Creating Custom Tables in Fusion Drawings

Fusion custom tables let you build flexible data displays inside drawings. They pull info from your model to create tables that act like dynamic lists. You can mix text, links to parts, and calculations for a clear view of your build.

Take a custom door assembly as an example. It has rails, panels, and mullions all tied to parameters like height and width. A custom table here lists each piece's size, material, and even total weight. When you adjust the door's overall size, the table refreshes to match. This setup shines for woodworkers or anyone needing precise cut details.

Custom tables beat plain text boxes because they connect to your design's core. No more copying numbers by hand. They keep everything in sync across your workflow.

Key Features and Benefits

Custom tables offer simple tools like adding rows or columns on demand. You link cells to things like part names or dimensions for automatic pulls. They handle general info, physical stats, and parameters with ease.

Pick only the data you need, like lengths for saw cuts or masses for shipping weights. In short, custom tables make your drawings smarter and more reliable.

Creating Your First Custom Table in Fusion

Accessing and Placing the Custom Table Tool

Start in your Fusion drawing workspace. Go to the Tables dropdown in the toolbar. Click Custom Table to insert one. It drops into your sheet like a blank grid.

Pick a spot near your main view for easy reference. Hover over the table, and it highlights when you select it. Resize the columns by pulling on the column borders.

Once placed, double-click cells to edit. Add headers like "Part Name" or "Length." It's straightforward, but the real power comes from linking data next.

Modifying Table Structure: Rows and Columns

Right-click a row or column to tweak its setup. Choose insert row to add space for new entries. Or delete a row if it doesn't fit your needs. Same goes for columns—add left or right to expand.

Adjust sizes by dragging borders. Make a width column wider for longer numbers. This keeps your table clean and readable.

Populating Your Custom Table with Design Data

Linking to Component Properties (General)

Double-click a cell in your table. In the properties panel, set the source to your main assembly. Switch to the General tab for basics like part number or description.

Pick the property you want, like Description for a door style. Hit insert to link it. Now, edit that description in your model, save, and update the drawing. The table shows the change instantly.

In the door example, we linked the custom door's description to "Door Panel Smooth." A quick property tweak in the model flowed right into the table.

You can pull material too. Link it to show wood type across rows. It's a simple way to track specs that might shift during design reviews.

Utilizing Physical Properties (Mass)

Stay in the cell editor and pick the Physical tab. Select Mass to grab weight data. Choose your component—aim for the top-level assembly for total mass, not a single part.

Insert the property, and it populates with the current value. This helps with load checks or material estimates.

Physical links update with material changes too. Swap pine for oak, and the mass recalculates. It's handy for realistic project planning.

Leveraging Design Parameters

Jump to the Parameter tab in the editor. Your model's parameters list pops up, like Door Width or Height. Select one, say Door Width, and insert it into the cell.

The table now shows live values. Change Style Width to 6 inches, and every linked cell with Style Width updates. Parameters make tables truly dynamic. It's like having a smart calculator built into your drawing.

Advanced Custom Table Techniques for Complex Designs

Addressing Missing or Undefined Dimensions

Sometimes, a dimension isn't listed as a parameter. Like with the first mullion in our door—it lacked a clear height reference. Sketches used constraints, not direct measures, so the table couldn't grab it.

Head back to the model and activate the part. In the sketch, add a dimension to the edge you need. Fusion warns it might overconstrain, so opt for a driven dimension. This creates a read-only dimension that follows other changes.

For the mullion, we added a 50-inch driven height between rails. Save the model, return to the drawing, and update references. Now, the Parameter tab shows that dimension—link it, and your table fills in.

This trick works for any constrained feature. Driven dimensions capture relationships without breaking your design. They ensure even fully constrained parts contribute to your cut list.

Conclusion: Streamlining Your Workflow with Dynamic Cut Lists

Custom tables in Fusion turn static drawings into living tools. They link general properties, physical stats like mass, and parameters for a full dynamic cut list. You save time, cut mistakes, and focus on creating.

Key points stick out: Start simple with placement and edits, then link data and test the results. Use driven dimensions to handle gaps in complex models. Updates keep it all fresh, making revisions painless.

Try this in your next project. Build a table for a shelf or frame, link a few parameters, and tweak the design. You'll wonder how you managed without it.