Modeling modes in Fusion

In Fusion, you can choose between two modeling modes, based on your design needs at any given time during the design process.

Parametric Modeling Mode

When a design is in Parametric Modeling Mode, Fusion tracks each feature in a parametric Timeline as you evolve the design.

parametric modeling mode example

You can build your design intent through a robust set of parametrically linked features like:

Each parametric feature adds parameters for its settings to the design. You can reference these parameters associatively in other parametric features.

You can use the Modify > Change Parameters tool to edit all the parameters in the design. When you change the value of a parameter, the Timeline recomputes and any features that reference the parameter will update to reflect the change.

You can also capture parametric history with these imported non-native CAD formats:

Direct Modeling Mode

When a design is in Direct Modeling Mode, Fusion does not track features parametrically.

direct modeling mode example

Direct Modeling Mode lets you explore form and function quickly without committing to specific parametric relationships or assembly structure. However, you cannot convert geometry that you create in Direct Modeling Mode to individual parametric features and relationships later on.

Recognizable features are tracked in the Browser, where you can do the following:

Action Example
Edit dm - edit
Dissolve dm - dissolve
Delete dm - delete
Note: You can only edit certain modeling features like Fillet, Chamfer, and Hole, while other modeling features like Extrude, Revolve, and Shell can only be dissolved or deleted.

Base Features

In Parametric Modeling Mode, a Base Feature is a a feature in the parametric Timeline where you can create and edit geometry in Direct Modeling Mode without switching the entire design to Direct Modeling Mode and dissolving the timeline's parametric history.

Switching modes

You can right-click the Default Component in the Browser to switch the design from one modeling mode to the other.

Use the Change to Direct Modeling Mode tool to switch from Parametric Modeling Mode to Direct Modeling Mode.

Use the Change to Parametric Modeling Mode tool to switch from Direct Modeling Mode to Parametric Modeling Mode.

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