Fusion 360

How to Delete a Sketch Point in Fusion 360?

Understanding Sketch Points in Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a powerful CAD tool that allows users to create intricate designs and sketches. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to clean up your sketch by removing unwanted points. Sketch points act as anchors or control points for shapes, and removing them can help enhance the clarity and functionality of your design.

Steps to Delete Sketch Points

  1. Enter Edit Mode: Access the sketch you want to modify by locating it in the browser tree or the timeline. Right-click on the sketch and select the “Edit Sketch” option. This action will take you into the sketch editing environment, allowing you to make changes.

  2. Display Points: To ensure that all sketch points are visible, find the sketch palette on your interface. Look for the “Show Points” toggle option and activate it. This will reveal all sketch points, including those you may wish to delete.

  3. Select the Spline: If you want to delete a point from a spline, first click on the spline to select it. Upon selecting, a right-click action will provide a contextual menu. From this menu, choose “Sketch,” followed by the arrow next to “Spline” to proceed.

  4. Edit the Spline: After selecting the spline, click on the “Edit Spline” option available in the menu. This action brings up the MOD SPLINE and MOVE PNTS menus, which are necessary for modifying your spline.

  5. Delete the Points: Within the MOD SPLINE menu, look for the “Delete Points” option. By selecting this, you will be prepared to remove specific points. Now, simply click on the spline points you wish to eliminate. This action effectively removes the selected points from your sketch.

Additional Tips for Sketch Management

  • Avoid Unintended Deletion: Before deleting points, ensure that the removal will not disrupt the overall sketch. Check for any constraints or dimensions that may be linked to the points.

  • Use Undo Feature: If you accidentally delete a point, use the undo option (Ctrl + Z on Windows or Command + Z on Mac) to revert the action.

  • Save Regularly: As you make alterations to your sketch, it’s a good practice to save your work frequently. This helps prevent any possible loss of your design if an unexpected issue arises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I recover a deleted sketch point in Fusion 360?
No, once a sketch point is deleted, it cannot be recovered unless you use the undo feature immediately after deletion. Always be cautious with deletions.

2. What happens if I delete a point that is constrained?
Deleting a constrained point may lead to over-constraining the sketch or could break existing dimensions, affecting the integrity of the design.

3. Is there a way to hide sketch points without deleting them?
Yes, you can toggle the "Show Points" option in the sketch palette off to hide sketch points without removing them. This can help maintain sketch clarity without permanent changes.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.