Let’s explore sketch constraints in Autodesk Fusion, an essential tool for creating precise and predictable sketches. Sketch constraints define the relationship between sketch lines, ensuring they move in expected ways, especially crucial when editing dimensions or parts in your model.

Imagine two sketches: one with constraints and another without. When changing a dimension in the unconstrained sketch, the movement may not be as expected. In contrast, the constrained sketch will adjust uniformly based on defined constraints. This uniformity is essential as changes propagate through your 3D model.

12 Key sketch constraints

Horizontal/Vertical Constraint: Constrains a line to be horizontal or vertical. Useful for aligning lines or objects.

Coincident Constraint: Fixes a sketch point to another object, keeping them connected.

1. Tangent Constraint: Ensures a line stays tangential to a circular object, crucial for smooth transitions between shapes.
2. Equal Constraint: Makes sketch objects equal in size or length, ensuring symmetry.
3. Perpendicular/Parallel Constraint: Constrains lines to be perpendicular or parallel, maintaining desired orientations.
4. Fixed Constraint: Keeps a sketch item’s size and position constant, regardless of other sketch changes.
5. Midpoint Constraint: Aligns two object centers together, creating a midpoint connection.
6. Concentric Constraint: Aligns two circular objects’ centers, useful for concentric shapes.
7. Colinear Constraint: Fixes two lines to be both parallel and aligned, ensuring uniform movement.
8. Symmetry Constraint: Creates symmetry between two objects when mirrored along a line.
9. Curvature Constraint: Provides a unified direction and center of curvature for smooth curves.

As you sketch, Fusion will assist by automatically adding constraints like horizontal/vertical alignment. Hovering over objects reveals potential constraints, like midpoint connections. Fusion also indicates valid constraints based on selected objects, guiding your sketching process.

If Fusion adds unwanted constraints, simply click the constraint icon and press delete to remove it. Right-clicking reveals available constraints for selected objects, streamlining your workflow.

Mastering sketch constraints ensures your designs are precise and adaptable. With these tools, you’ll create sketches that behave predictably, making editing and modeling more efficient. For more detailed demonstrations, refer to our video tutorial on our YouTube channel.

Have fun exploring sketch constraints in Autodesk Fusion, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments or on the Autodesk community. Happy sketching!