Introduction: Have you ever considered copying a shape from a photo? This process is both possible and relatively straightforward using Fusion. Let’s begin.

Preparation:

1. Start a Sketch:
   • Begin by creating a sketch on the front plane.
   • Draw a horizontal line with the dimension of your desired size model. In this case I will make it 120mm.
2. Insert the Photo:
   • Obtain a photo of the item (in this case, a fish).
   • Insert the photo using the “Insert Canvas” command.

3. Size the Photo:
   • Right-click on the canvas in the right-hand browser and select “Calibrate.”

4. Select two points on the picture and input the required size (e.g., 120mm).

3D Modelling:

1. Select the Pipe Command:
   • From the FORM tools ribbon, select the “Pipe” command from the drop-down menu.

• This will open a dialogue box where you can adjust and select the sketched horizontal line used during setup.
• It is advisable to start with a small diameter and not too many sections to facilitate easier modifications. I have opted to use about 8 segments, this will give me enough segments to create the desired shape. You can adjust as required.

2. Adjust the Pipe Model:
   • Use the “Edit Form” command to push and pull the pipe model. This step requires tweaking to achieve the desired shape. You can select lines, points or faces to stretch the shape to your preferences.

3. Adjust the Girth:
   • Once the body has the basic shape in the front plane, adjust the girth of the profile.
   • Create a symmetry constraint to ensure changes occur simultaneously on both sides by selecting two opposite faces.

4. Finalize the Body Design:
   • Return to the “Modify” command to adjust the model to the desired size and shape. Try moving faces at first, then points as this will keep a smoother body shape.

Detailing:

1. Create Fins, Eyes, and Details:
   • Create a sketch on the front plane and use the “Point Spline” command to trace the outlines of the fins and tail. The tail in the photo is not the same on the top and bottom, so I mirror the lower to form my desired shape.

• Extrude the three profiles 2mm, selecting the “New Body” operation to modify these individually.

2. Add Tail Details:
   • Create an extruded feather by clicking on the tail body, making a new body, and extruding into the existing body.
   • Hide all other models, leaving only the new tail model, and create a sketch on the face.

• Use a thin feature extrude (cut 0.5mm) through the entire model and choose the “Intersect” option.

• Turn the original tail model back on and use the “Combine” function from the modify ribbon.

3. Repeat for All Fins:
   • Repeat the steps to create all required details on the fins.
4. Outline the Head and Gills
   • Sketch on the front view and outline the head and gills.

• Use the “Split Tool” command to cut the body solid and repeat for both profile sketches.

• This will split the body into three sections, which can be modified using the “Scale” function from the modify drop-down menu.

• Ensure to select the “Non-Uniform” scale to expand the thickness, and repeat these steps on the front section of the face. Adjust the offsets to your desired results.

5. Add the Eye Feature
   • Using the same techniques previously learned, add the eye feature. I have scaled it using the non-uniform scale, and reduced the width to create an eye.

6. Add the Side Fin
   • Draw the side fin, ensuring it does not cross the face line on the body as indicated in the reference picture. (You will be unable to extrude the feature if it crosses lines between the faces).
   • Perform an offset extrusion and select the “New Model” option.

7. Position the Side Fin
   • Move and rotate the side fin model to the required position using the “Move/Copy” tool from the modify ribbon. I have rotated the fin to give it a bold profile.

• Make the desired changes and confirm by clicking “OK.”

7. Join Solid Bodies
   • Join all the solid bodies to form one body using the “Combine” feature, selecting the “Join” option.

8. Split and Mirror the Model

• Split the model using the front plane and turn off the second side model that was created.
• Create a mirror body from the side body using the front plane as the mirror plane and select the “Join” option.
• This will create the final model of the fish.

Conclusion: Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope you have gained new skills to enhance your expertise in the field.

Still looking for answers? Start a discussion with other professionals in your industry!