion. Thinking about starting Solidworks 3d Experience. There is a special deal if you join Experimental Aircraft Association, you can get Solidwworks 3d Experience for $49.95 a year. It includes a User community that is run by Dassault. That looks intriguing to me. Seems like they are actively searching for designers. IDK. I'm 64 years old. I would like to do some part time work. Feeling bored designing silly things to print. But, companies don't like to hire old farts like me. To get certification in Fusion you have to attend a college. For credit reuries matriculated coursework. Fusiion certification is $1192 for cert. Have to take 3 courses. So, 3 x $1192, is some money. Hard for me to justify spending that money, if I can't get hired. Autodesk would hire you. Dassualt would too. That would be an exciting place to work. They are really cutting edge.

[@claudiogruhnLuz]

I miss a total linear measurement of the selected lines, is there a tool like that in Fusion?

[@MaxGoddur]

Kevin, does F360 allow for a dimensional drawing without showing all the constraints?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Rud Dog. Are you referring to a drawing in the Drawing workspace? or a 2D sketch in the Design workspace? If in the Design workspace, you can turn off the visibility of constraints or dimensions in the Sketch Palette. In the Drawing workspace, you won't see any of the constraints, as it doesn't include sketch details other than dimensions.

[@carmenceciliaquinteroherna9553]

Can you make one video about drawings?...I find this topic a little difficult in Fusion...but I am sure that with your explanations I can understand...

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, Carmen. Have you seen this video on 2D-drawings - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmGsqJl-Yp55qdU I also have on that goes into dimensioning drawings (each type of dimensions) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmWmmqlpbc2XaNk Cheers, Kevin :)

[@montebrown8398]

Thanks!!!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Monte! I appreciate your continued support. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@alvint4944]

Hi! Is there a way to show the unit of measurement on the sketches? I cant seem to enable this, even via preference - general - drawing - display dimension units. Please help.

[@TORDesign]

I cant find you dynamic sketch video as stated in this video

[@QuentinKarmark]

I'm trying, but don't understand something: what if instead of making a center rectangle, I don't want to make it x and y dimensions, but rather constrain it so its exterior sides are positioned 12.0 in from another dimension or sketch line or another body or axis or plane? Am I suppose to start out by making an axis or construction line and position the edge of the rectangle collinear to that?? Can't I just say "make this edge 12 inches from this {reference} edge line, edge, plane, etc" ??

[@billkellogg1403]

Hi Kevin, I am trying to do a revolve around a cylinder I created. I select the center plane, choose line or rectangle, then I try to snap the line or rectangle to the upper corner of the model, but it will not snap. Even when I turn off snap to grid. I cannot make it snap. Can you help me?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Bill, Check this setting in your preferences. Click your username in the upper-righthand corner > preferences > Design (tab on lefthand side) > make sure "auto project active geometry on active sketch plane" is checked. If not, check the setting > apply button > ok button > restart Fusion 360. If it is not that setting then check the setting a few spots above that, which is "auto project edges on reference". Let me know if either of those fixes it! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@billkellogg1403]

Kevin, It is checked. Any further suggestions?

[@billkellogg1403]

I think I have it. I checked “Auto project edges on reference”. It works. Is that going to cause other problems down the road?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@billkellogg1403 It shouldn't cause any other issues. That setting actually used to be included in the F360 defaults. They only recently changed it (not sure why). Cheers, Kevin :)

[@Joker-md8xu]

Hey Kevin, I have a question So I've Construct different planes, like (Plane at an angle, Offset plane, etc) to design a bike frame But I'm unable to select the dimension feature for a line which is in one plane, and a line that is in a different plane? Is there something wrong I've done? Or is there some other way to sketch the dimensions for the lines? Thank you

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, Joker 1924. You can only select/edit the dimensions while in the sketch they were contained in. You'll need to double-click on the sketch in the timeline to edit the sketch. You can use the eyeball (visibility) option in the Browser to hide other sketches to make sure you're aware of what's in each sketch.

[@Joker-md8xu]

@@ProductDesignOnline alright, thanks!

[@MichaelLloyd]

My menu system doesn't have Model and opening sketch doesn't give me Dimension. D doesn't give me Dimension. Any idea why

[@madscientist1595]

So Cool, A hero we need not we Deserve.

[@MaxGoddur]

How do you hide dimensions in Fusion 360?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, Rud Dog. While in an active sketch environment you can uncheck the "Show Dimensions" option in the sketch palette. As seen here - snipboard.io/AY5rni.jpg Cheers, Kevin :)

[@arkhan252]

I can’t find the sketch tab I can only see the create tab. Is their something wrong?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Sketch tools will now only show up after you use the "Create Sketch" tool. The sketch tab is contextual and will go away after you "finish sketch".

[@multiguru6787]

can you also teach that how to make a car/bus ???

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, Jasmine. I don't have any plans on creating a car tutorial at the moment. Something as complex as that would likely have to become a premium course, as it would require 8-10 videos to walk through all the steps. I will however keep this in mind as I gauge interest on whether or not this would be worth it. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@maxhugen]

I was hoping you would explain how to set a measurement from a centre line to, say, a curve point. 😢

[@paulmeynell8866]

What am I missing? When I click to put in a dimension I get a message that says “ adding this dimension will over constrain your sketch, choose ok to create driven dimention” I failed at very first hurdle 😮

[@ProductDesignOnline]

That means you have other dimensions and/or constraints driving that piece of line geometry. Driven dimensions inherit the value from the rest of the sketch. You'll have to delete/alter the other dimensions/constraints if you'd like to drive a dimension with your selected geometry.

[@carnellbaker3970]

Same problem stuck like chuck

[@EnergySeeker]

help please the dimension is gray out why ?

[@ChristopherBrownSkeptomai]

I have the same problem. Not sure if this is a version update mismatch or straight up bug, or I'm doing something wrong..

[@Jolanji]

great job dude, thanks. Can you model a Toy also? just for more fun:)

[@ProductDesignOnline]

What type of toy? Something simple to 3d print?

[@razvanbuga447]

Can someone help me . I want to select the distance from the edge of the circle, and I can't. allows me to select only from the center of the circle.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

You will have to first add a sketch point to the edge.

[@razvanbuga447]

Multumesc . Nu stiam cum se numeste obtiune sa stiu ce sa caut. Am gasit tot la tine pe pagina .

[@GTguitarworks]

This video must already be out of date? because the Icons are different on current F360, I'd like to see a current video on this where you don't have to jump to other links that up to date with the current f360

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Guy. Yep, unfortunately the UI revision changed some of the iconography and placement. The functionality of the Dimension feature is still the same though. 😎

[@shanold7681]

the menu never pops up this tool is just a mesuring stick now I guess.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Shane. Sounds like you're getting some irregular behavior. You may want to update/restart your Fusion 360. If the issue persists it may be a graphics issues. Make sure your computer meets the specifications: productdesignonline.com/tips-and-tricks/system-requirements-for-autodesk-fusion-360/

[@EddieLong2023]

A 3 minute ad before the video? WTF?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Ed. I apologize, but I'm not able to choose the ads or length of ads that KZbin displays. With that said, I believe there should've been a "Skip Ad" button in the righthand corner. Did you not have that option? Cheers, Kevin :)

[@onkarkitekt]

🥇🌹

[@PastaDNA]

Kevin, I realize I'm over stepping the boundary here but I'm stuck and don't know where else to turn. I saw this dimensioning tip (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGLHk6Cqoth5rqs) and like all of us do, tried to duplicate it. My free version of Fusion 360looks nothing like the menu bar of this tip and I don't know how to create it or use the tip provided. I certainly understand if you won't provide assistance - it's not your work but since the author was of little help I thought I would lean on your shoulder. Thx

[@jagoska3]

People, wake UP, this is intuitive software!!!!!! Its garbage. The number of tutorials shows how NOT intuitive the software is. If will be intuitive nobody was looking for tutorials. In times when company employee hundred of people. They have access to the newest technology. And they give you thing like this. Something is wrong. It's two option: 1. Software is garbage well advertise but garbage. 2. Or we all are mentally disabled. In this type of software level of options suppose to be the same as the level of difficulties. Measurements suppose to be first on the top and not hidden somewhere. I'm frustrated that we all take it.

[@PauloSilva-te7ec]

Great tutorial. Thanks a lot.