No dimension variables/references without design history?

[gaTCYWN]

When I started using Fusion 360 in September of last year, one of the features I really liked was the ability to reference dimensions in other dimensions.   Unfortunately, a while back, I found I needed to do something that could only be done with design history turned off (I don't remember what now) and I've had it off since.  Also unfortunately, that seems to disable dimension variables/references.  Without design history, hovering over a dimension doesn't even show the value, let alone the variable.

Is this by design?

[TrippyLighting · Accepted solution]

Yes, that is by design.

In Fusion 360 having no design history is called direct modeling mode and when the timeline (history) is on it's a parametric model.

If you create A base feature in timeline mode and then edit that base feature you can use direct modeling to create a history fee model in timeline mode.

[gaTCYWN]

Thanks.  I wish I could remember why I turned history off.  IIRC it had something to do with not being able to perform certain operations on components.  I guess I'll turn it on again and see!