Can't find previous sketches after opening .step file , opens as a direct model.

[Anonymous]

Hi!! I am facing a small problem while using Fusion360 in my Mac OSX Yosemite. When I start drawing the model everything was fine I can fine all the sketches in the browser dropdown, and things were good. But then I exported the as .STEP. But then when I open it up again to make some changes I cannot find any previous sketches in the Browser drop down, I right clicked on the root and selected capture design history, but it started from that instant. So still cannot find previous sketches. Can some one help me to sort this out. I am new in Fusion 360. Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

From my experience the only file type that you can export and then import again while retaining all of the sketches and features is a Fusion 360 model. All other file types give you just the 3d model without any sketches or features. I hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

What is the file type then, I need to export to? But now how can I retrieve the sketches? Any idea??

[Anonymous]

you do not have a way to retreive the sketches with the file type you exported. If you still have the original file you created in Fusion then you can go to the A360 site, find your model, and click on export. It will bring up a dropdown list and click on the first one which should be Fusion 360 archive. This will export the file as a F3Z File. The only time I would export a file in general is if you want to work on it in offline mode, or you want a copy on your computer. The only time I would export a file from Fusion as a non Fusion file type is when I would use the model in a different program. 

[TrippyLighting]

Why would you want to export your design  files, other than perhaps as a backup or sharing designs here on the forum ?

Fusion 360 is a cloud based design tool. While you have to download and install the software, the design data (files) are stored in the cloud and are accessible through the data panel.

By exporting to .f3d, while retainingn all the design information such as sketches for the current design version,  you still loose the design history of previous versions.

[Anonymous]

I totally understand where are you coming from. But I had to 3D print the designs I create. I need to export as a .stl or .step file, but the mistake I did was I didn't save it before or after exporting. I guess there is no way I can retrieve the file? 

[Anonymous]

not sure if you know but Fusion has a tool for 3d printing that outputs to an STL or 3d printing utility, so you might be able to skip the process of converting it. As far as retrieving the file and sketches, If you did not save the model then it does not exist. I'm not even sure if it would show up in the cache if it has not been saved once. 

[Anonymous]

I think I messed up bad, and have to re do the whole thing. But thanks anyway to everyone. Thanks for all your help.