Create component preserving history?

[jrychter]

So, I've just stumbled onto the quick tip video that establishes Rule#1: Always start a fresh design with a new component (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6MMw-dfS8s)

But what if I didn't?

I have a design I've been working on for the past two days. I finished one part and figured I could now turn it into a component and create additional ones. But that doesn't seem to preserve my history/timeline within the component that has just been created from a body. The history remains at "toplevel".

Is there any solution or a way to fix this (that does not begin with the words "well, you should have…")?

[jeff_strater]

Hi @jrychter,

This is a good question.  Unfortunately, the answer is "it depends on what's in the component".  If you're lucky, and there is not a lot of cross-component references, you can probably fix up your design so it looks like you followed "Rule #1".  

Unlike real life, in Fusion, you can go back and rewrite history 

Basically, it involves rolling back the timeline, inserting a New Component feature, then dragging any sketches, work geometry, features, etc into the new component.

Here is a very simple case:

Good luck with your project.

Jeff

[TrippyLighting · Accepted solution]

If there is currently only a single part in your design or better if it is not not a component, but still a body, don't turn it into a component.

1. Save it and close it.

2. Create a new design and save it.

3. Insert the previously saved design into the new design.

4. Break the link before saving.

5. Save it.

You could now dispose of the extra part/design in the data panel

Fusion 360's R.U.L.E #1 was established long before that video. I posted it over a hundred times before I finally made the sticky post referred to in this thread 😉

[jrychter]

Thanks for your help! The solution from @TrippyLighting was the simplest in my case, and worked well, even though I already had more than one component in that design. I was able to untangle everything.

I can't help but feel that this was a close call, though — perhaps the R.U.L.E. #1 should be taught more prominently, or even enforced by default? (e.g. always start a new canvas with a new component already selected?)