Autodesk Fusion 360: A Beginners Guide

Learn how to navigate the Fusion 360 interface, understand the workspace layout, and set up and manage projects in the Hub.

Learning Outcome: Students will be able to navigate the interface, understand the workspace layout, manage Hub projects, and organize files efficiently for their workflow.

This lecture provides an overview of the main Fusion 360 workspaces. It introduces what each workspace is used for and when you would switch between them, without going into detailed tools or workflows.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will understand the purpose of the main Fusion 360 workspaces, recognize which workspace is used for different tasks, and feel comfortable navigating between them while following the course.

This lecture shows students how to use the Fusion 360 Hub to create and manage projects. It covers setting up a new project, organizing files, and understanding how the Hub supports collaboration and workflow.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will know how to create and organize projects in the Fusion 360 Hub, manage their files effectively, and understand the basics of collaboration within the platform.

This lecture introduces the Fusion 360 Browser in the 3D viewport. Students will learn how the Browser shows components, bodies, sketches, and other objects, and how it helps manage and organize the scene.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will understand how to use the Browser to navigate and organize objects in the scene, identify different components and sketches, and manage visibility and hierarchy in Fusion 360.

An overview of how Fusion 360’s CAD-based modelling approach differs from polygon modelling used in Blender, 3ds Max, and Maya.

Learning Outcome: Students will understand the fundamental differences between CAD and polygon modelling workflows.

Explains parametric modelling, design intent, and why dimensions and constraints are central to CAD workflows.

Learning Outcome: Students will understand how parametric modelling allows for precise and editable designs.

This lecture provides a light introduction to pivots, movement tools, and the design history timeline in Fusion 360. It shows how geometry can be moved and adjusted, and how changes are tracked through the model history.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will understand how to move and rotate geometry using pivots, recognize how the history timeline works, and see how edits affect the overall model.

This lecture focuses on the Fusion 360 timeline and how it controls the design history. It explains how features are recorded, edited, and reordered to make efficient design changes.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lecture, students will understand how to read and edit the timeline, modify features non-destructively

Explains the difference between solid bodies and polygon meshes, and when each approach is used.

Learning Outcome: Students will understand why solid modelling is preferred for manufacturing and 3D printing.

Shows how changes are made using the timeline and feature history instead of manual mesh editing.

Learning Outcome: Students will learn how to make non-destructive edits and iterate designs efficiently.

An introduction to sketches in Fusion 360.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how sketches form the foundation for 3D modelling and how to create basic shapes using sketch tools.

An introduction to the Line tool.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to create lines, apply constraints, and build basic sketch profiles.

An introduction to the Fit Point Spline tool.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to create and edit spline curves using control points for complex sketch shapes.

An introduction to the Rectangle tool.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to create rectangles and use them for 3D modelling.

An introduction to the Circle tool.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to create and dimension circles for round features.

An introduction to the Arc tool.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to create and control arcs for smooth sketch curves.

An introduction to the Polygon tool.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to create polygons and control the number of sides.

Description:
An introduction to using the Ellipse tool.
Learning Outcomes:
You will learn how to create and control ellipses for smooth, curved profiles.

An introduction to using the Slot tool.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to create and dimension slots for adjustable or mechanical features.

This lecture introduces the Sketch Dimension tool in Fusion 360 using a simple fastener as an example. Students will learn how to add dimensions to sketches, control size accurately, and understand how dimensions drive parametric modelling.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to add and edit sketch dimensions, control sketch geometry precisely, and understand how dimensions affect 3D model updates in Fusion 360.

This lecture demonstrates how to use multiple sketches in Fusion 360 to create a door hinge. Students will learn how separate sketches can be used for different features, and how to reference sketches to build more complex 3D geometry.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to create and manage multiple sketches, understand how sketches relate to each other, and use them together to model more complex parts like a door hinge.

This lecture introduces the Offset tool in Fusion 360 while creating a simple jewellery/storage box. Students will learn how to offset sketch geometry to create walls and borders, and how to inspect sketches and dimensions to ensure accuracy.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to use the Offset tool to create parallel geometry, apply it to design features like walls, and inspect sketches and dimensions for precision.

This lecture focuses on editing existing sketches in Fusion 360. Students will learn how to modify sketch geometry, update dimensions and constraints, and make changes without recreating the sketch from scratch.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to edit sketch geometry, adjust dimensions and constraints, and understand how sketch edits update the related 3D model.

Builds on previous lectures learning outcomes and a little bit of fun, in using dimensions  and constraints to control 3D profiles.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to edit sketch geometry, adjust dimensions and constraints, and understand how sketch edits update the related 3D model.

This lecture shows how to use the Mirror tool in sketches to create symmetrical geometry. Students will learn how to mirror sketch elements across a selected axis to speed up sketch creation.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to mirror sketch geometry, maintain symmetry in their designs, and use the Mirror tool to work more efficiently when creating sketches.

This lecture introduces the Pattern tool for sketches and shows how to duplicate sketch geometry using linear and circular patterns. Students will learn how patterns can speed up the creation of repeated features.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to create sketch patterns, control spacing and quantity, and use the Pattern tool to efficiently duplicate sketch geometry.

This lecture introduces how to create basic 3D primitive bodies in Fusion 360, such as boxes, cylinders, and spheres. Students will learn how these primitives can be used as starting points for 3D modelling.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to create basic 3D bodies, understand how primitive shapes work in Fusion 360, and use them as the foundation for more complex models.

An introduction to using the Extrude tool to create 3D geometry.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to extrude sketches into 3D bodies.

An introduction to using the Revolve tool to create 3D geometry.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to revolve sketch profiles into 3D bodies.

An introduction to using the Sweep tool to create 3D geometry.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to sweep sketch profiles along paths to create 3D bodies.

An introduction to using the Loft tool to create unique 3D shapes.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to loft between profiles to create smooth, blended geometry.

An introduction to using the Rib tool to add support features.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to create ribs and understand when they are used in designs.

An introduction to using the Web tool to add internal support structures.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to create web features and understand their use in lightweight design.

An introduction to using the Emboss tool to add surface details.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to emboss and engrave sketch profiles onto body surfaces.

An introduction to creating holes in 3D bodies.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to add and customize holes for functional and assembly purposes.

An introduction to using the Thread tool to add screw threads.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to apply threads to cylinders and choose the correct thread size.

An introduction to using the 3D Pattern tool to duplicate bodies or features.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to create and control 3D patterns in their models.

An introduction to using fillets on 3D geometry.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to add and control fillets on edges of 3D models.

An introduction to using chamfers on 3D geometry.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to add chamfers to edges and control size and angle.

An introduction to using the Shell tool to hollow out bodies.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to hollow 3D models and control wall thickness.

An introduction to moving faces and using the Draft tool.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to move faces and apply draft angles to 3D geometry.

An introduction to scaling objects and best practices for different modelling workflows.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to scale models correctly and choose the best approach for their workflow.

An introduction to using Combine for Boolean operations.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to join, cut, and intersect bodies using Combine.

An introduction to how the Offset tool works in Fusion 360.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to create offsets in sketches and 3D geometry for accurate modelling.

An introduction to using the Replace Face tool.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to replace faces with new surfaces to update geometry.

An introduction to splitting bodies and faces for further edits.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to split geometry to create new regions for modelling.

An introduction to using the Move tool and snapping objects together.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to move bodies and snap them into precise positions.

An introduction to properly aligning objects in Fusion 360.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to align bodies accurately using faces, edges, and points.

In this project, students will create a custom coffee coaster using sketch tools, text tools, and basic 3D modelling features. They will design a coaster shape, add personalised text or patterns, and use extrude and other tools to create a finished 3D model.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this project, students will be able to create a coaster using sketches and text, apply extrudes to build 3D geometry, and use multiple tools together to complete a simple product design.

n this project, students will design a desktop pen and pencil holder using measurements, reference images, and modelling tools. They will learn how to model from a reference, use the Pattern tool to create repeated features, and build a functional and clean product design.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this project, students will be able to model from reference, accurately use measurements, apply the Pattern tool to duplicate features, and create a finished pen holder ready for 3D printing or presentation.

In this project, students will design a pencil and mobile phone desk holder inspired by the game Miro. Using reference images, sketch tools, and basic 3D modelling features, they will recreate the themed style and build a functional desktop accessory.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this project, students will be able to model from game references, design functional holders with multiple compartments, and apply sketch and modelling tools to create a polished Miro-themed desk accessory.

In this project, students will create a desktop cross using measurements and a reference image. They will learn how to model accurately from reference, use the Model Inspector to check for overlapping geometry, and apply fillets and Combine operations to create a clean, finished design.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this project, students will be able to model from reference using accurate dimensions, use the Model Inspector to identify and fix overlapping geometry, apply fillets for smooth edges, and use Combine to join bodies into a single clean model.

In this project, students will create an intermediate toy model that combines multiple tools and techniques learned throughout the course. This task brings together sketching, dimensioning, extruding, patterns, fillets, combine, inspection tools, and more to create a complete and detailed 3D toy design.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this project, students will be able to apply a wide range of Fusion 360 tools in a single model, work with multiple bodies and features, and confidently use modelling and inspection techniques to create a clean, finished design.

An introduction to exporting models for 3D printing and other software.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to export your model in the correct file format and settings.

An introduction to Fusion 360 rendering for product presentation.

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to use the rendering workspace to create basic product renders.