Autodesk Fusion has introduced new functionality that separates design environments, giving users more flexibility in how they approach their projects. These environments allow you to choose between two main workflows:
- Create individual parts and combine them into an assembly file, or
- Use the traditional design method, where both parts and assemblies are created in a single design file.
This update brings significant changes to how tools behave depending on the chosen environment. Below, we’ll review each environment, its purpose, and what JoinerCAD users need to know.
Why This Matters for JoinerCAD Users
Currently, JoinerCAD does not have tools adapted for each of these environments because Autodesk Fusion has not yet provided programming tools for third-party developers. However, understanding these environments will help you avoid errors and plan your workflow effectively.
When starting a new document, users are greeted by a new wizard offering three choices:
In this dialog, there are three choices which are important and relevant for JoinerCAD users:
- Part Design
- Assembly Design
- Hybrid Design
In this environment, users can design parts one by one, as is common in systems like Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks. It is important to understand that in this environment, all tools intended for design are dedicated to creating a single part. Therefore, JoinerCAD users will receive error messages when they try to run commands intended for assemblies, such as inserting hardware or creating geometry using Skeleton Design functions. Below is a list of functions that will work in the single-part environment:
- Material Assignment
- Used Materials
- Material Editor
- Grain Direction
- Grain Direction Refresh
- Workpiece Oversize
- Replacement
- Bill of Materials
In the assembly environment, users can only insert components that were created in external files, so creating geometry here is not possible. This means that when designing assemblies, you combine components that were created in the single-part environment.
JoinerCAD users will receive error messages if they attempt any geometry creation, management, or insertion commands, so only the basic functions — Replacement and Bill of Materials—will work in this environment.
Available Functions:
- Replacement
- Bill of Materials
The hybrid environment is the standard and familiar environment for users – in it, you can create, insert, or manage geometry and components. This is the previous Autodesk Fusion behavior that existed until now. This means users can use all functions, from Skeleton Design to creating and exporting specifications.
Available functions:
All previous working functions
Looking Ahead
JoinerCAD developers are continuously working to improve the system. As soon as Autodesk provides the necessary tools to simplify or streamline user workflows, JoinerCAD will adapt its functionality accordingly.
If you want to read more about this change, you can do so in the Autodesk Fusion blog post here.