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Autodesk VS Autodesk Fusion 360

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

Autodesk logo Autodesk

Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, with expertise across architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, and entertainment.

Autodesk Fusion 360 logo Autodesk Fusion 360

Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE featuring collaborative editing and cloud-based computation.
  • Autodesk Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-23
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27

Autodesk features and specs

  • Comprehensive Suite of Tools
    Autodesk offers a wide range of software for 3D design, engineering, and entertainment, including AutoCAD, Revit, Maya, and more, providing solutions across various industries such as architecture, construction, manufacturing, and media.
  • Industry Standard
    Many Autodesk products are considered industry standard, especially in fields like architecture, engineering, and digital media. This status ensures compatibility and ease of collaboration with other professionals using similar tools.
  • Cloud-Based Features
    Autodesk provides cloud-based services, allowing users to store and share files easily, collaborate with team members in real-time, and access projects from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Regular Updates and Innovations
    Autodesk frequently updates its software with new features and tools, ensuring that users have access to the latest technologies and improvements in their design processes.
  • Educational Access
    Autodesk offers free educational licenses for students and educators, providing opportunities for learning and teaching the software without the financial burden.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk

  • High Cost
    The subscription fees for Autodesk software can be significant, which may be a burden for small businesses or individual users compared to other more affordable alternatives.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to the complexity and vast array of features available in Autodesk products, new users may find it challenging to learn and fully utilize the software without considerable training.
  • Resource Intensive
    Many Autodesk applications require powerful hardware to run efficiently, which might necessitate investments in high-performance workstations, particularly for rendering and simulation tasks.
  • Subscription Model
    Autodesk's transition to a subscription-based model has frustrated some users who prefer the option of a one-time purchase. This model can lead to ongoing costs instead of a single upfront expense.
  • Customer Support Experience
    Some users have reported issues with the responsiveness and availability of Autodesk's customer support, which can be problematic when dealing with complex software issues.

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.

Autodesk videos

Introduction to Autodesk Design Review

More videos:

  • Review - 21+ Autodesk Software Explained
  • Review - Autodesk Sketchbook REVIEW

Autodesk Fusion 360 videos

Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners (2020)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Autodesk and Autodesk Fusion 360)
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0
3D
4 4%
96% 96
Architecture
10 10%
90% 90
Technical Computing
0 0%
100% 100

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 and Autodesk Fusion 360

Autodesk Reviews

Trending 10 BEST Video Game Design & Development Software 2021
Autodesk offers a suite of programs for making the most stunning visuals, immersive environments, and 3D models. Unsurprisingly, Autodesk is at the heart of many blockbuster AAA games.

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

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Autodesk seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Autodesk mentions (6)

  • Anyone else unable to sign into their AutoDesk account?
    Check with your team now, I'm able to sign into autodesk.com now at least. Source: over 2 years ago
  • How do I force all devices to sign out?
    I believe that we're using NAMED USER license. When I sign in to autodesk.com I need to attach a product (Civil 3D in my case) to a specific user. I can remove that product from any user at any time and give it to another user. I do not believe that any of my staff is using their own devices. They say that they are not, and I believe them, but that's sort of the mystery at this point. I only have so many... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Autodesk wants to audit me when I'm not a current subscriber.
    Sorry if the image wasn't clear. The gmail address is mine and the person I was talking to came from an @ autodesk.com email. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Can the Fusion360 slicer do anything Cura can't?
    I think my question title may be autodesk.com that reads,. Source: over 3 years ago
  • My fridge was kind enough to justify the existence of my 3d printer yesterday
    Sign up for fusion 360 on autodesk.com It's free. Watch some youtube videos to get you started, and start playing around. Doesn't take long to start doing small things, and being a real design program, you can edit a build to make adjustments, and not have to rebuild the entire things. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

Autodesk Fusion 360 mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Autodesk Fusion 360 yet. Tracking of Autodesk Fusion 360 recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

CreatiBI - Use content as targeting, and shift your focus from tweaking campaigns to what truly matters - creating outstanding content. Compelling content effortlessly draws in the desired audience, standing out as the most efficient advertising approach.

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

Asana - Asana project management is an effort to re-imagine how we work together, through modern productivity software. Fast and versatile, Asana helps individuals and groups get more done.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Milanote - Milanote is a note taking app for creative work.

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