What is Fusion 360 and how to use it? [free download & review]

Our Review

Pros You can use it for free in some cases An extensive library of tutorials is available online Learning curve is smooth, you can create advanced models from the start Cons Price is high if you can't have it for free Difficult to sketch on curved surfaces

How to install Fusion 360 trial

Like many other Autodesk products, Fusion 360 is not exactly a bliss when it comes to installation. Mostly because it’s a large package, and setup takes a long while before it’s done. Not only that, but even registering for a free trial on the Autodesk website takes forever.

Note that it’s not difficult to create an account, but it requires a lot of steps. The same goes for the setup process; it’s not complicated, but it takes a while, which might try your patience.

How to use Fusion 360

After you deploy the program on your computer, it’s time to start using it. However, if you’re a novice and have no idea what you’re dealing with, you might be overwhelmed. Fusion 360 comes with a lot of functions that may feel downright alien to you.

On the bright side, if you’re patient and take your time to explore Fusion 360’s menus in your own pace, you’ll start knowing the place of every tool, and understand each of their functionality. If you need a quick reminder, just hover your mouse cursor over the feature you’re interested in. In most cases, Fusion 360 will display a few handy tooltips.

What is Fusion 360 used for?

It goes without saying that all Autodesk tools have a ton of handy features and Fusion 360 makes no exception. Therefore, expect to see a lot of tools that you can use for your future projects. As a matter of fact, let’s take a look at some of Fusion 360’s key features.

Build your own design concepts in a unified environment
Create sketches and edit them in various manners
Include T-splines of various densities into your projects
Perform surface modeling for patching, repairing or designing
Use parametric modeling such as extruding, revolving, or sweeping
Import mesh models that you can edit and repair
Repair or edit imported geometry from non-native file formats
Built-in PCB design feature
Use various analysis methods on your designs
Design components made of sheet metal
Use water jet, laser or plasma machines as cutting strategies
Repair or edit imported mesh models or scans such as STL or OBJ files
Various approaches to design assembly
Manage permissions and rights for members or non-members of your organization
Perform complex project administration duties
Export your projects as STEP, DWG, OBJ, STL, DXF, or IGES files
Track changes effectively and prevent conflicts by using version control features
Store your projects conveniently on the cloud
Import models and data from various other tools directly into Fusion 360
Share your feedback on various projects from your favorite device
Use redline, markups, and comments to offer your feedback
Offline mode to take your projects on the go
Web browser preview mode for shared 3D models, so you can see them without modeling tools
Send design projects directly to the 3D printer of your choice
Generate photorealistic renders of your model
Identify the requirements, materials, constraints and manufacturing options for your project
Estimate your manufacturing costs directly from within Fusion 360
Include up to 8 distinct failure scenarios
Display 4 different iterations of the same design (with changes) for your convenience
Identify various consequences of static loads on parts or assemblies such as displacements or stresses
Prevent destructive vibration from ruining your projects
Study thermal distributions and the way they interact with physical forces
Perform an analysis of permanent deformations of your design
Simulate various events to ensure that your project can withstand impact
Optimize your designs by eliminating unnecessary components

We’re not done listing Fusion 360’s key features, but we believe we barely scratched the surface. There’s no way to provide you with a complete set of Fusion 360’s capabilities. If you want to find out more, our advice is to get your hands on it and start designing.

Fusion 360 FAQ

Is Fusion 360 free for hobbyists?

If you own a small startup that generates less than $100k income per year in total revenue, you can have Fusion 360 for free. The same rule applies if you’re a wholly non-commercial hobbyist user or if you’re a student.

How much does Fusion 360 cost?

You can purchase a Fusion 360 license for $495 per year, or $60 per month. You can commit to the monthly or yearly versions, depending on your needs and possibilities.

Is Fusion 360 similar to Solidworks?

As opposed to Fusion 360, Solidworks needs to reference several files to build an assembly. Although Fusion 360 can handle large assemblies without reference, some issues might arise due to the size of the project.