Learn to make a Parametric Cabinet step-by-step in Fusion
- Brad Tallis
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Learn how to build a complete kitchen cabinet using parameters in Fusion. This method allows you to change the size of your entire assembly by simply typing in different numbers. You will see how to create parts that talk to each other so that when the width changes, the doors and supports move with it. This guide covers everything from setting up your first variables to creating a finished look with 3D wood textures.
Setting Up Your Core Parameters
Before drawing any lines, you should define the "envelope" of your cabinet. This is the overall size. In Fusion, go to the Change Parameters menu. Create these basic user parameters to start:
CabWidth: Set this to 39 inches.
CabHeight: Set this to 34.5 inches.
CabDepth: Set this to 24 inches.
Ply: Set this to 0.75 inches for your wood thickness.
Adding these to your "favorites" list makes them easy to find later. You can now use these names instead of typing numbers while you draw.
Creating the Cabinet Side and Toe Kick
Start by creating a new component for the cabinet side. Draw a rectangle on the side plane. When the software asks for dimensions, type in CabHeight and CabDepth. This links the sketch directly to your master list.
Next, draw a smaller rectangle at the bottom corner for the toe kick. You can create "live" parameters here by typing ToeKickHeight and ToeKickDepth directly into the dimension boxes. Once the sketch is done, extrude the shape using your Ply variable. You now have a side panel that will grow or shrink based on your settings.
Using Projections to Build the Back
To make the cabinet behave correctly, you need to use the Project command. Create a new component for the back of the cabinet. Start a sketch on the back face of your side panel. Use the "P" shortcut to project that face into your new sketch.
This creates a link between the two parts. If the side gets taller, the back knows it must get taller too. Draw a rectangle and use Coincident Constraints to lock the corners to your projected lines. Set the width of this rectangle to CabWidth. When you extrude this, use a new variable like BackPly for a thinner piece of wood.
Mirroring for Perfect Symmetry
You do not need to draw the second side of the cabinet. Instead, create a Mid Plane between the two outside edges of your back panel. This plane will always stay exactly in the center of the cabinet, no matter how wide it gets.
Use the Mirror tool to copy the first side panel across that mid plane. This ensures your cabinet is always symmetrical. Always test your work at this stage. Change the CabWidth parameter to see if the sides move apart correctly. If they do, you are ready to continue.
Adding Internal Supports and the Bottom Shelf
The cabinet needs horizontal pieces to stay strong. Create a Top Support component. Project the top edges of the sides into your sketch. Draw a rectangle that snaps to these edges. By using Collinear Constraints instead of fixed dimensions, the support will always span the full width of the opening.
Follow the same steps for the:
Back Support: A vertical piece at the top back for wall mounting.
Toe Kick: A front piece that hides the gap at the floor.
Bottom Shelf: A large flat piece that sits on top of the toe kick supports.
For the shelf, project the top edges of the front and back toe kick boards. This ensures the shelf stays at the right height.
Building the Face Frame
The face frame is the "front" of the cabinet. It consists of horizontal rails and vertical styles. Create a new component for the Face Frame Top. Project the side panels to get your width.
For the Face Frame Bottom, you might want a "shadow reveal." This is a small half-inch gap where the frame hangs below the shelf. Use a dimension of 0.5 inches from the bottom of the shelf to the bottom of the frame.
Organizing Your Parts
As you add more pieces, your browser list will get busier. Create a new component called Face Frame Assembly. Drag all your frame parts into this folder. This lets you turn the whole front of the cabinet on or off with one click.
Designing the Doors
Create a new component for the door. Project the opening of the face frame. Draw a rectangle and set an offset from the frame edges. You can link these offsets together. If you change the top gap to 1.25 inches, the side gaps can automatically update to match.
To give the door a professional look:
Create a sketch on the front of the door.
Draw a Three-Point Arc.
Use the Sweep command to cut that arc profile around the edge of the door.
This creates a "routed" look that updates if the door size changes.
Applying Materials and Configurations
To make the cabinet look real, press "A" for Appearances. Drag a 3D wood texture, like Oak, onto your parts. The 3D wood in Fusion is smart. It automatically aligns the grain direction based on how the part is shaped.
Using Configurations
If you have the paid version of Fusion, you can use Configurations. This allows you to create a table of different sizes. You can have one "Small" configuration at 24 inches wide and one "Large" configuration at 48 inches wide. You can switch between them instantly without redesigning anything.
Conclusion
Building with parameters is the fastest way to design furniture. By projecting geometry and using constraints, you create a "smart" model. You only have to build the cabinet once. After that, you can generate dozens of different sizes just by changing a few numbers in a table. Start practicing with simple boxes and slowly move toward complex assemblies like this kitchen cabinet. Happy building!
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