Measure & Re-anchor command in Fusion

Brad Tallis
Jul 22
3 min read

Whether designing a tiny detail or adjusting the overall size of a part, knowing how to use the right tools can save you time and headaches. The Measure and Re-anchor commands are two powerful features that help you get your model just right. They improve your workflow by making exact measurements and size adjustments simple and quick. This guide will walk you through how to use these tools effectively in your projects, step by step.

Understanding the Measure Command in Fusion

What is the Measure Command?

The Measure tool in Fusion is a way to pull accurate dimensions from your existing model. Need to match a feature’s size to another part? The measure command is your go-to. It helps you find out the length of lines, the size of fillets, or other geometric details.

How to Use the Measure Command

Let's say you want to add a fillet onto some edges and want them to match an existing fillet already on the model.

Click the fillet command
Select the edge/edges you want to fillet
Click the 3 vertical dots next to the radius value dialog
Select Measure and click on the existing fillet
The next fillets will now be the same size as the original

Practical Applications of the Measure Command

The measure tool shines when you want to:

Set an extrusion to match a specific thickness from an existing feature.
Copy a fillet radius from one part and reuse it elsewhere.
Match existing hole sizes in the model.

Imagine designing a bracket that must fit perfectly to an existing part. With measure, you can quickly get the needed numbers and recreate features that align perfectly.

Mastering the Re-anchor Command in Fusion

What is the Re-anchor Command?

Re-anchor lets you redefine the starting point or reference for your measurements. It re-establishes a new "base" face or edge from which all dimensions can be measured or adjusted.

How to Use Re-anchor for Precise Size Adjustments

Here is how it works:

Start a command such as Press-Pull, Offset, or Extrude.
Initiate the re-anchor command—usually by clicking the little three-dot menu in the dialogue box and choosing ‘Re-anchor.’
Pick a face to serve as the new reference point.
Enter the desired total dimension — for example, set the length to 1.5 inches.
Fusion automatically adjusts the model so that the measurements from the new anchor are accurate.

In practice, if you have an imported part that’s not quite the right size, re-anchor lets you set a specific length easily. It’s like tying a string from one point to another and knowing exactly how long it is.

Practical Re-anchor Scenarios

A common use case is adjusting imported models that don't have proper dimensions. Maybe a 3D scan or a CAD import is off. Re-anchor allows you to:

Set the overall height from the bottom face.
Fix the width or length of a feature.
Quickly adapt a part to meet new specifications.

For example, you may want to change a component’s height from an arbitrary size to exactly 5.5 inches. Using re-anchor, you select the bottom face, set the new height, and the model updates instantly.

Comparing Measure and Re-anchor: When and Why to Use Each

What’s the Difference?

Measure is all about finding out how big something already is. Re-anchor, on the other hand, is used to define or change the starting point of your measurements so that your model fits specific standards.

Imagine you’re building a piece that must match an existing grille. You’d use measure to find out the current size. If the size doesn’t match your design specs, then re-anchor helps you adjust the whole model to the right dimensions.

Conclusion

Mastering the measure and re-anchor commands in Fusion elevates your modeling skills. They allow you to extract exact dimensions and adjust your designs to meet exact specifications efficiently. Whether working with imported models or creating new features, these tools make your workflow more accurate and faster. Keep practicing, and you'll find yourself designing with more confidence and less guesswork.