Learn FUSION360-SCRIPTING with Real Code Examples

Fusion 360 Scripting provides programmatic access to the Fusion 360 API for automating repetitive design and manufacturing tasks.

Supports creating custom add-ins, scripts, and commands for modeling, assemblies, and CAM operations.

Offers direct access to design objects, components, sketches, bodies, and parameters.

Often used with Python (via Fusion 360 API) or JavaScript/TypeScript for web-based Fusion add-ins.

Widely used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers for enhancing CAD/CAM productivity.

Manipulate components, bodies, and sketches

Access and modify parameters

Automate CAM toolpaths and simulation

Event handling and command definitions

Error handling, logging, and debugging support

Scripts vs Add-ins - Scripts for quick automation, Add-ins for persistent tools

Design objects - components, bodies, sketches, features

Parameters - control dimensions and constraints programmatically

Event handling - react to design or UI changes

API navigation - using Python objects to traverse and modify models

Python script (.py) or JavaScript file

Add-in folder structure with manifest

Supporting libraries

Configuration files or constants

Documentation and usage guide

Define task to automate (e.g., parametric model, batch export)

Access Fusion 360 API objects

Write Python script or Add-in

Test on sample model

Deploy for repeated use or share with team

Beginner: Automate simple sketch or extrusion

Intermediate: Modify component parameters

Advanced: Generate assemblies programmatically

Expert: Automate CAM toolpath generation

Architect: Full parametric design and manufacturing workflow automation

Fusion 360 Scripts vs AutoLISP: Fusion uses Python/JS for modern parametric modeling; AutoLISP is CAD-specific and legacy

Fusion 360 Scripts vs .NET API: Python easier for quick scripts; .NET more robust for advanced Add-ins

Fusion 360 Scripts vs Dynamo: Dynamo is visual; scripting allows text-based parametric control

Fusion 360 Scripts vs API Automation Tools: Scripts offer deep object access; external tools may be limited

Fusion 360 Scripts vs Manual Modeling: Automates repetitive tasks and batch operations, saving time

2013 - Fusion 360 launched with scripting support

2015 - Python API integration introduced

2017 - Add-in framework expanded for JavaScript/TypeScript

2018 - Enhanced CAM API support

2020 - Cloud project and script sharing enabled

2023 - Improved API coverage and debugging

2025 - Latest Fusion 360 API supports modern Python 3 and TypeScript add-ins

Script - Python/JS file executed in Fusion 360 for automation

Add-in - Persistent tool with UI integration

Component - Assembly part or subassembly

Parameter - User-defined design variable

Workspace - Fusion 360 environment (Design, CAM, Simulation)