How to export a model out in the correct orientation?

[t_smith5]

Hi

I could've sworn I asked this question before, but I can't find the thread. But is there a correct way of exporting a model out into another program, like ZBrush, so it's the right orientation? It looks correct in Fusion, but once in ZBrush, it's facing downwards.

In ZBrush, X is left/right; Y is up/down; and Z is front/back. I've tried changing Z to up and Y to up in Fusion's preferences, but the model still comes in facing down. 🤔

Thanks

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

The Z-up/Y-up preference only applies to new models.  It does not affect existing models.  So, set your preference to Z-up, and create a new simple model (in which the orientation is obvious), then export, and import to ZBrush.  Is it in the right orientation?  If so, that is the right setting to use for new models.  For existing models, you will have to manually rotate the model using Move to get it into the "right" orientation.  There is no way to set the orientation only for export.

[t_smith5]

Hmm. I've just tried putting together a simple model in Fusion and the up orientation is set to Z, however, the model is still being imported into ZBrush on its front. 😕 I'll try with Y next...

[TheCADWhisperer]

Forget words like Top, Front, whatever…

…pay attention to ONLY XYZ.

I have never used Zbrush - but I will wager that XYZ in Fusion matches XYZ in Zbrush (it does in every other CAD software I have used).

[t_smith5]

Looking in ZBrush and then in Fusion, it looks to be that Y is up in ZBrush. Putting the preferences to default in Fusion, it sets Z as the up axis. Closing the tab and opening a new one configures it to that. So it should work by setting it to Y. 🤞

EDIT: Yep, that's done it. 😄 Just a shame it doesn't apply to pre-existing projects, according to Jeff.

[t_smith5]

Is it possible to transfer everything into a new scene so you can carry on editing Sketches and Bodies etc.?

EDIT: Hmm. Looks like you can export everything out, and then open it, but it's essentially just opening the pre-existing design/document with the same orientation. 😕 Would be nice to do that but in a fresh design with Y being Up/Down.

EDIT 2: I suppose the only solution I can think of is to carry on working in my file as normal and then when it's all done, convert everything into Components, and then copy those into a new design. From there, I'd have to rotate them all so they're the right orientation.

[sveinSHLTM]

It is possible:
Orient your view to have y-axis upwards, z front left.

Highlight all items in the drawing, use Move to rotate them within the drawing. Now the axes doesn't move