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Autodesk Fusion 360 VS SolidWorks Composer

Compare Autodesk Fusion 360 VS SolidWorks Composer and see what are their differences

Autodesk Fusion 360 logo Autodesk Fusion 360

Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE featuring collaborative editing and cloud-based computation.

SolidWorks Composer logo SolidWorks Composer

Easily repurpose existing 3D models to rapidly create and update high-quality graphical assets that are fully associated with your 3D design.
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27
  • SolidWorks Composer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-02

Autodesk Fusion 360 features and specs

  • Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE
    Fusion 360 offers a unified platform for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE), streamlining the workflow for engineers and designers.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration
    Being a cloud-based tool, it allows for seamless collaboration and version control, enabling teams to work together from different locations and devices.
  • Parametric Modeling
    Fusion 360 supports parametric modeling, allowing users to create models based on parameters and relationships, which makes design modifications more efficient.
  • Cost-Effective
    With a competitive pricing structure, including a free tier for startups and enthusiasts, Fusion 360 is accessible to smaller businesses and individual designers.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Fusion 360 has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easier for newcomers to get started and for experienced users to enhance their productivity.
  • Rich Libraries and Templates
    It offers extensive libraries and predefined templates that can significantly speed up the design process and provide useful starting points for various projects.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk Fusion 360

  • Internet Dependency
    Being predominantly cloud-based, Fusion 360 requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which can be a limitation in regions with poor connectivity.
  • Performance Issues
    There can be performance lags and delays, especially with larger, more complex models, which may impact workflow and productivity.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities
    While it does offer some offline capabilities, most advanced features require an internet connection, which can be a disadvantage during travel or in remote locations.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, Fusion 360 has a steep learning curve due to its extensive features and tools, requiring significant time investment to master.
  • Subscription-Based Pricing
    While the pricing is competitive, the subscription-based model may not be ideal for all users, particularly those who prefer a one-time purchase option.
  • Occasional Software Bugs
    Like any software, Fusion 360 is not immune to bugs and glitches, which can sometimes disrupt work and require troubleshooting or technical support.

SolidWorks Composer features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    SolidWorks Composer features an intuitive interface that allows users, even those without a technical background, to easily create product documentation and animations.
  • Integration with SolidWorks
    It integrates seamlessly with SolidWorks CAD, enabling users to import 3D models directly, which simplifies the creation of technical illustrations and animations.
  • Dynamic Updating
    The tool allows for automatic updating of documentation and animations whenever the underlying SolidWorks CAD model is changed, reducing the effort required to maintain accurate documentation.
  • Enhanced Communication
    By using 3D animations and interactive content, SolidWorks Composer improves communication with stakeholders by providing clear, visual explanations that are more engaging than static images.
  • Comprehensive Output Formats
    SolidWorks Composer supports various output formats, including PDFs and interactive HTML, making it versatile in how the content can be shared and viewed.

Possible disadvantages of SolidWorks Composer

  • High Cost
    The software can be quite expensive, which might be prohibitive for small businesses or freelance users who have budget constraints.
  • Learning Curve
    Although easier to learn than a full-fledged CAD system, there is still a significant learning curve associated with mastering all the features of SolidWorks Composer.
  • Limited Editing Features
    Some users find that the editing and customization capabilities are more limited than other, more specialized technical documentation tools.
  • Performance Issues with Large Assemblies
    Users have reported that working with very large assemblies can slow down performance or lead to crashes, affecting productivity.
  • Dependency on SolidWorks
    Its strong integration with SolidWorks can be a disadvantage for users who operate in a multi-CAD environment, as it primarily works well with SolidWorks models.

Autodesk Fusion 360 videos

Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners (2020)

SolidWorks Composer videos

Introduction to SOLIDWORKS Composer

More videos:

  • Review - SolidWorks Composer Overview
  • Review - Creating Technical Documentation with SOLIDWORKS Composer

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Autodesk Fusion 360 and SolidWorks Composer)
3D
77 77%
23% 23
Architecture
87 87%
13% 13
Photos & Graphics
0 0%
100% 100
Technical Computing
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Autodesk Fusion 360 and SolidWorks Composer

Autodesk Fusion 360 Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
A product of Autodesk, Fusion 360 comes to us as an integrated, cloud-based platform for design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing. Released in September 2013, it proves its versatility with compatibility across Windows, macOS, web browsers, Android, and iOS. It’s not only a multilingual tool but also an amalgamation of CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design capabilities.
Source: aircada.com
15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Out of the list, Fusion 360 from Autodesk stands out as the most recommended. When you look at its features, both platforms are not too dissimilar. But, Fusion 360 works faster as it is cloud-powered, and it is relatively more comfortable to use.
Alternatives to SketchUp: Check out 10 free programs
Created by software giant AutoDesk, Fusion 360 is a cloud-based program. It integrates Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) softwares, which makes it a unified platform. Regarding the CAD software, Fusion 360 is a parametric modeling system that allows some more powerful tools, being one of the greatest...
Source: solidface.com

SolidWorks Composer Reviews

We have no reviews of SolidWorks Composer yet.
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Autodesk Fusion 360 and SolidWorks Composer, you can also consider the following products

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

VectorEngineer - VectorEngineer is a CAD software system that you can use to create technical 3D drawings.

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Altair Inspire - Altair Inspire enables design engineers, product designers, and architects to create and investigate structurally efficient concepts quickly and easily.

Inventor - Inventor is a 3D CAD software that lets you quickly create 3D models with embedded intelligence, intuitive workflows, and optimized performance.

ANSYS SpaceClaim - SpaceClaim 3D Modeling Software Solves Geometry Problems Fast.