Fusion 360 free version

Estimated reading time: 6 min Wondering what is Fusion 360? Learn more about the popular 3D CAD software tool for hobbyists in this guide!Fusion 360 is a 3D CAD program by Autodesk. Its name comes from the software’s ability to allow users to go through much of the design pipeline without ever needing to switch programs. It was first launched in 2013 and became an almost instant hit. Fusion 360 has only grown in popularity since.Its popularity derives from the accessible price, flexible options, and versatile applications. The program can be used for 3D modeling, generative design, failure mode simulation, electrical circuits, manufacturing, and motion animation.With so many capabilities, Fusion 360 can be a bit daunting and overwhelming to a beginner. So, we’ll give you the rundown of the software’s essentials in this article. Let’s dive in!Prices & LicensingChoose the best deal for you (Source: Autodesk)Fusion 360’s license is subscription based, and there are different plans you can choose from:Monthly: $70Annual: $545 (~$45 monthly)Triennial: $1,555 (~$43 monthly)Free trial: 30-day free trialStudent version: Students can access the full program, and it doesn’t matter if their academic institution has a version or not. Simply log in to Autodesk and provide proof of enrollment. Educational licenses are available for one year, after which you have to either renew the proof of enrollment or get a different license.Free version: Hobbyists and personal users can get a free, limited version that only has the CAD, CAM, and PCB workspaces.Start-up option: If you have a company start-up under three years old with fewer than 10 employees, you can qualify for a free version of the full software.System RequirementsA fast render requires a good procesor (Source: Autodesk Fusion 360 via YouTube)Fusion 360, like most Autodesk programs, is available for Windows and MacOS. Below are the recommended specifications to run Fusion 360:OS: Windows 8.1 (until March 2023), 10, or 11; MacOS 10.15.7 Catalina (until March 2023), 12 Monterey, 11 Big SurCPU: 64-bit processor, six or more cores, 1.7 GHz Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3 or greaterRAM: Minimum 8 GBGraphics card: At least 1 GB of VRAMDisk space: 3 GB of disk space for installation – keep in mind that your computer needs even more than that free to run properlyIn addition to the requirements listed above, a three-button mouse is highly recommended.UI & LayoutDon’t get lost with this map (Source: Lauren Fuentes via All3DP)As mentioned previously, Fusion 360 has many features, and to organize them, it uses workspaces.Main ToolbarThe Main Toolbar (1) is where you find the essential tools. You can see the current workspace (2) on the left. When you switch workspaces, the available tools will change as well, and they’re organized in tabs to help better locate everything.In this example, we’re in the Design workspace, and you can see the various tools in the Main Toolbar organized in tabs, including Solid, Surface, and Sheet Metal, among others.Application BarAbove the Main Toolbar are the Application Bar (3) and the tabs for any open files (4). From

Is a tool that allows users to connect their entire product development process, from initial concept to final production. Fusion 360 is designed to help mechanical engineers solve challenges faster by generating multiple 3D design models simultaneously. It offers the ability to share models, create assemblies in one file, and see all component dependencies. This software is not just about creating designs; it’s about understanding how those designs will perform in real-world conditions.Fusion 360 is not just a tool for professionals. It also offers a limited free version for personal use, making it accessible to hobbyists and students. For eligible startups that are less than three years old with ten or fewer employees, Fusion 360 is also available for free. This makes Fusion 360 a versatile tool that caters to a wide range of users, from professionals looking for a comprehensive solution to hobbyists and students just starting their journey in design and engineering.Fusion 360 by Autodesk Key FeaturesIntegrated 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB: Fusion 360 offers an all-in-one solution for design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing. This integration allows for a seamless workflow from design to production.Collaboration: Fusion 360 enables users to share models and collaborate on projects, making it easier to work as a team and streamline the design process.Generative Design: This feature allows users to input design goals and constraints, and the software generates a number of design solutions that meet these criteria.Additive Manufacturing: Fusion 360 supports additive manufacturing processes, allowing users to create complex geometries that

I wanted to give everyone a heads up. i got an email from AutoDesk saying that they are planning to stop support for EAGLE. what they’re doing is trying to force everyone to use FUSION 360, which I can understand from a business point of view, I guess. But what about the people that use the product? they forgot about us or just don’t care. Me, I’m moving to Altium Designer, and I suggest you all do the same. Altium is actually running a promotion right now. $995/year for EAGLE users looking to make a move: Go Altium | Altiumbut honestly, how would they know that you’re switching from EAGLE??? I’m going to jump on this while I can. Yep…I noticed a thing in Autodesk the other day that told me ‘free’ memberships would ‘remain free for one more year’ or something…so it’ll only be pay-to-play, looks like I just installed the free Eagle version 9.6.0 from the Autodesk web page. When starting Eagle the splash page references their (still in the) future plans for it: … ectronics/The sky might not be falling. Disclaimer: I haven’t yet downloaded Fusion 360."Effective June 7, 2026, Autodesk will no longer sell or support EAGLE. Moving forward, we will continue to invest our energy in Fusion 360 Electronics. "“EAGLE Free Subscribers: Fusion 360 for Personal Use is the suggested path forward. Fusion 360 for Personal Use is free and includes integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE functionality, up to two sheets per schematics, two Signal Layers, and a 80mm2 board area. If you’re looking for more, cost-effective monthly and annual subscription options are available.” Johngalt March 13, 2025, 7:52am 4 The move to fusion is unworkable, untenable, and unusable for the following reasons:many of us are unwilling and unable due to security reasons to have

Pricing plans to cater to different user needs. The pricing plans are designed to be flexible and affordable, with options for monthly, annual, and 3-year subscriptions.Monthly Subscription: Priced at $70 per month, this plan offers users access to integrated CAD, CAM, CAE, & PCB on a single development platform, along with access to Fusion 360 extensions and consumptive services such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering.Annual Subscription: This plan costs $545 per year and includes all the features of the monthly subscription but at a lower cost per month when paid annually.3-Year Subscription: For long-term users, the 3-year subscription offers the best value at $1,555, paid every three years.Personal Use: Fusion 360 offers a limited free version for personal use. This version includes basic functionality and is available to qualifying non-commercial users who generate less than $1,000 USD in annual revenue.Educational Use: Fusion 360 is available for free to qualifying students, educators, and academic institutions.Startups: Eligible startups that are less than three years old with ten or fewer employees can also access Fusion 360 for free.Fusion 360 by Autodesk accepts debit or credit cards, and bank wire transfer for payments.6. FieldwireFieldwire is a comprehensive jobsite AI construction management software designed to streamline construction projects by fostering efficient collaboration and real-time information sharing. The platform serves as a central hub where the entire project team, from foremen to project managers, can come together to assign tasks, work from up-to-date drawings, and align the field and office, all from any