Fusion 360

How to Move Things in Fusion 360?

Moving objects in Fusion 360 is a fundamental skill required for modeling and design work. Understanding how to efficiently reposition components, bodies, and sketches is crucial for effective workflow. This guide outlines the necessary steps for moving various objects within Fusion 360.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Objects in Fusion 360

Initiating the Move Command

  1. Activate the Move Tool: Begin by pressing the "M" key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can navigate to the Modify menu in the modeling workspace and select “Move”.

Selecting the Object

  1. Choose the Object Type: Identify the type of object you wish to move. This can include bodies, components, or sketches based on your design needs.

Making Your Selections

  1. Select the Object(s): Click on the object you want to move within the canvas.
    • If you want to select multiple items, hold down the CTRL key while clicking individual object selections. For selecting a consecutive series of items, use the SHIFT key.

Choosing a Move Strategy

  1. Decide on Your Move Type: After selecting the object(s), determine how you wish to move them. The common option is “Translate,” which moves the object in a straight line to a new location.

Executing the Move

  1. Move the Object: Click and drag the selected object(s) to the desired location. You can also input specific coordinates or angles in the corresponding dialog box to fine-tune the placement.

Moving Rectangles in Fusion 360

For those specifically looking to move rectangles:

  • Begin by selecting the rectangle on the canvas or within the browser.
  • Use the same move commands discussed above. The rectangle will respond in the same manner as other objects when repositioned.

Copying Bodies Between Projects

To copy a body from one project to another:

  1. Open Your Source Design: Navigate to the design that contains the body you wish to copy.
  2. Select the Body: Locate the body in the browser, right-click on it, and select “Copy.”
  3. Switch Designs: Transition to the other project where you want to paste the body.
  4. Paste the Body: Create a base feature in the new design, make it active, and right-click to select “Paste.” The body will now be in your new design.

Moving Multiple Components

When needing to move several components:

  • Hold the CTRL key to individually select multiple components, or SHIFT to highlight a range.
  • Once selected, utilize the Move tool to shift all chosen components simultaneously.

Working with Sketches

Moving sketches can be slightly different due to constraints:

  • Ensure that the sketch is unpinned from any fixed point. If the sketches have coincident constraints, they might not move. In this case, you’ll need to remove the specific constraint before relocating the sketch.

Aligning Sketches

To align sketches within your design:

  • Select the sketch, then use the align tool found under the Modify menu. This allows you to designate specific alignment points between different sketch elements.

Understanding Bodies vs. Components

It’s important to differentiate between bodies and components:

  • Components are individual parts that can comprise assemblies, whereas bodies are the shapes that reside within components. Each component may contain multiple bodies along with its own geometry and sketches.

FAQs

Can I move objects while in the sketch mode?

Moving objects in sketch mode is possible, but ensure you check for any constraints that could restrict movement. Remove or modify these constraints as needed.

What if my sketch won’t move when I use the Move command?

Your sketch might have constraints attached to fixed points. You may need to delete or alter these constraints to enable movement.

Is there a way to move objects more precisely?

For precise movements, utilize the dialog box that appears after selecting the Move tool. It allows you to input exact distances and angles for accurate repositioning of objects.

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.