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This quick tip video tutorial will show you how to import and export tool libraries as .csv files in Fusion 360.

Exporting your tool libraries as .csv files enables you to bulk edit in spreadsheet tools such as Excel, collaborate with more people, and much more.

Getting started

Start by right-clicking either a local or cloud library, selecting Export Library, then selecting the Save Ss type as a .csv file. In the video tutorial above, we use Microsoft Excel. The file explorer will remember the last file location that was used, which is handy when exporting multiple libraries to the same location. Nest, name the file, and hit Save. You should see confirmation in the bottom right-hand side of the tool library.

After saving, navigate to the file location and open it up. The library exported in the video had multiple tool types, some additive and some subtractive, so some parameters are not relevant to certain tools. For example, Bead Width isn’t relevant to the end mills, so that field is left blank.

Another important detail is that each column header has a string name then the actual referenced name of the parameter in brackets. The referenced parameter name needs to stay the same to import it back into Fusion 360. You can also reorder the columns to order them in a way that’s best for your needs without affecting your ability to reimport back into Fusion 360.

Create a new tool

You’ll notice in the tool index column, we have some tools which have repeated tool indexes. This is because there are multiple presets associated with that tool. The tool in the video has a steel and an aluminum preset associated with it.  

To create a new tool within the .csv file, copy this row and change the tool index number. This will make it a new tool, not a preset within another tool. You can modify the fields in there, such as changing the tool diameter. You can also copy this tool and leave the index number the same, creating another preset within that tool.

Enjoy bulk editing tools

Something which is really useful about this process is being able to bulk edit multiple tools at once. Say you created a series of bull-nosed tools, but the tip radius is incorrect. It’s now very easy to change all of the fields at once.

Import back into Fusion 360

Now you can save the document. Without closing it, import it back into Fusion 360. Next, right-click on your library, click Import, and select the .csv you want to import into Fusion 360.

Alternatively, you can copy and paste a tool directly from Microsoft Excel. For example, if you only want the top three tools from the list, select the rows, copy them, then directly paste them into the library of your choice in Fusion 360.

It’s worth noting that if you want to copy a selection of tools that aren’t at the top of the list, copy the top row and paste it into a blank area. Then copy and paste the tools you want underneath that pasted row.  

Now you know how to import and export tool libraries as .csv files in Fusion 360! Give it a try, and let us know how it goes in the comments section.