Why is XZ plane "top" ??????

[fritter63]

It took me awhile to notice this, but why is the XZ plane the one displayed as the "flat" plane when viewing in 3D from the "home" position?

In math, when you have only two dimensions, that is the XY plane. In all other cad systems I've used, Z is always the 3rd dimension, going "up" or "down" from the XY plane. However, the way Fusion 360 has it, the XZ plane is what you see when you select the "top" view on the cube. I would expect viewing from the "top" to be looking DOWN on the XY plane. 

My biggest issue with this is that when you setup CAM options, by default the Z azis is pointing to the LEFT, and you must first select a different z plane (the XZ plane!) and then "reverse" the Z axis so that you can generate tool paths for the CNC machine,

Is there some logic behind this? I'm unable to find any settings to fix this.

Thanks.

[dongillett · Accepted solution]

My top is the XY plane.  In the upper right of the Fusion app window you'll find the Preferences menu.  On the general settings section there is a drop down for default modeling orientation.  Mine is set to Z-Up.

[fritter63]

Ah.. I totally missed that drop down. (time for my yearly eye check up in fact!)

Thanks.