How to edit Thingiverse files for free using Fusion 360 Step-by-Step 

Happy to help! I know I experienced a lot of frustrations when I was new to mesh files in CAD, so thought I would help where I could. If you have any ideas for future video topics or have questions, I would appreciate any feedback. I am currently having trouble figuring out what to post next. Or if you would like one-on-one help, you can join my discord using this link: discord.gg/HsqYQ6XX

Thanks Adam, glad to help. If you ever have questions/problems, feel free to let me know and I will help.

Thanks Matt. If you want to send me a link to the specific file and describe the edit you were interested in making, I will try to make a video for it.

Thanks Kyle, if you ever have issues with a mesh file, feel free to reach me on discord and I can help out. Link in discription.

Glad it helped! Feel free to reach out on Discord if you need help.

Hi Ken, glad to hear this helped. Feel free to reach out on Discord anytime you need some no-cost help with 3D print design. Sounds like you have quite a few printers as well. We might be able to team up on some of the large print contracts I do occasionally. Link to discord: discord.gg/kJjf3keE

Glad to hear this helped! I will admit, I am not RU-vid savvy, but will add these to the video so you can help others! Thanks for your efforts, feel free to tell me what you could use help on.

Glad I could help

Thanks my Russian friend. Let me know if you need any help in Fusion360.

Glad to hear this helped you. There is also an updated version of this video as well (following the 2021 fusion update). You are also welcome to reach out via discord for direct help with your projects (link in the description).

Glad it helped.

Happy to help. Fusion360 is my go-to. Ironically they just had a huge update that is a game changer for working with mesh files. Ill be replacing this video with one featuring the updated version this week. Feel free to subscribe to be notified when that posts, or jump on discord where I help new Fusion360 users.

Glad it helped!

Glad it helped brandon. Feel free to reach out on discord if you need help or want to shar what your working on. Link to discord in the video discription.

You bet Thoriq! Let me know if you have any questions or topics youd like me to cover in other videos. Cheers,

Glad it was helpful!

Thank @miszcz310. To answer your question, I am using a 3DConnexion mouse to move the model around easier. It was gifted to me at my first job after college and is definitely a productivity multiplier (after you get used to it). You can purchase one here: www.amazon.com/3Dconnexion-3DX-700059-Spacemouse-Compact-Mouse/dp/B079V4PXYD/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=3Dconnexion&qid=1620430052&sr=8-4

I appreciate that!

@@jaredhanson9758 I came home from work and realized my gf left me unsupervised for a few days. and I wanted to remake a few STL files I just couldn't seem to get to. thanks to you I did it kN less than an hour and I had another hour to cuddle with the doggos

Glad to help. And I agree, prismatic would be nice for personal license users. If its a simple file, feel free to share it on discord and I can use the prismatic tool for you since I have the professional version.

@@jaredhanson9758 Thanks, right now just trying to learn how to use F360 and apply it to R/C aircraft.

Thanks for the feedback and information. I almost wish I had went into control system earlier, since most of my freelance work is made up of Arduino/Raspberry pi devices lately. I had set a goal to post once a month to get a feel for youtube, and if there was a need for these videos. I will definitely try to increase the output if I can think of any topics that viewers find useful.

Glad it helped

No problem 👍

Great question Mike. That still gets me occasionally. To avoid this when working the 3D prints, set your file to mm and ensure you export the stl as mm. Feel free to join my discord and I can show you this and answer questions

Thanks Solano, glad it was useful. I have a "simi" pro mic now and Fusion360 just released a game-changing update to the mesh capabilities last week, so I will be replacing this video very soon. If you work with these mesh files enough, you'll love what fusion360 has done with the software abilities.

Thanks Sanjay. Glad it helped you.

Thanks for the comment, feel free to suggest new topics or ask questions

Glad it was helpful!

Very cool Sam, let me know what topic is interesting to you. Ill make a video on the subject if it is in my wheelhouse.

@@jaredhanson9758 I know your all about the fusion360 life, but it would be cool if you could do a onshape tutorial like this, since the programs are pretty similar.

@@samalmo thanks for the interest Sam, I’ll give onshape a chance and get back to you with an answer

Glad it was helpful! I would definitely check out the updated version here(uses the nicer updated controls): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t9oCDXo7cYk.html

You're very welcome! There have been several updates since this video, feel free to check out this video for a more updated method: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t9oCDXo7cYk.html

Thanks Ben! Feel free to ask questions or show your projects on my discord channel: discord.gg/8EjeVsB4

Glad to help. Let me know if you have any help in the future.

Hi Kyle, I have a discord setup for helping people with their projects. Feel free to send your file there and Ill help where I can for free. Link:discord.gg/tjEWUYKM

No problem!

Glad it was helpful. Ironically, Fusion360 released a huge update that is a game changer for working with mesh files earlier this week. Ill be replacing this video with one featuring the updated version in the coming days. Feel free to subscribe to be notified when that posts, or jump on discord where I help new Fusion360 users.

Glad you found it helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask here or in my discord.

Appreciate it, feel free to reach out on discord if you need help.

Hi John, I can definitly help you with this. Can you send the file in my discord? I have a channel setup there that I help people with this type of problem. discord.gg/8EjeVsB4

Hi Amir, I didnt show slicing since most people use their different preferred slice programs based on their different printers.

Glad to hear it helped.

You bet Greg, I made this video real quick to show how to do that: www.loom.com/share/7623793e0c394756878f019142d46566

Hi Ken, you can perform this operation on the free "personal use" license of Fusion360. I link that in the discription.

Great question Minga. I personally would use the scale tool in Fusion 360 to correct the imbalance. If you want, I can make a quick instructional video for your specific files if you send the links in my discord chat. You can do so through this link: discord.gg/VzfSyUGn

Hi john, I recorded this just now to show you how to achieve this: www.loom.com/share/64810193eb7346d7aaf3a93a5b33970f

@@jaredhanson9758 I have no idea how to use this. There is no audio and the video is too small to be of any good.

Did you figure this out? I haven't found a solution either

@@swachyw.4447 No. Sorry.

True, Fusion360 actually just got updated to handle mesh work at a whole new level earlier this week. Ill be remaking this video to showcase the new tools they have added (hopefully this week). So feel free to subscribe to get notified when that happens. Or join the discord where Ill post as well.

I hope it was useful. Merging is not typically necessary, just my common practice. The new version of Fusion is different, I show how to do this with the new version here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t9oCDXo7cYk.html

Thanks for sharing! I use some of those options in my other video. I was mostly trying to show the bare bones way of doing this to reduce the likelihood of issues for others if they are working more complex files. I agree though, import mesh is more trustworthy import method.

Hi Phil, This video was made prior to the latest Fusion360 update. In the video details, you can find a link to my updated video that works with the later Fusion360 version. If you issue isn't solved by that, I suggest reaching out to my Discord and I can personally help (link in the description). Cheers,

You bet. I do that in the updated video: studio.ru-vid.comt9oCDXo7cYk/comments That one incorporates the very helpful Fusion360 updates

Hi Yannick, This video was made prior to the latest Fusion360 update. In the video details, you can find a link to my updated video that works with the later Fusion360 version. If you issue isn't solved by that, I suggest reaching out to my Discord and I can personally help (link in the description). Cheers,

Fusion did do away with the "merge" option, but most other tools are still there. You can use the discord link in the video description for help on your project. Feel free to reach out there and we will help figure out what happening with your design.

Great question Treay. I am making a new video today to show fusion's new mesh setup (they updated last week I believe). You can type "s", this will bring up a search tool. Then type "convert" into the search tool. You should see, "Convert Mesh" in the search results. Click that. Also, feel free to send an image of your see-through view in my Discord chat and I will take a look. Link in the description.

Great question. You can go about it the same as in this video. Or jump on discord and send me the model and Ill show you on your file.

No worries, check the video description for how-to find the new location of that tool.

Hi @JustCallMeChad, Fusion moved that tools location recently. I made another video to show you how to solve this. You can also contact me on Discord for free assistance as well (discord link in the video detials) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8PzZSkqHag8.html

Hi, you have to input parameters yourself. You can create parameters live or using the parameter tool. I show how here: www.loom.com/share/4b92b84ee8574d80b47c330edd72e939

@@jaredhanson9758 oh, thank you so much. This helps me a great deal!!

No worries Mikayil, this is a very easy task that I can show you. I will make a video to show how to do this quickly and for free and post it. Please subscribe to be notified when that video is posted ( Probably within 24 hours from now).

Hi Mikayil, I posted a video just now that answers your question and shows how to convert them for free in less than 1 minute. Video link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p6roFZ_K6DA.html

Hi Rick, can you send me a copy of the design your working on? I have a discord setup to help people for free with their projects. You can send it there. The link to it is in the description. Or if you are wanting a paid consultation, my email can be found through youtube.

@@jaredhanson9758 Grief I am impressed you came back so fast.. Respect. I am a 70 year old Electronics design engineer just getting into fusion as I have had 3D printers for some time. I use the free student option and would prefer a no cost solution.. I have downloaded your video and come away from it in you tube so I shall have to locate it again... My design machine is NOT this linux laptop so if I can manage to locate a means to send you the design, I will send it from that machine.. I am sure I have "simply" managed to accidentally combine all the faces into one component/body... Knowing the right way to UNdo whatever the combine command is, might be all I need... Thanks for getting back to me.. Let me relocate the video and I'll take it from there.. Many thanks again... I would pay for a one to one evening class on Fusion because I have so many questions, like why does my 3D representation vanish after editing a sketch. Sometimes, after ending the sketch, Fusion drops back to the 3D render and sometimes, I end up with a 3d sketch.. No need to answer that.. I can't expect you to tutor me on the comment section.. It's just so frustrating despite being pretty sharp with my PCB design software that I have used for about 20 years.... It makes me feel so stupid :)

Hi, Fusion recently moved that tool. I made this video to show how to find it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8PzZSkqHag8.html

Good point. That works well with flat faces as well. But can cause some unwanted side effects in complex parts, so wanted to show the other options. Fusion360 has gotten much better with the simplier "delete" option since then as well.

​@@jaredhanson9758 Definitely! Works just for *Flat* faces. The more complex features may need to be recreated with Lofts or Sweeps. Love the content!

If you in the solids workspace, youll need to change to the mesh workspace. To change workspaces, look for the "tabs" that say "solids, surface, mesh, sheet metal, etc.." and select the mesh one. Or you can type "s" to use the search tool to search for the convert mesh tool

Hi, they changed the tool location recently. I made this video to show the new location: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8PzZSkqHag8.html

Hi Jon, I am hoping to get an update out soon. Fusion released an Update last week that is causing you issue. If you want to jump on discord real quick I can help you out in the meantime. Cheers

You can do this two ways. First Way: While in the MESH tab , click the "Modify" dropbown, and select "Convert Mesh". Second way: click anywhere in your workspace and type the letter "s". This will open a search bar. Then simply start typing "Convert" and youll see that option in the dopdowns. Hope this helps. Will update this video soon.

@@jaredhanson9758 I ended up getting help from my brother in law, he has solid works and was able to convert into a STL that i could then edit. I'm "new" to the cad game, after 20 years away from it so i'm slowly figuring all this stuff out again lol

@@jaredhanson9758 so this will work in the personal version? Sorry to jump on another's comment but I'm really struggling to find a way to do it for free easily 😁

@@allornothing7957 Hi @Allor Nothing, dont worry it will work. I would also check out my updated version of this video for the most recent version of this method. And join my discord if you have questions.

Yes. I was sad to see it go. I will try to make an updated video soon with tips for working with the newer version of Fusion360.

Just watched ur video going crazy hahaha but all u do now is go into mesh/modify then convert mesh.❤

@@KentuckyFriedKiwi glad you found it. I linked a video of how to use the “search” tool for future reference.

Hi, I am working on making an updated version. For now, disregard the pink body reference. I dont think that is a feature in Fusion360 anymore.

True. In some ways, they are making it even better, but not always.

Hi Timmy, Ill check that for you real quick. Be right back

I recorded this real quick to help. If you want, you can send your mesh file via discord and Ill help out with your conversion. Cheers: www.loom.com/share/ef309e6709fa4d8ba388b0bbad21d8fb

No worries. I have a video to show where it was moved to : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8PzZSkqHag8.html

@@jaredhanson9758 Thanks Jared, Will check that out.

Hi Amir, this is an old video. In July of 2021 fusion made some changes to their mesh options. I uploaded another video after this update that can be seen here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t9oCDXo7cYk.html. Feel free to send questions to my discord (link in the discription)

@@jaredhanson9758 thanks a lot

Yes. Thats my opinion though.

@@jaredhanson9758 thank u

No worries @Cellontop, you can use the search tool to find the new location. They recently moved it. I show how to do that in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8PzZSkqHag8.html

@@jaredhanson9758 thank you is it common for large stl files to not load once you click the option

@@cellontop For sure. Message me on discord for free one-on-one meetings. I love helping people that want to learn CAD/prints

Yes. Unfortunately so. You can click the face and press the "delete" key on your keyboard to merge most faces. It is actually getting better than it was. If it messes up your face, just ctr-z or use the undo tool to undo the bad merge.

No worries, I cover that exact problem in my other video. You can view it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-P0vUTerEnJE.html

Hi, you are correct. The update got rid of it unfortunatly. One thing to try is to click a face and press the delete key. That often helps to a point.

Thanks for the tip!

You bet.

Hello, with the new Fusion360. You’ll need to select “do no capture design history”. I show that at this early end of the video. Please let me know if you have issues getting it set up

About~5:20 mins in

@@jaredhanson9758 Thanks for replying so fast. I do select do not capture design history but still do not see the mesh option just convert.

@@Levelupeachday no worries Miguel, do you have discord? We can just on a meeting and I can problem solve your issue. My discord link should be in the video comments. Don’t worry, this is likely a small issue

I have the same issues. Do not capture history is selected and no mesh options just convert. And the source object in the data panel (left pane) is not purple, it is somewhat beige in color and generic cube not the actual object thumbnail.

Hello, I do, but I am sprinting some prototypes in the garage right now. Can you ask here? I’ll send a discord link next time I am in the office if not.

Hello, I made a quick discord server to help those who need it. Looking forward to see if I can help with your problem. You can find it here: discord.gg/9zvdcWjh

@@jaredhanson9758 sir its expired

Ha, yeah I like to swap between them on the fly based on the clients location.