Can you create a ʼBill of Materialsʼ (BOM) for your project in Autodesk Fusion?

Short Answer

Yes — in Autodesk Fusion, you can create a bill of materials (bom) for your project using the Drawing > parts list workflow, which is the most common professional method. It pulls component data from the assembly into a drawing-based table for documentation and manufacturing. Limitation: Fusion’s BOM output depends heavily on clean component structure and metadata.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your design is built as a single body or poorly organized components, the BOM in Autodesk Fusion may be incomplete or useless. Missing part numbers, duplicate component names, and incorrect component hierarchy are the most common real-world failure points.

How to Create a Bill of Materials in Autodesk Fusion

• Command: Parts List

• Shortcut: None

• Quick Steps:

  1. In Fusion, create a drawing from your assembly: File > New Drawing > From Design.
  2. In the drawing workspace, place a base view, then go to the Create panel and choose Parts List.
  3. Click to place the BOM table, then set a real option such as Parts List Type or Include zero quantity rows if available in your version.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Parts List Type — this controls whether the table displays a structured assembly list or a simpler parts-only view. Use the structured option when you need parent-child assembly relationships preserved.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): The model was created with bodies instead of separate components, so Fusion has no proper part structure to report in the BOM.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Linked or read-only referenced components may prevent you from editing metadata like part numbers or descriptions needed for a usable BOM.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The Parts List is generated from the drawing assembly structure, so suppressed items, incorrect occurrences, or missing component properties lead to incomplete results.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: Convert key bodies into components first, then fill in component properties such as Part Number and Description before inserting the Parts List.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use Fusion BOMs for formal drawings and fabrication documentation, but avoid relying on them until your assembly tree and component metadata are fully standardized.

FAQ

Can Fusion create a BOM without a drawing?
Usually, the most common professional BOM workflow is through the drawing Parts List.

Why are some parts missing from my BOM?
They are often modeled as bodies instead of components or excluded by assembly structure.

Can I edit BOM item data in Fusion?
Yes, if the component properties like name, part number, and description are properly defined.

.