What is Edit In Place in Fusion 360?

Edit In Place in Fusion 360 is a powerful feature that enables designers to directly modify an external component within the context of its parent assembly, without the need to open that component in a separate design tab. This functionality allows you to activate and edit an external component while seeing it in its real location within the assembly as you work.

Core Functionality and Workflow

When working with complex assemblies composed of multiple individual components, Edit In Place streamlines the design process. Instead of isolating a component to make changes and then returning to the assembly to verify its fit, you can perform all modifications with a live view of its surrounding environment.

The typical workflow involves:

1. Locating the Component: In your active assembly, identify the external component you wish to modify, either in the browser tree or directly on the canvas.
2. Activating Edit In Place: Right-click on the desired component and select the "Edit In Place" option. This temporarily shifts the design focus to that component, allowing you to access its features, sketches, and bodies, while the rest of the assembly dims slightly but remains visible for context.
3. Making Modifications: Perform any necessary design changes, such as adjusting dimensions, adding new features, creating cutouts, or modifying existing geometry. All these edits are made relative to the component's current position within the assembly.
4. Finishing Editing: Once modifications are complete, you typically click a "Finish Edit" button or select the parent assembly in the browser to return to the top-level design.

Key Advantages of Using Edit In Place

Utilizing Edit In Place offers significant benefits for assembly design in Fusion 360:

• Contextual Design: The primary advantage is the ability to make changes while seeing the component's exact position and interaction with other parts of the assembly. This is critical for ensuring proper fit, clearance, and alignment, eliminating guesswork.
• Streamlined Workflow: It eliminates the cumbersome process of opening and closing multiple tabs or files when working on individual components, leading to a much faster and more efficient design iteration process. You never have to leave the parent design.
• Error Reduction: By making all adjustments with the complete assembly in view, designers can significantly reduce the likelihood of design errors that might arise from modifying parts in isolation.
• Improved Efficiency: Designers can work more efficiently by focusing on one part while retaining awareness of the entire product, fostering a more integrated and intuitive design experience.

Practical Applications and Examples

Edit In Place is particularly useful in scenarios requiring precise interaction between components:

• Adjusting Mating Surfaces: Precisely modify the faces of two components to ensure a perfect fit, create specific gaps, or add features that align perfectly.
• Creating Cutouts for Interferences: Design a cutout in one part that precisely matches the shape of an interfering feature from another component, ensuring proper assembly.
• Routing Cables or Hoses: Design paths for flexible elements while seeing their interaction with fixed components, optimizing space and preventing collisions.
• Adding Assembly-Dependent Features: Incorporate features like mounting holes, alignment pins, or custom fixtures that depend on the exact position of multiple parts within the assembly.

Comparing Workflows: Edit In Place vs. Separate Editing

By utilizing Edit In Place, designers can maintain a holistic view of their product while focusing on the intricate details of individual parts, leading to more robust and accurate designs in Fusion 360.