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Even the most beautifully built Autodesk Revit® models can slow to a crawl as projects grow. Large file sizes, complex geometry, and unoptimized views all add up to frustrating delays for your team — and wasted hours on every project.

The good news? With a few simple best practices, you can keep your Revit models running smoothly without sacrificing accuracy or detail. Here are five proven ways to lighten the load and speed up your workflow.

1. Delete, Audit & Purge Regularly

Unused families, views, and imported CAD files all bloat your model.

• Use Manage > Audit periodically to clean up data corruption.
• Run Purge Unused to remove unused elements — but review the list carefully to avoid deleting something important.
• Consider creating a “maintenance day” in your project schedule to keep the model lean.

Pro tip: Purging after every significant milestone keeps your file size in check and your team happy.

2. Simplify Heavy Geometry

High-poly geometry may look great, but it can slow Revit down dramatically.

• Swap overly detailed manufacturer models for simplified versions.
• Use 2D detail components in views where full 3D detail isn’t needed.
• Replace high-density curves with simpler shapes.

Pro tip: Keep “presentation” and “production” versions of families — use the lighter version for day-to-day work and the detailed one for final renderings.

3. Manage Worksets Strategically

Worksets aren’t just for team collaboration — they’re powerful performance tools.

• Turn off non-essential worksets in views to reduce processing.
• Load only the worksets you need when opening large projects.
• Use separate worksets for heavy model elements like site geometry or complex furniture and linked files.

Pro tip: The fewer elements Revit has to load, the faster it will run.

4. Handle Linked Models Wisely

Linked models can quickly turn into performance bottlenecks if left unchecked.

• Link only what you need, and unload links when they’re not in use.
• Use Origin to Origin or shared coordinates for consistency.
• If possible, link lightweight “coordination” versions of models rather than the full detailed versions.

Pro tip: Keep your links clean — a messy linked model will slow your project too.

5. Control View Settings

Overly complex views can bring even powerful machines to their knees.

• Use View Templates to standardize and simplify view settings.
• Avoid unnecessarily displaying 3D geometry in all views.
• Turn off shadows, sketchy lines, or transparency unless you genuinely need them.

Pro tip: Keep working views light, and reserve heavy rendering settings for presentation views.

The Payoff: Faster Models, Happier Teams

Optimizing your Revit models isn’t just about speed — it’s about enabling your team to work more fluidly, make decisions faster, and deliver projects with fewer delays. By incorporating these best practices into your workflow, you’ll keep your models lean and your project timelines on track.

Calculated Properties have been a part of AutoCAD® Plant 3D for many years; however, until Plant 3D 2023, most users probably did not know the functionality even existed. Before the 2023 version, you could only get to this software function by using a little-known command named “PlantDefineCalcProperties." As of 2024, if you execute this command, you receive a message that states, “Calculated Properties are now available in Project Setup, and the PlantDefineCalcProperties command will be deprecated.” So, you can still get to the old version currently, but the old version also does not have the recent updates for calculated properties available in Project Setup. As a result, it is highly recommended that you no longer use the old version and just let the old command ride off into the sunset. In addition, since it is now more visible and therefore more accessible to users when creating custom properties in Project Setup, it is time that we provide a little bit of a tutorial on the topic and not have to repeat this same info over and over again in future articles, blogs, and webcasts.

First, let's open the Project Setup by right-clicking on the project name in the Project Manager. Once the Project Setup dialog box is open, navigate to the Pipe Run Component using the tree in the left-hand pane.

Plant 3D DWG Settings > Plant 3D Class Definitions > Piping and Equipment > Pipe Run Component

With the Pipe Run Component selected, select Add on the right side of the dialog box, which will open the Add Property dialog box. We will start with the same custom property we use in another article, "AutoCAD Plant 3D/P&ID: Pipe Line Numbers," but provide a whole lot more detail.

In the Add Property dialog box, set the following:

Property Name:               PipeLineNumber

Display Name:                  Pipe Line Number

Choose a type:                  Calculated

Then select OK.

No spaces are allowed in the Property Name. Spaces are allowed in the Display Name.

Now, we are in the Add Calculated Property dialog box.

Now, we will break off into some details before we continue with a few examples. First, you will notice that the Property Name, which was set in the previous dialog box, cannot be modified here. The second thing we need to set before proceeding is the Format. The Format can be a String, Integer, Double (also known as a Real or a Float), or Guid (globally unique identifier). For the PipeLineNumber, we are creating a String, and we will do it exactly like the article mentioned above, making it similar to the out-of-the-box P&ID Line Number, which is a different sequence than the out-of-the-box Plant 3D Full Line Number. However, there is much more to do in the “AutoCAD Plant 3D/P&ID: Pipe Line Numbers” article that is not covered here, so this does not replace that article; it just explains that one section in more detail.

The Calculated Property Expression section is where we create and define the Calculated Property itself. Once you Add the Property, you can modify the Calculated Property Expression, but you cannot modify the Format for that Property.

In the dialog box under Select a library variable to add, expand Properties, which contains a list of all the Properties available for the Category selected when we selected the Add Properties earlier. In this case, it's all the Pipe Run Component Properties. The images here show the bottom of the list of Properties in this dialog box and the Project Setup to see the relationship between the two. It is important to know if the Property is defined as a String, Integer, Double, or Guid so that it can be used with the correct Functions. Fortunately, you do not have to memorize the Property Types beforehand.

For the PipeLineNumber we are creating, locate and select the Size property. If you activate the Details, you will see that the Property Type is a String. Select the Add button to add the property to the Calculated Property Expression.

Size is a unique string property, which is one of the reasons I chose to do the Pipeline Number. If you were to select the Add Property button right now, even though Size is a String, you would get an error message that states, "Invalid expression. Error detected close to position 1." This is because the expression is both a String and a #Callback, so the Size property must be enclosed in quotes ("Size").

I am not sure if any other properties behave this way because this is the only one that I have encountered so far, but if you ever see that particular error message for a string property, then try adding the quotes.

Now, it is time to talk about the Operator Symbols. These are self-explanatory, but I will highlight a couple of them now. Most are mathematical operators: +, -, *, and /. They are not related to the Format selected previously, but they can only be used with properties of Double or Integer unless the string is converted to a number. So I could use these operators with FlangeThickness because it is a double, but not with InsulationThickness without first converting the string to a number, but that will come later. The double pipeline (||) is for concatenating two strings together, so it cannot be used with numbers. I am not sure what the official name for the pipeline character is. I'm an old UNIX programmer, so I call it a pipeline. The Left and Right Paren/Bracket can be used in a mathematical equation or Function, which is where we are headed next.

As of 2024, there are eight available Functions, three more than we had in the old command and the 2023 version. The new ones are Round, Split, and Trim. That is important because it means Autodesk is providing us with more options, and hopefully, They will continue adding more functions in the future. If they do continue to add functions, then I will update this article. For now, I will list each function with syntax, examples, and results. First, I will list a little glossary.

str = string or property          Enclose actual text strings in single quotes: 'Plant 3D.'

                                             (I will use strings and not properties in my examples below)

obj = non-string object                     val = number                                chr = characters

lg = length or precision                    del = delimeter

pos = start position          (a string starts at position 0,        a split starts at position 1)

You can add variables (Functions, Properties & Operator Symbols) by selecting the variable and then selecting the Add button, or you can double-click the variable (which is what I usually do), or you can simply type the variable in the Calculated Property Expression section. Fair Warning: Everything can be typed directly into the Calculated Property Expression section, but if you do this, make sure you correct mistakes such as spelling and/or operators, or the calculated property will either give you an error or just come up empty. It is not case-sensitive, though. However, I would follow the case of the variable because previous versions were case-sensitive, and I have seen versions in the past that were not case-sensitive, and then the next version was. In my opinion, it is better to be safe than sorry over such a minor thing.

Now, let's finish the PipeLineNumber and create other examples based on the above information. Using whatever method you choose, the PipeLineNumber Calculated Property Expression should look like this: "Size" || '-' || Spec || '-' || LineNumberTag

To complete the process, select Add Property at the bottom right.

In the properties palette, looking at a piece of pipe, it will look like this:

          Out-of-the-Box Project                         Pipe Line Number Article Project

Here are three more examples for you to try out some of the other functions and properties:

Plant 3D DWG Settings > Plant 3D Class Definitions > P3d Line Group

               Add > Insulation / Calculated > String = ToUpper(InsulationThickness || '"/' || InsulationSpec)

Plant 3D DWG Settings > Plant 3D Class Definitions > Piping and Equipment > Pipe Run Component

               Add > InsulationOD / Calculated > Double = Round(MatchingPipeOd + ToNumber(InsulationThickness),2)

Plant 3D DWG Settings > Plant 3D Class Definitions > Piping and Equipment > Pipe Run Component > Flange

Add > Label / Calculated > String = Substring(Split(ContentIsoSymbolDefinition,'=',3),2) || Facing

           Weld Neck RF Flange                            Slip On RF Flange

Beyond calculated properties, AutoCAD Plant 3D project setup plays a crucial role in optimizing workflows. Setting up a project correctly ensures that all custom properties, calculations, and settings align with project requirements. Understanding how to configure project settings efficiently can save time and improve consistency across drawings and reports.

Calculated Properties is an extremely powerful tool in Plant 3D for processing the data of multiple fields into a single value that can be used in BOMs, Reports, Annotations, and any other type of output that you might find valuable for your or your client's project.

Your day-to-day as an engineer likely involves as much constant learning as it does constant work. Technology is racing forward – bringing advancements that promise to streamline your workflows.

But navigating and understanding the potential of technology can be as time-consuming as it is helpful.

At Hagerman, we bring decades of experience helping engineers and other professionals navigate new ways of using their technology. Here, we provide an extensive guide to modern engineering document management. This resource delves into the cutting-edge tools and strategies essential for mastering document control in an era where efficiency is king.

We'll address each of the following topics:

1. What Are the Top Questions Engineers Have About Document Management Support?
2. What Are the Best Practices for Document Management Implementation?
3. Which Document Management Systems Are Best Suited for Engineers?
4. How Does Engineering Drawing Document Management Compare: Vault vs. Windows Folders?
5. Why Does My Organization Need an Electronic Document Management System?
6. What Are the Essential Tips to Prepare for Legacy Data Migration?
7. How Can a Document Management System Improve Operations in Manufacturing Plants?
8. What Are the Pros and Cons of Enterprise Document Management Solutions?
9. How Can I Improve My Facility’s Document Management System?
10. What Are the Benefits of Using CAD Document Management Software?
11. How Is Autodesk Document Management Shaping Modern Engineering Workflows?
12. How Do Engineers Utilize Connected Product Development to Break Down Silos?
13. In What Ways Is Document Lifecycle Information Management the Future of Plant Process Engineering?
14. How Does Unifying Manufacturing Operations With Integrated Factory Modeling Empower Businesses?
15. What Strategies Can Overcome the Manufacturing Talent Shortage Through Automation and Efficiency?
16. What Are the Future Trends in Engineering Collaboration and How Can We Sidestep Roadblocks?
17. What Should I Expect From Document Management Consulting Services?

1. What Are the Top Questions Engineers Have About Document Management Support?

The complexities of document management can be challenging for engineers. As the world moves more towards automation and the future role of AI, it’s vital that engineers understand how to take advantage of technology for their documents.

Engineers frequently ask our team about the support available for document management. The top questions include the following:

• What can Autodesk Vault® really do for me?

• How do I assess my current document management environment? 

• Are there any online trainings I can reference?

• How can document management support & training help my engineers around the world? 

• How does Autodesk Vault® prepare engineers for the future?

Learn their answers in this article!

2. What Are the Best Practices for Document Management Implementation?

The right document management system can transform how engineers store, access, and manage documents and data. Implementation success hinges on a strategy that is both easy to follow and secure. Here are the must-follow best practices.

1. Perform an assessment of current document systems

2. Prioritize security and access control

3. Ensure integration with existing systems 

4. Regular training and skill upgradation

5. Maintain regular backups and establish a document lifecycle

"If a company is using a 12-year-old system, even if it's outdated, as long as it's digital and has some organization, we can modernize it with our current technology."

- Andrew Hagerman, Director of Sales at Hagerman & Company

3. Which Document Management Systems Are Best Suited for Engineers?

There are numerous document management systems available in modern engineering. The amount of choices can overwhelm even the most seasoned engineers. Here’s the lowdown on the top contenders.

• Autodesk Vault® is a good platform for product engineers as it offers version control and many integration options.

• Autodesk Docs® works best for AEC and construction engineers with its cloud-based platform.

• Fusion Manage®  offers a cloud-based system for cross-disciplinary teams. It blends product lifecycle management with unmatched flexibility.

• Vault PLM excels in managing complex product data and processes, ideal for large enterprises needing deep control and integration. It merges Vault Professional with Fusion 360® Manage.

• Meridian caters to manufacturing plant engineers. It excels in compliance and centralized control.

• Windows File Explorer and Google Drive offer basic solutions for those seeking simplicity.

• Dropbox, Microsoft SharePoint, and OneDrive provide various levels of integration and user-friendliness but may fall short in delivering the specialized tools and features engineers need.

4. How Does Engineering Drawing Document Management Compare: Vault vs. Windows Folders?

Are you still managing your CAD files with Windows Folders? For years, it’s been a familiar system for engineering drawing document management. But the simplicity of the platform often masks underlying limitations. It might be familiar to you, but there’s a better way. 

One option is Autodesk Vault®, a specialized PDM tool that caters to the nuanced needs of engineers. It’s built to streamline collaboration by being a vital part of projects.

5. Why Does My Organization Need an Electronic Document Management System?

Your organization most likely has other systems that can store documents – PMIS, CMMS, or similar platforms – so why invest in an electronic document management system (EDMS)? Unlike those specialized systems, EDMS serves as a central repository for all documents, regardless of their business function.

“A properly configured EDMS can work WITH all (most) other systems to become the source of truth regarding documents. It will stand the test of time long after the other systems have gone.”

- Jennifer Sample, Hagerman & Company

6. What Are the Essential Tips to Prepare for Legacy Data Migration?

Did you know that, according to the Harvard Business Review, data-driven organizations are 23 times more likely to outperform competitors in customer acquisition, nine times more likely to retain customers, and up to 19 times more profitable?

But as the world has changed drastically, many organizations deal with a significant amount of valuable legacy data. It’s tricky to access that data while it can remain the backbone of an industrial operation. 

Legacy data migration is a delicate process that Hagerman specializes in. To prepare, we take the following steps.

1. Evaluate current legacy data systems

2. Audit existing data and system dependencies

3. Ensure data integrity during migration

7. How Can a Document Management System Improve Operations in Manufacturing Plants?

Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. That’s the word in manufacturing plants. Each process is an opportunity to improve operations and save costs and time.

via Hagerman

“I suspect [the modern era] will realize increased tech utilization to improve the process itself with some evolutionary advancements in the tech.”

- Tim Shinbara, Vice President and CTO for the Association for Manufacturing Technology

The right EDM software, such as Vault or Meridian, can be optimized to create a better solution for storing and organizing documentation. When this is done right, it creates a central repository of documents, making it more simple to oversee and manage the manufacturing process.

To ensure you’re utilizing your engineering document systems at the most optimal level, follow the 10 steps in this article.

Want to learn more about how manufacturing leaders are changing factory design through innovative tech? Read our free guide:

8. What Are the Pros and Cons of Enterprise Document Management Solutions?

Adopting an enterprise document management solution is a smart move that will significantly improve your organization’s collaboration and efficiency. However, there are pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh both sides of the coin.

Pros:

• Enhanced Collaboration and Accessibility: EDMS streamlines document handling processes.

• Increased Security and Compliance: Keep up with regulatory requirements with easy access to document history and revisions.

• Streamlined Workflows and Productivity: Automate routine tasks like data entry, document routing, and management.

Cons:

• Initial Setup and Training: Learning a DMS can be a significant undertaking without a teacher.

• Integration Challenges: While these DMS systems are designed to integrate with CAD systems, errors can happen without an expert on hand.

• Data Migration and System Maintenance: File format conversion and new system organization come with inherent risks without an expert.

9. How Can I Improve My Document Management System in Campus Facilities?

Research shows that leaders spend nearly 40% of their time making decisions. In facility management in higher education, implementing a well-structured document management system, like Meridian, can be a game-changer in saving time.

But what are concrete action steps to get started? Begin with these three strategies.

• Centralize document access and metadata linking

• Customize Meridian for specific institutional needs

• Integrate existing facilities systems with Meridian

10. What Are the Benefits of Using CAD Document Management Software?

It’s not uncommon for engineers to get lost in the chaos of day-to-day work life, riding the waves of business rather than innovating. However as automation continues to drive business growth, it provides an opportunity for self-assessment. For example, you might use CAD document management software. Explore the benefits of the software in this article.

If you don’t feel like you’re taking advantage of these benefits, take a moment to break down your process and see where the gaps are. If you need help, Hagerman helps companies like yours do this every day.

11. How Is Autodesk Document Management Shaping Modern Engineering Workflows?

Autodesk document management is revolutionizing modern engineering. It provides advanced tools that allow engineers and project managers to streamline data access, enhance collaboration, and boost project efficiency.

Further, the system fosters an environment where real-time updates and feedback are common. The immediacy of this reality speeds up decision-making processes and breaks down silos.

These innovations might seem small, but the influence is felt beyond document management and handling. By reducing countless minuscule tasks, engineers can supercharge their team.

Learn leaders’ insights on how digital transformation is driving business resilience, sustainability, and talent management in this infographic.

12. How Do Engineers Utilize Connected Product Development to Break Down Silos?

The Harvard Business Review says that almost 80% of employees believe that automation has given them more time to “take on challenging new projects and learn new skills.”

For product engineers, utilizing connected product development is a way to tap into the benefits of automation. Tools like Autodesk Vault or Inventor® help engineers eliminate manual data entry and minimize errors when transferring information from design to production.

“For many engineers, they just need to start somewhere to connect their systems. If there's ‘if-then’ logic in their product workflows, then we can automate it. If you’re walking off the beaten path, you’re going to need a hatchet to get back on the path. But it’s worth it.”

– Ken Christensen, Sales Manager at Hagerman

13. In What Ways Is Document Lifecycle Information Management the Future of Plant Process Engineering?

Overseeing a large-scale project means orchestrating a balancing act. You must manage documentation, different teams, strict compliance standards, and client demands. Wouldn’t it be great if that all could be managed in one place? 

Automating document lifecycle information management is possible with tools like Autodesk. It streamlines your projects at every phase – from initial planning to maintenance schedules. What this means is better engineering document management means better efficiency and accuracy. The world continues to move in this direction, and it will only grow in significance within the future of plant engineering.

14. How Does Unifying Manufacturing Operations With Integrated Factory Modeling Empower Businesses?

It’s an unfortunate reality that most factory planning projects do not meet time and cost goals: 72% are over budget and 60% are over time.
 
You can avoid these trends through the concept of Integrated Factory Modeling. This is a strategy that unifies Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital factory systems – creating one single source. 

This approach harmonizes disparate processes and creates a cohesive, digital representation of the factory floor. It’s a way to model out information and view it in real-time. This will streamline manufacturing operations, mitigate risks, and boost accuracy.

“Manufacturers need to be nimble enough to quickly make changes on the manufacturing line when there are issues with a product. With Integrated Factory Modeling, teams can easily see what is happening on the manufacturing floor and unify their operations for a better, more agile manufacturing facility.”

- Jeremy Stefanek, Director of Sales – Customer Success and CAD Solutions at Hagerman & Company

15. What Strategies Can Overcome the Manufacturing Talent Shortage Through Automation and Efficiency?

Over the last decade, 2.4 million industrial jobs in the United States went unfilled – and that cost the economy $2.5 trillion. How can you combat this trend and address the talent shortage? It starts with understanding and utilizing modern technology.

There are five key areas of opportunity:

• Automation Solutions

• Collaborative and Knowledge-Sharing Platforms

• Increase Process Efficiencies

• Training and Skill Development

• Workforce Planning and Optimization

Learn how to overcome the manufacturing talent shortage in this article.

16. How Can We Sidestep Roadblocks in Engineering Collaboration?

Roadblocks and bottlenecks are a disaster for any type of project. In engineering, where projects are complex and long-scale, the stakes are even higher. You must balance meticulous planning and a strict adherence to budgets, timelines, and safety standards.

Tools like Autodesk can help bridge these gaps and transform data silos into streamlined workflows. Your organization has the opportunity to flip these challenges into opportunities. To gain important insights, manage more work with the same amount of people and improve overall decision-making. 

For example, look at what a Common Data Environment does for EPC contracting:

17. What Should I Expect From Document Management Consulting Services?

Technology can revolutionize your operations – but only if you get the right support. 

When hiring a document management consulting service, expect a tailored strategy that aligns with your goals. Experts like Hagerman’s team dive deep into your current system and pinpoint inefficiencies. Then, they craft a roadmap for action that takes your projects into account. 

At Hagerman, we bring seasoned professionals who know how to target problems for our clients. We connect, improve, and automate the EDM systems within your company. 

Learn more about how our process can help you today!

Professionals in today’s dynamic world of product design and manufacturing often find themselves under constant pressure to deliver accurate, manufacturable designs faster than before. When faced with challenges like supply chain volatility and skills shortages, companies can no longer afford the delays caused by disconnected workflows and data silos. While powerful platforms like Autodesk Fusion(R) have revolutionized the design process, there is still much more to learn. Common modeling mistakes and inefficiencies can still lead to significant bottlenecks and costly rework, undermining the very efficiency these tools are meant to provide. 

Mastering Autodesk Fusion (formerly Fusion360), requires more than just knowing basic tools and functions; it demands smart, structured workflows that eliminate common modeling challenges. These challenges often stem from a few recurring issues such as disorganized data that leads to collaboration breakdowns, inefficient modeling practices that increase errors, and poor assembly structure and instability. Whether you’re a mechanical engineer building complex assemblies, a product designer developing consumer-ready parts, or a manufacturer prepping files for production - mastering Fusion’s workflows is essential for success. 

This article identifies the top three (3) modeling headaches that derail even experienced users and shares practical tips to avoid them while helping you streamline your design process, collaborate more efficiently, and work smarter from concept to production.

Overcome the Top 3 Product Design Challenges in Fusion with Expert Tips

Modeling Headache #1: Disorganized Assemblies That Break Easily

One of the most common frustrations in 3D modeling is an assembly that becomes unstable and unpredictable, especially as it grows in complexity. You may find that components shift unexpectedly, joints don’t behave as intended, and managing the structure becomes more time consuming. These issues often arise from a misunderstanding of how Fusion handles bodies and components, leading to a fragile and disorganized design. 

Fusion Tips to Solve It

• Follow Rule One: Always Start with a Component: Before sketching even begins, the first step should always be to create a new component. This ensures that all subsequent sketches, extrusions, and other features are properly grouped within that component. Failing to do so can lead to a disorganized timeline and hours of rework when your design inevitably evolves into a multi-part assembly.
  
• Understand the Difference Between Bodies and Components: In Fusion, a “body” is simply raw geometry, while a “component” is a structured part that can contain joints, sketches, bodies, and other metadata. Only components can be used in joints, animations, and Bills of Materials (BOM). Existing bodies can be easily converted by right-clicking and selecting "Create Components from Bodies".
  
• Use “Ground to Parent” for Stability: To prevent a base component from drifting unexpectedly, it’s crucial to lock its position. As such, the “Ground to Parent” command can be used by right-clicking a component in the browser. This will fix its position that’s relative to the main assembly and provide a stable foundation for the rest of your design.
  
• Use Joints Instead of Constraints: Fusion, unlike traditional CAD software, uses “joints” to define motion between components. Joints are more intuitive and provide clear, animated feedback on how parts will move in relation to each other. To create one, simply go to “Assemble > Joint”, select the moving component, then the stationary component, and choose a motion type like “Revolute” or “Slider”. 
  
• Leverage As-Built Joints & Rigid Groups: For components that are already in their correct positions, the “As-Built Joint” is an efficient way to define relationships without having to move them. Additionally, a “Rigid Group” can be used to lock multiple components together, treating them as a single, fixed unit, which is ideal for subassemblies that shouldn’t move internally. 

By implementing these tips, you can create clean, reliable assemblies that will behave predictably and can be easily scaled without the fear of breaking. 

Modeling Headache #2: Losing Time with Poor File and Data Organization

The lack of clear data management and disorganized files can quickly derail a project. When team members can’t find the latest version of a file or if data is scattered across multiple locations, collaboration breaks down, and valuable time is wasted. Fusion’s cloud-based architecture is designed to prevent these issues but it requires a structured approach to be more effective.

Fusion Tips to Solve It

Understand Teams, Projects, and Folders: Fusion organizes files in a clear, cloud-based hierarchy: Teams > Projects > Folders. Your “Team” is the top-level account and you can create multiple “Projects” under it. Each project can have its own members and permissions and within each project, you can use “Folders” to keep your design files neatly organized.

• Use Internal and External Components Appropriately: Fusion lets you create internal or external components. Internal components stay in the same file which is great for quick changes. External components, on the other hand, come from separate files and are ideal for large, modular projects where updates sync automatically across teams. 
  
• Leverage the Data Panel, Browser, and Timeline: Fusion’s interface is built around three key areas. The Data Panel allows you to access your cloud-based projects and files. The Browser displays the structural hierarchy of your active design (this includes components, bodies, and sketches). Finally, the Timeline records every feature you create in a chronological order, making it easier to edit or troubleshoot. 
  
• Utilize Fusion’s Cloud Collaboration Tools: Because Fusion is built for the cloud, it provides a secure, shared workspace where teams can collaborate in real-time, manage versions, and see who is working on what, ensuring that all stakeholders, both internal and external, are always on the same page.
  
• Enable Visibility Tools Like Section Analysis and Opacity Control: When working with complex assemblies, it can be quite difficult to see what’s going on inside. Fusion offers powerful visibility tools to help. These include “Section Analysis” which allows you to slice open your model to inspect geometry, and “Opacity Control” which lets you make components transparent without hiding them completely. These tools are invaluable for debugging and ensuring a perfect fit. 

Adopting these organizational habits can lead to more streamlined workflows, improved collaboration with team members and stakeholders, and less time wasted searching for files.

Modeling Headache #3: Inefficient and Error-Prone Modeling Practices

Even with a well-organized structure, inefficient habits can slow down the process and introduce errors into your models. Wasting time in navigating menus for frequently used tools, making incorrect selections in dense designs, and performing repetitive tasks manually are all signs that your workflow can be improved. 

Fusion Tips to Solve It

• Customize Your Toolbar: To avoid digging through multiple menus, you can pin your most-used commands directly to the toolbar for quick access. Simply find the tool in its dropdown menu, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select “Pin to Toolbar”. This can also be done by dragging and dropping icons to rearrange them, creating a more personalized workspace that matches your workflow.
  
• Set Your Preferences Early and Correctly: Before you start a new project, set your preferences first. In the top right corner, click on your account icon and select “Preferences” to define your default units, modeling orientation, and, if necessary, turn on the helpful visual cues like “Component Color Swatches” to make different parts easier to track. These settings will follow your account on any device and ensure a consistent experience. 
  
• Use Selection Priority Filters: In complex assemblies, it can be easy to accidentally click on a face when you were meant to select a body or an edge. To prevent this, use “Selection Priority” filters that can be found in the “Select” dropdown on the toolbar. By telling Fusion to prioritize specific types of geometry, you can speed up your selections and minimize misclicks.
  
• Understand and Utilize the Timeline: The timeline at the bottom of the screen is one of Fusion’s most powerful features for ensuring accuracy. It allows you to step through your model’s creation history, making it easy to find where an error has been introduced. You can double-click any feature in the timeline to edit it, allowing for precise, step-by-step debugging. 

Adopting these efficient practices allows you to further increase your productivity, reduce modeling errors, and create a more personalized environment that lets you focus on what matters most: your design.

Bonus Tip: Use Fusion Extensions for Specialized Workflows

For advanced users who are looking to push Fusion’s capabilities even further, Fusion Extensions offer access to a suite of tools for specialized tasks in modeling, simulation, and manufacturing. These extensions can help you to automate complex geometry, optimize part performance with advanced simulation, and streamline manufacturing with 3-to-5 axis CNC machining and metal additive manufacturing. 

These extensions are available on a flexible basis, allowing you to access them when you need them.

Avoid the Pitfalls, Maximize Your Workflow

By tackling these modeling challenges, you can easily transform Fusion from a source of frustration into a formidable tool for innovation. Starting with components, organizing your data, and using time-saving features like the timeline can all contribute to smoother, more efficient design work. 

When used effectively, Fusion goes beyond to unify your entire product development process, it helps eliminate silos, reduce errors, and speed up delivery. Adopting these strategies will not only improve your designs but also boost collaboration and productivity so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time creating. 

Great designs deserve a workflow that can keep up. Our 20 Fusion Tips and Tricks eBook is packed with expert advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and boost your design productivity. Download the eBook today to start working smart and bring your designs to life, faster.

Do you want to discover deeper functionality with Autodesk Fusion or have questions about implementation? Get in touch with Hagerman & Company today to level up your skills with Autodesk Fusion.

The pressure to deliver high-precision components faster and more efficiently is greater than ever. You're expected to meet rising demands while managing disconnected workflows, surprise rework, and growing competition.

Autodesk Fusion® gives you a modern, cloud-connected platform that unifies CAD, CAM, CAE, data, and team collaboration in one solution. It’s designed to help you handle complexity, respond to change, and work more flexibly—without sacrificing control or quality.

By mastering a few essential practices shared by one of Hagerman & Company’s expert engineers, you can eliminate common bottlenecks and streamline every step from design to manufacturing. In this article, you’ll find six key tips to help you get more value from Autodesk Fusion.

6 Autodesk Fusion Tips to Accelerate Your Shop Workflow

Tip#1: Build with Components, Not Bodies

Starting your design with raw bodies might seem like a quick way to dive in—but it often backfires when your project grows. Maybe you’ve experienced it: you build out the model, only to realize you need joints, a BOM, or assemblies, and suddenly everything needs restructuring.

A simple habit, starting with a clearly named Component, saves hours of rework. It gives you cleaner organization, supports advanced workflows, and makes your design much easier to scale.

Tip#2: Use Joints to Define Real-World Motion

Assembly issues are another common source of frustration. When motion isn’t defined properly, things don’t align or simulate the way they should—and that confusion often makes its way to the shop floor. Instead of wrangling traditional constraints, use Joints to define motion. Whether it's revolute, slider, or rigid, Joints let you simulate real-world movement. And if your parts are already placed correctly, As-Built Joints make capturing relationships fast and efficient. This isn't just good practice—it’s how you catch costly mistakes before they happen. For teams working on complex motion or assemblies, a second set of expert eyes can go a long way.

Tip#3: Ground Key Components to Maintain Stability

If your components are shifting around without warning, chances are nothing’s grounded. This might not seem like a big deal at first, until a small nudge causes alignment issues that throw off your entire setup. Use Ground to Parent on your base part to lock its position within the assembly. It keeps your structure stable without limiting flexibility. Especially in multi-part designs, that stability pays off in CAM and final assembly, reducing the risk of drift and saving time on setup.

Tip#4: Leverage the Timeline for Flexible, Editable Workflows

Autodesk Fusion’s Timeline feature allows you to view and manage your model history with precision. You can revisit earlier steps, suppress or reorder features, and make edits without needing to rebuild your entire design. This is especially valuable when responding to late-stage client changes or internal design adjustments. Keeping sketches and features clearly labeled enhances navigability and reduces time spent troubleshooting. 

Tip#5: Organize Data with Teams, Projects, and Folders

Even the best design can get derailed by poor data management. If your team’s constantly asking, “Which file is the latest?”, you’re probably spending more time searching than building. Autodesk Fusion’s Team → Projects → Folders structure helps bring order to the chaos. Create separate projects by client or job, assign roles, and control access to avoid overwrites and confusion. For teams working across departments or locations, this structure is key to staying aligned.

Tip#6: Prep Designs for CAM with Smart Modeling Practices

Incomplete geometry, tiny features, or sharp internal corners might look fine in CAD, but they’ll slow things down fast when it’s time to program toolpaths. Before sending a model to CAM, use Autodesk Fusion’s tools to simplify, inspect, and clean up geometry. Try Minimum Radius Analysis to check for cutter accessibility, close gaps, and remove detail that won’t translate to machining. Cleaner models produce more reliable toolpaths, reduce back-and-forth between design and manufacturing, and help you deliver on schedule.

Turn Best Practices into Shop Floor Results

Fabricators who apply these six Autodesk Fusion tips see real gains in efficiency, from cleaner CAD models to faster CAM programming. With the right habits in place, like organizing data, using Components, and mastering joints, teams can reduce cycle times, minimize rework, and accelerate delivery.

In addition to these best practices, partnering with Hagerman helps you get even more from Autodesk Fusion. Our experts offer hands-on training, workflow consulting, and support tailored to your team’s needs—so you can unlock the full value of your investment and stay ahead of the curve.

Get started with smarter workflows in Autodesk Fusion and experience the connected future of fabrication. Partner with Hagerman and Company today and we’ll help you find the right tools to speed up your delivery and cut rework. 

When it comes to CNC programming, the details make all the difference. The Manufacture Workspace in Autodesk Fusion offers powerful features that go beyond toolpath creation—designed to help you save time, reduce errors, and work more efficiently.

1. Speed Up with Custom Panel Defaults

Do you always use the same stock size? Or prefer a certain WCS orientation? Instead of making the same changes over and over again, Fusion lets you save default settings directly within setup panels.

How it works:

• Open any setup panel (like Stock or Tool).

• Click the three-dot icon next to a field.

  

• Choose "Make Default" to lock in your preferred value.

  

From now on, Fusion will pre-fill that value the next time you use that panel—saving clicks and reducing setup time.

2. Collaborate with Derived Design Workflow

Derive feature lets you split design and manufacturing tasks without stepping on each other’s toes. Designers can continue working on the model while CAM programmers prep the part for machining—all in parallel.

Here's how:

• In the Design Workspace, right-click your component or body.

• Choose "Insert into New Design" or use Derive to create a linked file.

  

• Use that file to build soft jaws, fixtures, or setups.

• When the original design changes, you’ll see a yellow triangle prompt—just update to stay synced.

  

This keeps your CAM prep aligned with design changes without starting from scratch.

3. Improve Cycle Time with Pass Direction

Toolpath direction isn’t just a preference—it can directly impact cycle time, surface finish, and tool life.

In operations like facing, contouring, or pocketing:

• Select a toolpath like Face, Pocket, or Contour.
  

• Head to the Passes tab in your toolpath settings.

• Find the Pass Direction option.

  

• Adjust based on your machine setup or material behavior.

• Use Simulate to preview the changes before committing.

  

This small tweak can improve tool engagement, reduce air cutting, and make your cuts cleaner and faster.

4. Lock In Setup Views

Multi-setup parts can be tricky—especially if you're flipping sides or working in 3+1 axis. Fusion helps by letting you sync a specific view with each Setup, so you're always looking at the correct side.

To use it:

• Go to the Navigation Bar in the Manufacture Workspace.

  

• Click the "Sync View with Setup" icon.

• Orient your model, then sync that view to the active Setup.

Each time you switch setups, Fusion will auto-switch to your preferred orientation—reducing confusion and boosting speed.

Here are some additional instructions from Autodesk's website.

5. Run Toolpath Simulations Often

Simulation isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical quality check. Fusion’s Simulate toolpath feature helps you:

• Catch collisions or gouging

• Validate machining strategy

• Estimate toolpath length and run time

Right-click a Setup or individual toolpath, then click Simulate. Use playback controls to visualize tool motion, and check the stats panel for runtime estimates.

• Tip: Overall Setup time doesn't include time for tool changes.
  

Running a sim after every toolpath edit is a best practice that prevents scrap, protects machines, and builds confidence.

6. Use Descriptive Setup and Toolpath Names

Good naming conventions might not sound glamorous—but when you’re digging into an old project or handing off files, they make a world of difference.

Right-click any Setup or toolpath and hit Rename. Use descriptive names like:

• “Op1 – Top Face”

• “Op2 – 2D Adaptive Pocket”

• “Op4 – Left Side Chamfer”

  
                                                                                          *AI-generated visual for illustrative use.*

Consistent naming makes simulations easier to follow, simplifies troubleshooting, and helps teams collaborate without confusion.

Maximize your design capabilities with Autodesk Fusion. Explore our specialized training courses to take your skills to the next level!

1. Design in Any Orientation

In Fusion, every setup created in the Manufacture Workspace has its own independent coordinate system. That means the way you model in the Design Workspace won’t impact how toolpaths are generated, giving you maximum flexibility.

How to use it:

• Design your model in the orientation that makes the most sense for you.

• Switch to the Manufacture Workspace.

• Click Setup > New Setup.

• In the Setup dialog, define the Work Coordinate System (WCS):

  • Pick from stock top, a model face, or a custom origin.

Fusion will use this WCS for machining operations, regardless of how your part was originally modeled.

2. Use Minimum Radius Analysis

The Minimum Radius Analysis tool visually highlights tight internal corners that could cause machining problems. It helps you identify areas that may require small-diameter tools before you even switch to the Manufacture Workspace.

How to use it:

• In the Design Workspace, go to Inspect > Minimum Radius Analysis.

  

• Enter a Minimum Tool Radius value that reflects the smallest tool you’ll use.

  

• Fusion will automatically color-code the geometry:

  • Areas below the radius threshold will be flagged in red.

Maximize your design capabilities with Autodesk Fusion. Explore our specialized training courses to take your skills to the next level!

ReCap Pro

• Open your ReCap software
  
• Click new project
• The following dialog box will appear in the middle of your screen
• Select import point cloud
  
• The create new project dialog box will appear
• Provide the following information:
  • Project name
  • Location of project files
    
    
• Click proceed
• There are three options to populate your project
  • Select files to import – allows one at a time selection
  • Select folder to import – allows selecting all files in a folder
  • Drag files or folders here – allows the utilizing the drag/drop method
    
• For this example, we’ll use the select files to import
  
  
• Once the files are selected, click Open. ReCap moves to the scan settings page
  

• There are two tabs at the top of this page
  • Filtering
  • Advanced
• Because we are taking this information into Civil 3D, click on the advanced tab
  • Slide the decimation grid to 100 mm, to eliminate some of the points from this cloud
  • Set the current coordinate system. This should be populated and correct based on the .las files selected. Verify with the company providing the lidar or by the municipality, i.e., NYSGIS (New York State GIS)
  • Set the target coordinate system, i.e., the coordinate system being used in the Civil 3D drawing
• NOTE: these must be correct in order for the cloud to come into the proper location
  
• Once completed, click import files at the bottom right corner. The import files page opens and we can see the progress wheel in the upper left corner
  
• Once completed, click index scans at the bottom right corner
• The index scans page opens. At the bottom center of the page, you’ll see the percentage complete. Once this reaches 100%, click launch project
  
  
• The project page opens, showing us our point cloud
  

• Before we export this project, we need to verify that our information for Civil 3D is accurate
• Click the preferences button (the gear) at the top of the page. It’s a flyout from the Home icon
  

• Verify accuracy of:
  • Current coordinate system
  • Project units
    
• Click OK
• It’s time to export
• Access the export option by clicking on the downward arrow on the toolbar and then clicking the upward arrow for export. Again, this is a flyout from the Home icon
  
• The Unifying Scan Data dialog box opens. This will take the total number of scans and combine them into one.
• Select Let’s go! Unify my scans
  
  
• The Exporting project progress bar appears
• Minimize or close ReCap upon completion
  

Civil 3D

• Create or open the file needed for the point cloud. Be sure the drawing has been created from a Civil 3D template file
• Verify your coordinate system is correct, Click OK
  
  
• Access the Geolocation tab > Online Map panel and select one of the map options on the Online Map panel. We’ll use this to verify the correct location of the point cloud.
  
• Open the Map 3D Task Pane. Type mapwspace at the command prompt, click Enter.  Make sure the default is ON and then click Enter. We’ll need this later
  
• On the Insert tab > Point cloud panel, select Attach
  
  
• Navigate to the location of your previously saved .rcp file from ReCap
  
• The Attach Point Cloud dialog box opens. Be sure the Scale = 1.0 and the Insertion Point is 0,0,0. Click OK
  
  
• The point cloud should come into the drawing in the proper location. Verify this against the online map from the Geolocation tab
• Now we can utilize the Task Pane palette we opened earlier
• Select the Data icon > Add Point Cloud Data > From drawing object
  
  
• This opens the Select Point Cloud dialog. Toggle all of the points clouds you want to use. For this example, there is only one. Click OK
  
  
• NOTE: This may cause your point cloud to “disappear”. It hasn’t really, but there is a bug within Civil 3D where the scale of the point cloud has changed from 1.0 to .3048. The workaround is to select the point cloud and change the scale back to 1.0 in the Properties palette
  
• Back on the Task Pane > rt click the point cloud name > click Style By > Classification. This will change the color from black and white, to color based on classification, i.e., ground, reserved, water, etc.. There are other options for visual clarity, such as Scan Colors, which in this case, provides us a clearer view of the topography. Classification is used to create our surface, however
  
• Before we generate our surface, we need to weed out points, in order for them to be more manageable
• Rt click on the point cloud name > select Filter Point Cloud. The Filter Point Cloud dialog opens.       Because we are building a surface, we need all the points that are related to the existing ground. In this example, we only need to select Ground and then Apply Filter
  
  
• Only Ground shots should remain
• Select the point cloud
• The contextual ribbon appears. On the Point Cloud tab > Civil 3D panel > click Create Surface from Point Cloud
  
  
• The Create TIN Surface from Point Cloud dialog opens. We’ll use the Wizard to walk through and complete the information used for this surface
• There are three pages to this process:
  • General - fill this out as you would for any other surface, click Next when done
    
  • Point Cloud Selection – Change the Distance Between Points in order to get the total number of points selected to around one million. One million points will keep Civil 3D from creating an external surface file (.mms). This will be trial and error. When done, click Next
    
    
    
  • Non-Ground Point Filtering – toggle No filter because we did that on the previous page. Click Create Surface
    
    

• You may get the following popup explaining that your surface is being processed in the background. Click Close
  
  
• Your new surface can now be found in the Prospector tab of your Toolspace
• Finally, from our External References palette, we can unload our point cloud. This will help with the drawing’s performance.