topic How do I convert a component to a linked component? in Fusion Support Forum

How do I convert a component to a linked component?

mgianzero — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 16:46:31 GMT

I have a design with multiple components which are linked in my file and then assembled with joints.

But I drew a few additional components in the design (also as components) and I wanted to also make these components links, just as the other components. But how do I do this?

I tried using the "Derive" option, but this doesn't seem to do what I'm looking for. It creates a linked file, but I can only make changes in the original design file and see them reflected in my new linked component file. I want to do the opposite - change the separate component linked file and see them reflected in my assembly file.

Hope I'm making myself clear here.

Marc G.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

jhackney1972 — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 17:20:28 GMT

You have the option to select the internal component, in the Browser, then right click and select Save Copy As. This will create an external component you can then added back into the assembly as a Linked Component. This process will not replace the internal component and acquire any existing joints, these will have to be done manually.

Other than this process, I do not think there is any other way to accomplish what you desire.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

mgianzero — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 17:22:18 GMT

Yes, I knew of that option. But, like you said, this technique would not replace the internal component with a linked (external) component. Also, I would have to then re-assemble my parts.

Sounds not too complicated, but if you have a lot of components to do this with, it can become quite tedious. I figured there was a better way.

Marc

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

Rushikesh.kadam — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 10:53:07 GMT

@mgianzero Currently, there is no such option to convert an internal component to an external one. However, this looks to be a good one to have. I have created an enhancement request for the same.

Regards,

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

mgianzero — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 03:08:34 GMT

Thank you for noticing that this is a needed improvement. I hope AutoDesk makes the update.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

ericwehrs — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:25:11 GMT

Has the enhancement request gone anywhere, @Rushikesh.kadam? I have an assembly that I built all of my components in before realizing that I cannot work backwards to create linked components in individual files. This is my first project in Fusion 360, so I'm learning best practices as I go.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

g-andresen — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:10:02 GMT

Hi,

Did you look at the answer #2 from @jhackney1972 ?

günther

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

ericwehrs — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:12:36 GMT

Yes, and that is what I am currently doing, but @Rushikesh.kadam may have had a better solution created by the Autodesk team. I'm curious if there is an update, otherwise I will continue with the process from reply #2.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

ssotangkur — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 23:41:27 GMT

Please add my vote to have the enhancement request prioritized by the development team. This would greatly enhance the workflow process for many users. The desired workflow is to design the rough shape/size/placement of components in the assembly design, then once the rough shape/size is known, be able to convert that component into a separate design where the details can be fleshed out, but is still linked to the assembly design.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

mlundinL7PPW — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:01:31 GMT

Another vote here... I would also like the ability to convert components internal to a design to a new design and linked as external components. Top-down design is all good and well as a philosophy, but sometimes things get a little carried away as we go about designing complicated things.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

grahamS4WHW — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:08:55 GMT

I think this would be an incredible feature to have. I really hope to see it added and not dismissed.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

jtorresU3249 — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:11:15 GMT

+1 vote to this request

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

ben_harveyN2G5R — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:29:59 GMT

IS there any time frame on this from Autodesk?

Over three years and ticking.

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

TrippyLighting — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:21:55 GMT

@Rushikesh.kadam wrote:

@mgianzero Currently, there is no such option to convert an internal component to an external one. However, this looks to be a good one to have. I have created an enhancement request for the same.

Regards,

That has been requested many, many times over the years and there should be many, many enhancements requests for that in your database (Jira?).

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

ben_harveyN2G5R — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:00:24 GMT

As, it seems all are in agreement, is there any time frame on this action from Autodesk?

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

mark.hancockFNT8J — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:47:49 GMT

+1 vote to this request

Re: How do I convert a component to a linked component?

chronic.chrome — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:23:30 GMT

+1 vote to this too