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SketchUp VS Autodesk Fusion 360

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

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SketchUp logo SketchUp

3D for Everyone

Autodesk Fusion 360 logo Autodesk Fusion 360

Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE featuring collaborative editing and cloud-based computation.
  • SketchUp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-18
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27

SketchUp features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SketchUp has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it accessible to beginners as well as professionals. Its simplicity helps users quickly learn the software without extensive training.
  • Extensive Library
    The 3D Warehouse offers a vast repository of pre-made models and components, enabling users to enhance their designs without having to create everything from scratch.
  • Versatility
    SketchUp is suitable for a wide range of applications, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering, making it a versatile tool for various professionals.
  • Affordability
    SketchUp offers a free version that provides sufficient features for hobbyists and small projects. Paid versions are also relatively affordable compared to other professional CAD software.
  • Third-Party Extensions
    There are numerous plugins and extensions available that enhance SketchUp's functionality, allowing users to customize the tool to better fit their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of SketchUp

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While SketchUp is powerful for basic and intermediate designs, it lacks some advanced features found in other high-end CAD software, which may be necessary for complex projects.
  • Performance Issues
    SketchUp can experience performance issues and slow down when handling very large or highly detailed models, which can be a limitation for projects requiring high detail.
  • Rendering Quality
    The built-in rendering capabilities of SketchUp are relatively basic. For high-quality, photo-realistic rendering, users often need to rely on third-party plugins like V-Ray or Lumion.
  • 2D Drawing Limitations
    SketchUp is primarily a 3D modeling tool and its 2D drawing capabilities are not as robust as specialized 2D drafting software, making it less ideal for creating detailed 2D technical drawings.
  • Interoperability
    Although SketchUp supports various file formats, there can be compatibility issues when integrating models with other CAD software, which may require additional conversion steps.

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.

Analysis of SketchUp

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SketchUp is a robust and versatile software for 3D modeling, especially in fields like architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Its ease of use combined with advanced features makes it a valuable tool for both hobbyists and professionals.

Why this product is good

  • SketchUp is considered a good tool for various reasons. It offers an intuitive interface that is accessible to beginners while still providing powerful tools suitable for professional designers. The software supports a wide range of plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize and enhance its functionality. Additionally, SketchUp has a large, active community that shares models, tips, and tutorials, making it easier for new users to learn and for experienced users to discover new techniques.

Recommended for

  • Architects
  • Interior designers
  • Landscape architects
  • Product designers
  • Educators and students
  • Hobbyists interested in 3D modeling

SketchUp videos

SketchUp 2019 | My HONEST Review

More videos:

  • Review - Watch This Before You Get Started With SketchUp (2019 Update)
  • Review - SKETCHUP 2019 - REVIEW. REACTION. RANT.

Autodesk Fusion 360 videos

Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners (2020)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SketchUp and Autodesk Fusion 360)
3D
72 72%
28% 28
Architecture
76 76%
24% 24
3D Modeling
100 100%
0% 0
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 SketchUp and Autodesk Fusion 360

SketchUp Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
SketchUp offers a free web-based application, SketchUp Free, and three paid subscription plans: SketchUp Shop, SketchUp Pro, and SketchUp Studio – each tailored to provide increased functionality.
Source: aircada.com
10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
SketchUp is a user-friendly 3-D model software program that specializes in creating architectural and interior layout models. SketchUp is popular for its intuitive interface, speedy modelling gear, and massive library of extensions.
10 Best Blender Alternatives: An Overview
2) Wide array of plugins: SketchUp's core functionalities can be vastly expanded through its rich ecosystem of plugins. Whether it's advanced Rendering, simulation, or specialised Modelling tools, there's likely a plugin available to cater to users' specific needs, ensuring that SketchUp remains versatile across diverse projects.
Top 15 free interior design software and tools in the year 2022
Sketchup is another popular interior design program. Sketchup is a professional and useful 3D design program. Even for specialists, the interface is rather sophisticated and takes some time to get used to. For a powerful 3D modeling experience, professionals use Sketchup.
Source: www.reddit.com
15 Best Maya Alternatives
One of the advantages of using SketchUp is access to hundreds of expertly-developed extensions. These extensions are available in the SketchUp Warehouse and will save you the considerable time you would spend creating the products and models yourself.

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, SketchUp seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 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.

SketchUp mentions (5)

  • Google needs to create a product called Google Gone!
    What! It just switched owners, that's all. Go to sketchup.com. Source: about 2 years ago
  • design build programs
    Not exactly sure what you're asking for but maybe.... SketchUp? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Help for Mom's Condo
    I know sketchup.com a little and searched earlier for something, found https://www.closetfactory.com/entertainment-centers/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Basement remodel.
    I've heard good things about sketchup.com but it costs. If you are going to buy materials (cabinets, fixtures, etc) primarily form a single source I would check with them. I thought that Home Depot had a virtual design center, but it seems you need to physically go in. IKEA has a good design tool that I've used in the past - very advance and free. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • product dissapearing?
    There is no "license" for SU Pro. You use your email address and password that you used when you bought it. Have you installed the program? Log into sketchup.com with your user name and password. Then start SU on your computer. Source: over 3 years ago

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

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

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Sweet Home 3D - Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps to draw the plan of house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D.

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

Autodesk 3DS Max - 3ds Max is software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visualization. Create stunning game enrivonments, design visualizations, and virtual reality experiences.

MATLAB - A high-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation, visualization, and programming