Fusion 360

How to Resize Things in Fusion 360?

Understanding the Basics of Resizing in Fusion 360

Resizing objects in Fusion 360 is essential for adjusting designs to fit specific requirements. The resizing process can vary depending on whether you are working within a design environment or sketch mode. Understanding these different contexts will help you effectively manipulate your models.

Resizing Objects in the Design Workspace

  1. Selecting the Object: First, identify and select the body or component you aim to resize. You can do this by clicking on it in the canvas or from the Browser panel on the left side of the interface.

  2. Initiating the Scale Command: Navigate to the Modify menu located on the toolbar and select the "Scale" option. This will open the scaling dialog box where further options are available.

  3. Choosing the Scale Factor: In the dialog, you need to specify the Scale Factor. This is a numerical value that represents how much larger or smaller you want the object to become. For example, entering a value of 2 will double the size, while 0.5 will reduce it to half.

  4. Setting a Fixed Point: Select an anchor point around which the scaling will occur. This can be any point in the object you choose. For instance, selecting the center will scale the object evenly from its midpoint.

  5. Finalizing the Scale: Once you have set the scale factor and anchor point, click OK to apply the changes. If design history is active, make sure you exit the mesh workspace by clicking “Finish Mesh” in the toolbar to save your changes.

Resizing Sketch Objects

  1. Entering Sketch Mode: If you are working within a sketch, right-click on the relevant shape (like a rectangle or circle) and choose the "Edit Sketch" option to enter editing mode.

  2. Using the Dimension Tool: Locate the dimension tool from the sketch utilities, often represented by a ruler icon. Click it and select one of the sides of the object. This will allow you to specify the exact size you want.

  3. Adjusting Dimensions: After selecting a side, enter the desired measurement directly. If you need to make further adjustments, double-click the dimension you’ve set, and a prompt will allow you to enter a new value.

  4. Finishing the Sketch: Once you have resized all necessary components, exit the sketch by clicking on "Finish Sketch." This will save your adjustments and apply them to the model.

Modifying Linked Components

  1. Editing Linked Components: For components linked from another file, these cannot be directly resized in the main design. Instead, open the linked component in its separate tab for editing.

  2. Using Extrude or Cut: In the opened file, you can utilize the Extrude or Cut features to adjust the component to the desired size. Choose the faces or profiles to be modified.

  3. Breaking Component Link: Should you need more control over the resize, select the linked component, right-click, and choose “Break Link.” This will allow you to work on the component independently of its original file.

FAQ

Q1: Can I resize multiple objects at once in Fusion 360?
Yes, you can select multiple bodies or components and apply the scale command to them together. This is a quick way to maintain proportionate resizing.

Q2: What happens if I resize an object that is already part of an assembly?
Resizing an object in an assembly may affect component positioning and relationships. Ensure that other components are adjusted accordingly to maintain the overall design integrity.

Q3: Is there a way to undo a resize action in Fusion 360?
Yes, you can easily undo any action in Fusion 360. Simply use the shortcut Ctrl + Z (or Cmd + Z on Mac) to revert your last action, including a resize. Additionally, you can use the timeline to revert to a previous state of your design.

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.