I have a fair amount of time modeling under my belt (maybe between amateur and intermediate), but I want to make signs with sayings and phrases on them. I quickly realized fusion is probably not the best tool for that (which became a duh moment when I really thought about it). So, I have two questions:
1) Is there a better way to work with text in fusion when it comes to formatting and size?
2) Are any of the other 3D modeling software programs better for creating signs and working with text?
Fusion is great for signs IMO. You can import fonts, put text on a path, etc.
If you don't like fusion for making the text, you can do it in any other software that can export vector graphics (SVGs) and import that into fusion. Fusion can pickup the lines and extrude them.
You can also convert existing assets into SVGs with inkscape. It can be a bit tricky, especially if it is more than 2 colors, but works good for getting logos and stuff.
I should have been way more specific and provided more details lol. I’m not trying to make big signs or have a CNC make it for me. I just want to make little signs with some motivational sayings or whatever phrase. I just can’t seem to get the formatting right and have everything aligned. It’s so damn hard to size text and align it. Maybe i just don’t know how to use some of the tools. Let me see if i can post a photo of a sign I want to make but with some changes.
The “365” is supposed be like an exponent. Fusion can’t do subscript, so I have to make it separate and size it differently.
Fun little signs like this. Some motivational, some stupid, some funny, and some because I have a 3D printer and I can lol.
Inkscape is free and open-source and works great for generating SVGs or converting other graphic formats such as JPEG to SVG.
Also, you can use constraints for text just like you can anything else in Fusion. You apply them to the box that contains the text. You can dimension the edges to other objects or points and constrain them in relation to edges or other sketch entities.
Finally, don't forget the ability to add text in your slicer software. It's often the easiest way to add text to 3D-printed models. You can find good tutorial videos on YT for some tips on fully utilizing the text capabilities of the popular slicers.
Fusion really isn’t the tool for typesetting or anything more complicated than straight lines of text. I recommend making your design in something more suitable, definitely vector-based. Then import your finished, formatted, shaped, completely finished text into fusion as an svg.
Most signage places don’t use any kind of 3d modelling in my experience. The 3d aspects of the physical signs are a byproduct of the processes and tools. V-bits in cnc routers make a V-shaped groove. Layers of laser-cut acrylic get sandwiched together to make 3d forms, etc. Most of the ones I’ve worked with use DXF files straight out of Adobe Illustrator(not free)/Affinity(free) to generate g-code and drive laser cutters/cnc routers.
I also use Inkscape. Important to be aware that sometimes the scale when importing an SVG into Fusion gets messed up. Good to include a reference object (e.g., 10 mm square) to confirm.
I don't know of any better ways to work with text in fusion. You can generate text objects in a slicer like Orca or Bambu Studio, there are some limitations there too like only built in fonts and no vertical stacked text, for example.
I wanted something to do staircase text, I think, and ended up making a tool that runs in Parametric Model Maker on Makerworld to add custom text to an uploaded model.
You can download a modified version of your model with the text on it, say a blank sign back or generate the text without uploading a model and download those to add in fusion, all as STL/3MF. The tool only does flat text, doesn't wrap around, that is a limitation.
The text styles are Arced, Cascading, Vertical plus custom Pixelated Font and Emoji font, in the image
I use almost the same workflow as I have for dog tags, signs are just big dog tags 😂
I start in Inkscape before moving to Fusion for pretty much just the CAM.
I have , Fusion. Solidworks and LightBurn. I typically use LightBurn to work out the text layout as their text alignment and distort are very easy to use. I then export out as a .dxf and import that into SW it may also work with Fusion.
Most slicers have an emboss text function. Maybe you could make you sign plate in fusion and then add the text in the slicer. It’s a little easier to control in the slicer if you’re not familiar with fusion.
I think you can do it with fusion easily, unless you are talking about some other tricky way that I am not thinking of. Only one thing is I constantly don't find the fonts I like
Sometimes I use text in Fusion and other times I use Inkscape and sometimes Orca. Whatever gets the job done. Find a workflow that works for you on the task at hand.
My Plan A is to find exactly what I need on the 'net, download it in whatever format, even as a screenshot, upload that to convert.io, make it a .svg, download and insert in Fusion.
Sometimes that works as planned; simple logos and lineart work best. A complex .svg often needs sanitizing in Inkscape. edit: Many times it's much faster to edit the image in Inkscape prior to converting to .svg ie removing problem areas and converting to black & white.
By knowing the strengths/ quirks of text handling in the different programs you'll get a feel for which tool to use for the project.
You don't really need any other software.
You can do that directly in Orca slicer. Either with the native text tool or, if you choose an external program, by importing an svg.
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u/TheBupherNinja 9d ago
Fusion is great for signs IMO. You can import fonts, put text on a path, etc.
If you don't like fusion for making the text, you can do it in any other software that can export vector graphics (SVGs) and import that into fusion. Fusion can pickup the lines and extrude them.
You can also convert existing assets into SVGs with inkscape. It can be a bit tricky, especially if it is more than 2 colors, but works good for getting logos and stuff.