topic Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling. in Fusion Manufacture Forum

license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

pokwas — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 07:22:58 GMT

I'm one of the people who the license changes don't really effect- I only use 3 axis milling.

I have some shapes I want to cut out with my mill, but 2d contour toolpaths won't generate. The error gives

Your license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", despite me not using 4/5 axis or even changing any WCS.

I reproduced the error as simply as possible:

1. Start a new sketch, extrude a rectangle

2. Switch to 'manufacture'

3. Select 2D contour tool, select contour, ok

4. In tool selection dialog, create a new end mill, all default settings, hit OK

5. toolpath did not generate.

The option to use tool orientation is not even shown, so I can't turn it on or off.

I'm sure it's something simple I'm missing, but clicking and googling have gotten me nowhere.

(And thanks for keeping this pro-level software free!)

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

engineguy — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 08:58:21 GMT

@pokwas

OK, looks like a "Bug", on opening your file I get what is in the image below so somehow the Tabs and Tool Orientation are somehow enabled in the background if as you say you don`t even have them as options in the Geometry selection area 😞

Are you on the latest update version 2.0.9011 ? If not try updating and see if that clears the issue.

If that doesn`t work try re-installing Fusion 360, there have been some odd things happening with the Licence changes 😞 😞

If I now click OK then it toolpaths fine but I have a different Licence to you so get a different outcome, the above is all I have for you, you`ll need an Autodesk person to chip in on this one 🙂

Stay Safe

Regards

Rob

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

seth.madore — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 09:34:09 GMT

I assume these files were all programmed before the changes went into effect? Is the file you provided just a sample of one of them, and you have other more complex files not yet shared?

While the Tool Orientation options are removed from the UI, they are NOT removed from the Compare and Edit window. It seems that photos are broken....again.

This doesn't give people a "backdoor" to turn Orientation back on, but it does provide a mechanism to turn it off

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

pokwas — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 23:44:18 GMT

Thanks for the confirmation and check @engineguy. This is a new machine, so a fresh install. I'm *fairly* certain I did it post-changes, but it can't hurt to try again.

And thanks for your response, @seth.madore .

The example file was made after the changes went into effect- An all new file.

Every new file I start has this issue, as well as old ones (that already had orientation on).

I've looked into 'compare and edit', thanks for that. Seems like it will help but is definitely a workaround rather than a fix.

I wonder what it is in my workflow that is enabling it? Can I change the way I do anything?

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

seth.madore — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 23:58:55 GMT

It sounds to me that your default setting is to have Tool Orientation turned on. Go back into Compare and Edit, search for Tool Orientation, click on the box to set it to No, right click and "set as default"

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

pokwas — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 01:51:37 GMT

There it is!

Thanks so much!

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

jcs-ccs — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:17:57 GMT

Howzit Seth.

I have a similar problem, except I only have a hobby license . In my "Compare And Edit" I have tool orientation saying "yes" but it is greyed out so I can't edit it. I have just uninstalled Fusion and re-installed it. with it performing in the same way. Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

aboydGWUVW — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:04:56 GMT

I have the same issue with my older files. I cannot turn off tool orientation even though I did not use it originally.

How do we turn it off in Hobby mode?

Cheers,

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

seth.madore — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:24:36 GMT

I don't believe there is a mechanism to change behavior on old files. If you want to share them here, I'm happy to turn it off for you 🙂

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

thane.buxton — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 02:53:17 GMT

I am unable to put a facing operation on a simple rectangular block. I get an error that tool orientation is not allowed in the free version. I have tried to go into the compare and edit were it shows tool orientation as Yes, but it is grayed out and I am unable to change it to no.

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

seth.madore — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 08:00:43 GMT

@thane.buxton could you share your Fusion file here with the bad setting?

File > Export > Save to local folder, return to thread and attach the .f3d file in your reply.

The other option is to go into Manage and select this button:

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

milsimlabs — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:50:45 GMT

I am now getting this error message when I create a toolpath from any of my saved templates(but not when I create one from scratch) , open the edit and compare and tool orientation is set to no and in grey (uneditable)
I have used these templates for several years with out issue, its not doing it when i import a stock template from the F360 library

Hobby licence

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

marty.pA6GEB — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:24:21 GMT

unfortunately exactly the same problem on a Hobby Licence:

using an "old" Toolpath template brings up the "Tool Orientation" error.

Using same Template on an older computer - which unfortunately cant update anymore - no problems.

Compare and Edit: Tool Orientation is on "NO" and greyed out - therefore no chance to toggle it ON and OFF if that would help

In the Edit window under Geometry TAB - the Tool Orientation part has only the icon for subscription based feature

creating a new template works

but unfortunately all stored Templates have this error.

Is there a way to fix it - wouldn even mind if its a manually one to rescue the toolpath templates ?

Thanks already in advance

Cheers

Marty

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

MelchiorHof — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:29:46 GMT

I have the same Tool Orientation license error on 3-axis operations, but my scenario is between paid licenses:
sometimes I temporarily have Fabrication Extension (company license), other times I use my own paid license without Fabrication Extension.

After working in my own files while the extension is active, later the same operations become locked with ‘Your license does not allow generating operations using Tool Orientation’ even though Tool Orientation appears off/default in Compare and Edit (Setup WCS orientation, tilt No, flips No).
New operations created from scratch generate fine.

This looks like an entitlement flag being saved into the operations and not removable on the non-extension license.
Screenshots attached.

Re: license does not allow generating operations using "Tool Orientation", even though I am only using 3 axis milling.

seth.madore — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:18:11 GMT

We've fixed this internally and intend on fitting it into the next appropriate opening/release.