Greyed out parameters when using derive

[danielodland9GJME]

• I have a parametric project box design and I want to be able to derive it to a new file so I can customize it and make variations.
• When doing so, the new file wont let me edit the parameters. I've favorited them in the original file and I can see them in the new one but I cant edit them as they are greyed out.

[jhackney1972]

If the Derived file is still linked to the original, you must return the original file to edit parameters.  After saving the original, the parameters will update it the file it is derived into. You can break the link to the derived file and the derived parameters will be available in the new file.

[danielodland9GJME]

Oh that is really interesting. Gonna try that later on, cheers!

[danielodland9GJME]

Thanks for your suggestions. I broke the link and that made the parameters no longer greyed out. But when I change them, nothing happens to the model.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

If you derive the model, with the parameters, into another model and then select them as Favorites in the parameter table then Break the Link these parameters will be available in the new model.  They will not be connected to any model you may have also derived at the same time.  The parameters will just be available to assign to any new models you create.

I believe you are looking for a different workflow.  If you have an External model with assigned parameters and they are Favorites, you can INSERT, not derive, that External model into a new model and Break the Link.  If you do this the parameters will be available for each model you insert and then break the link.  If you insert more than one of the same external model and break the link, Fusion will number them for you to keep them separate and each set of parameters will control the respective model.  Keep in mind the first one's parameters are not numbered but every one after that will get a number behind each parameter.  The video will explain this better.

[danielodland9GJME]

That is exactly what I want. Thank you, will test this in the morning.

However, as far as I can remember, if I insert a model like that, I wont be able to edit it (like making holes etc), right? 

Is there a way I can have it both ways (being able to change parameters on it AND make holes and changes on it)?

[jhackney1972]

No, the parameters only show up in the new model, from the inserted External Model, when the link is broken.  There are always variations in this workflow, experiment on your own.  What I use a lot is an External Model that contains only my parameters I use a great deal, no model.  I insert it into many models as a way of creating parameters I use all the time.

If you think I have solved you Forum question, please select the Accept Solution icon on one of my posts.

[danielodland9GJME]

Will see if this solves it in the morning, will hit the accept solution if it solves it. 

Thanks

[JamieGilchrist]

Hi @danielodland9GJME, have you checked out Configurations?  It will handle this without having to work through the Derive workflow.

[danielodland9GJME]

That doesn't work in fusion free, does it? I'm just a hobbyist.

[danielodland9GJME]

This does indeed solve it. I have (of course) tried inserting before but didnt realize I had to break the link. I went down a rabbit hole with this and learned a lot 😃 Thanks a lot.