How to edit title blocks with text attributes
- Brad Tallis
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
Creating professional drawings in Fusion doesn't have to be a slow process. You can save a lot of time by setting up your own title blocks and templates. Instead of typing the same information over and over, you can make the software do the work for you. This guide shows you how to edit title blocks, add smart text attributes, and build a template that generates entire drawing sets automatically.
Starting a New Drawing Template
The first step is to create a fresh template file. Go to the File menu and select New Drawing Template.
When you start, you need to choose your standards. For this example, we use the ASME standard with inches as the units. A C size sheet is a good middle-ground for most projects. Once you click okay, Fusion opens a new tab with a basic title block. This is your canvas for customization.
How to Edit Your Title Block
To change the look of your drawing, you need to enter the editor. Right-click on any line in the existing title block and select Edit Title Block. You will see three choices:
From Existing: This lets you change the current default block.
From Scratch: You draw every line and box yourself.
From DWG File: You can import a title block your company already uses from other software.
Using From Existing is the fastest way to start. Once you are in the editor, you can use tools to draw lines, add text, or insert images.
Adding Your Company Logo
A professional drawing needs a logo. Use the Insert tool to find an image file on your computer. You can place the logo inside the title block and move it until it looks centered. If there are parts of the default block you don't like, such as extra title lines, you can simply select them and hit delete.
Using Smart Text Attributes
The most powerful part of a title block is the Attribute. An attribute is a piece of text that changes based on the model. For example, it can show the material or the weight of a part without you typing it in manually.
To add these, click the Attribute tool. You can choose from several categories:
Attribute Category | What it Displays |
Drawing | Scale, sheet number, or the date |
Physical | Mass, material, or density |
Component | Part name, cost, or manufacturer |
Setting Up Material and Weight
To show the material of a part, create a text label that says "Material." Then, place a Physical Attribute next to it set to Material. Do the same for the weight by selecting the Mass attribute. When you use this template later, Fusion will look at your 3D model and fill these spots automatically.
Tracking Project Costs
You can even track money in your title block. By adding a Component Attribute for Estimated Cost, your drawing will show the price of the part. You just need to make sure you fill out the cost in the 3D model properties later.
Building a Multi-Sheet Template
A template can do more than just hold a title block. It can also plan out your entire drawing set. You can use Base View Placeholders to tell Fusion where to put pictures of your parts.
First Sheet: You might want a large 3D view of the whole assembly. Add a Parts List here so you know every piece in the project.
Second Sheet: Set this up to show the top, front, and side views of the full assembly.
Component Sheets: Create sheets that focus on just one part. You can set these to show hidden lines or center marks for holes automatically.
By setting these up in the template, Fusion will create all these pages for you the moment you start a new drawing.
Saving and Using Your New Template
Once everything looks right, click Finish Title Block and save the file. Give it a clear name like "Furniture Template."
To use it, open your 3D design and go to New Drawing from Design. In the template drop-down menu, select your new custom template. You can choose to see "All Levels" to make a sheet for every single part in your design. Fusion will then generate the entire drawing set with the correct views, labels, and data.
Updating Model Properties
If your title block shows empty fields, it is usually because the 3D model is missing data. You can fix this easily. Go back to your 3D model and right-click on a component to select Properties.
Enter the values for Estimated Cost or ensure the Material is set correctly. When you save the model and return to the drawing, the title block will update instantly. This keeps your data accurate across the whole project.
Conclusion
Creating a custom title block and template is a great way to stay organized. It ensures that every drawing you make looks the same and contains the right information. By using attributes for mass, material, and cost, you reduce the chance of making mistakes.
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