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3 min read
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to modify selection choices effectively while arc dimensioning in Autodesk Fusion.
When working in the sketch environment of Autodesk Fusion, you might come across situations where you need to add dimensions to arcs. However, the default behavior of Fusion is to dimension arcs from their center. While this works in many cases, there are instances when you’d want to dimension an arc from its outer edge or tangent.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to change the selection choice when dimensioning an arc, ensuring that you have full control over your design and dimensions.
Before we delve into the process of changing the selection choice, let’s briefly discuss dimensioning in Fusion. Dimensioning is a crucial aspect of 3D modeling as it defines the size and position of objects, helping you create accurate and precise designs. In Fusion, you can add dimensions to various elements, including lines, circles, arcs, and more.
When you add dimensions to an arc in Fusion, the software automatically selects the center of the arc as the reference point. This is suitable for many scenarios, but there are situations where dimensioning from the arc’s center might not provide the desired results. For instance, you may need to specify the total length of a slot or control the distance between the arc’s center and another object.
To change the selection choice when dimensioning an arc, follow these simple steps:
By selecting the tangent of the arc as the reference point, you can now dimension the arc based on its outer edge or the point where it intersects with other sketch elements. This added flexibility allows you to create intricate designs and control the dimensions precisely.
Sometimes, while working on your 3D model in Fusion, you might need to change the dimensions. Instead of jumping back into the sketch environment, Fusion offers a handy feature called ‘Show Dimension’ that allows you to make instant dimension changes while in the 3D view.
To use ‘Show Dimension’ and edit your 3D model’s dimensions, follow these steps:
Using ‘Show Dimension’ saves time and enhances your modeling workflow, as you can instantly see the results of dimension changes without switching back and forth between the sketch and 3D views.
Watch this video for a more detailed guide on how to use ‘Show Dimension’ in Fusion:
Arc dimensioning is a critical skill for creating accurate and precise 3D models in Fusion. By understanding how to change the selection choice when dimensioning an arc and utilizing the ‘Show Dimension’ feature, you can have better control over your designs and efficiently make necessary changes. Fusion’s versatile tools empower you to bring your ideas to life, and mastering dimensioning techniques is a valuable step toward becoming a proficient 3D modeler.
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