Noob question: how to move a sketch object to a specific point?

[Anonymous]

This is probably a dumb question, but I'm just getting my bearings in Fusion 360 and can't figure out how to move objects in a sketch to a specific point. For example, if I click the center of a circle I can move it around with the mouse and with the move command I can give it relative points to move it a certain distance away from where it is, but I cannot figure out how to, say, move the center to x=5 and y=10. How can I specify a specific point to move an object to? 

[TheCADWhisperer]

Hit D n the keyboard and add horizontal and vertical position dimensions relative to the origin.

The beauty of a parametric modeler is that - if later you decide that you need the circle in a different position - simply double click on the dimensions and enter new design intent values.

The dimensions drive the geometry rather than being merely driven by the geometry. 

And get familiar with using (many will be created for you) geometric constraints like Horizontal, Vertical, Perpendicular, Tangent, Co-linear, Equal....

Then when you move a piece of geometry - all of the rest of the geometry updates in a predictable and logical manner.

[Anonymous]

I must be missing something as D doesn't do what I want... for my circle example it seems to just let me change the dimensions of the object, not the center. I want to move the object to a specific x,y coordinate, not change the size, etc. 

I understand the importance and use of constraints but don't see how that applies here.

Again, I'm new to Fusion 360 so my apologies if this is a stupid question, but let's say I have a circle with, say, center x=2.34545 y=3.234234. What's the simplest way to move it so that its center is x=5 y=10?

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous

Like this?

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. I didn't realize I needed to click on the origin or some other known point when using the D shortcut.

[ghosborne]

Not at all helpful, sorry.

Please describe the actions that you are performing here.

I can select the object, select "Move" and direction, then type in the distance, NOW WHAT? Pressing return just puts me back where I started, and so does touching OK in the dialoue box.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@ghosborne wrote:

I can select the object, select "Move"

No. Use parametric dimensions for size and location - not Move.

File>Export and the Attach your *.f3d file here if you can't figure it out.

In Fusion - dimensions Drive the geometry.

[ghosborne]

HOW do I use a parametric dimension to relocate an object?

I'm coming to this from AutoCAD 2004, there seems to be no overlap, is there any common ground, or am I attempting to learn a totally new way of thinking?

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@ghosborne wrote:

HOW do I use a parametric dimension to relocate an object?

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STEP 1. File>Export and then Attach your *.f3d file here.

Once this step is completed - your question can be answered.

Example:

[ghosborne]

Sorry again, I don't have, nor do I want a *.f3d file, I am ATTEMPTING to create a *.dxf file to email to a plasma cutter, to this end I need to locate several circles within an outer rectangle, in 2D. My AutoCAD 2004 is on a dead XP laptop, and I am unable to install to this Win10 machine. As I have some experience with this 2004 product it seems to make some sense that I should update my CAD, so I am trying to learn some basic skills in FU 360. A 10 minute job for my ancient brain, ancient software, and ancient hardware, now I would like to try walking first, before attempting running, so, is it POSSIBLE to make such a simple 2D drawing and save it as a *.dxf in FU 360?

I hope this explains my situation. I now have a little time, as with a production deadline fast approaching, I have posted a paper sketch to cutter man.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@ghosborne wrote:

I don't have, nor do I want a *.f3d file, I am ATTEMPTING to create a *.dxf file

...so, is it POSSIBLE to make such a simple 2D drawing and save it as a *.dxf in FU 360?.

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The native file format for Fusion 360 is *.f3d , sketch your design in Fusion 360, export and then Attach the *.f3d file here and then someone will show you how to save that as *.dxf using your data.

...or,  go through the Tutorials.

[io.akimov]

Person asked how to move sketch to ABSOLUTE coordinates (for example how to "move rectangle from random position to absolute coordinates").
But all answers about setting RELATIVE position or some useless answers aka "show us your model first".

[TheCADWhisperer]

@io.akimov 

Use parametric dimensions for size and location - not Move.

Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply?

And indicate Relative or Absolute position you would like to achieve?

[io.akimov]

@TheCADWhisperer 
Person doesn't ask how to redraw sketch using "parametric dimensions for size".
He asked how to MOVE already existed sketch(let it be circle with center at [x=999,y=888,z=777]) to particular ABSOLUTE coordinates(for example move to  [x=1, y=1, z=1] without need to manually calculate delta [dx=-998, dy=-887, dz=-776] ).

And the answer - it seems there is NO such way to do it in Fusion360.
As a WORKAROUND you can use parameterized model, but its not the same.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@io.akimov wrote:

And the answer - it seems there is NO such way to do it in Fusion360.

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Yes, that was the answer given two years ago in Message #7 in this discussion thread.

[jeff_strater]

if you want to move an object to an absolute location in the active sketch coordinate system, Move can do that, using the Point to Position move type:

[ericwoll]

I needed to do this to move part of a sketch along an axis. Pick any point that you intend to reposition and at the bottom right the coordinates will appear. Copy down the position of that point along the axis you want to move on. Then select all parts of your sketch you want to move, press M (or however you select Move), change the move type to translate, and then enter the value on the axis you wanted to move along. Holding control(on Windows) will show you where you started so you can see where it will land before hitting OK.