Fusion 360

How to Move Canvas in Fusion 360

Understanding the Canvas in Fusion 360

Fusion 360 provides users with a versatile platform for 3D modeling and design, incorporating a canvas feature that aids in visualizing and developing designs. The canvas acts as a reference point, allowing users to overlay images or sketches that can guide the modeling process. At times, adjustments to the canvas position are required to align it appropriately with the project. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively move the canvas within Fusion 360.

Steps to Move the Canvas in Fusion 360

Step 1: Access Your Project

Begin by launching Fusion 360 and opening the specific project that contains the canvas you wish to move. Navigate to the “Data Panel” on the left side of the interface and select your desired project folder.

Step 2: Select the Canvas

Within your project, locate the "Canvases" folder in the browser panel. Expand this folder to view all canvases that have been added to your project. Select the specific canvas that you want to adjust by clicking on it. The canvas label will highlight, indicating that it’s currently selected.

Step 3: Activate the Move Tool

With the canvas selected, navigate to the toolbar at the top of the screen. Look for the “Move” command, which may be represented by an icon of four arrows or can be accessed via the ‘Modify’ drop-down menu. Click on “Move” to activate this tool. After doing so, the canvas will appear with adjustment handles around its edges.

Step 4: Adjust the Position of the Canvas

Once the Move tool is active, you can shift the canvas to the desired location. Click and drag the canvas using the mouse. For more precise positioning, you can also input specific coordinates into the Move dialog that appears on the right-hand side of your screen. This allows for accurate placement of the canvas relative to other elements in your design.

Step 5: Use Rotation and Scaling Tools (if needed)

If your project requires not only repositioning but also resizing or rotating the canvas, this is achievable using the options available in the Move dialog. Adjust the scale by dragging the corner handles or entering specific ratio values. Similarly, rotate the canvas by entering an angle or using the rotation handle that appears outside the canvas bounds.

Step 6: Finalize Your Adjustments

After repositioning the canvas, review its alignment in conjunction with the rest of your design. If satisfied with the adjustments made, confirm the changes by clicking ‘OK’ in the Move dialog box. This action will lock in the new canvas position.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I move multiple canvases at once?

Yes, you can select multiple canvases by holding down the ‘Ctrl’ key (or ‘Cmd’ on Mac) while clicking on each canvas. Once selected, you can then activate the Move tool to reposition them together.

2. What should I do if my canvas is not visible after moving it?

If the canvas is no longer visible, it might be out of the current view. You can zoom out or adjust the view orientation to locate the canvas. Additionally, check if it’s turned on in the visibility settings, which you can find in the canvas folder in the browser panel.

3. Is it possible to revert changes made to the canvas?

Fusion 360 allows you to undo changes easily by selecting the ‘Undo’ function from the Edit menu or by using the shortcut ‘Ctrl + Z’ (or ‘Cmd + Z’ on Mac). This function will revert the previous adjustment, returning the canvas to its earlier position.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.