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Autodesk Fusion

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Updated May 5, 2025 at 11:21 AM

Autodesk Fusion 2026: Benefits, Features & Pricing

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Written by Laura Burgess

Content Analyst

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Edited by Caroline Rousseau

Senior Editor

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On this page
  • Our Summary
  • Pricing and Plans
  • Features
  • Integrations
  • Key Sentiments
  • User Reviews
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Our Summary

Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion
4.5
(268)

Pros:

  • Intuitive design tools
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Performance issues

Pricing

Starting at $85.00 per month

What is Autodesk Fusion:

Formerly Fusion 360, Autodesk Fusion is a 3D computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software for product prototypes with sketching, version control, design sharing, feedback capture, and shape optimization. New artificial intelligence (AI) tools and integrated data capabilities with other applications help streamline repetitive modeling tasks.

Why we like Autodesk Fusion:

As a top manufacturing software, Autodesk Fusion offers users version control, collaboration tools such as feedback capture and design sharing, and strong 3D design and modeling capabilities. It earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for functionality, with users praising its intuitive interface and diverse features.

Who should use Autodesk Fusion:

Designed for creating product models, Autodesk Fusion serves manufacturing teams, electronic engineers, industrial designers, and machinists in midsize businesses. It unifies development processes, stores data, creates audit trails, and enables the construction of 3D models from 2D drawings.

Autodesk Fusion Screenshots

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Autodesk Fusion Overview

Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based collaboration platform that helps users create 3D computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) product prototypes. Key features include sketching, version control, public/private design sharing, feedback capture, shape optimization and probing.

Designed for midsize to large businesses, Fusion 360 allows users to design product models of various forms such as parametric, direct, freeform, surface, sheet and mesh. Its data management tool enables enterprises to leverage data by managing user permissions and tracking changes in the design pro...

cess. Additionally, the product offers simulation, which allows users to run multiple tests on designs, compare results and determine displacements. Other features of Autodesk Fusion include frequency and thermal stress analysis, 2D specifications, rendering, operations profiling and more. It is available on a monthly subscription and support is offered via documentation and phone.

Autodesk Fusion Pricing and Plans

Starting price: $85.00 per month
Free Trial
Free Version

1 Month

$85.00

per user, per month

Plan includes:

  • 3d CAD
  • CAM
  • Cloud Collaboration & Data Management
  • Collaboration Software
  • Data Management
  • Flexible 3d Modeling & Design
  • Innovative Generative Design & Simulation Solutions
  • Integrated CAD + CAM
  • PCB
  • Photo-Realistic Rendering & Documentation
Read More

1 Year

$680.00

per user, per year

Plan includes:

  • Cloud Collaboration & Data Management
  • Flexible 3d Modeling & Design
  • Flexible Access
  • Generative Design & Simulation Solutions
  • Integrated CAD + CAM
  • Payment Options
  • Photo-Realistic Rendering & Documentation
  • Unified Electronics & PCB Design

3 Years

$2,040.00

per user

Plan includes:

  • Cloud Collaboration & Data Management
  • Flexible 3d Modeling & Design
  • Generative Design & Simulation Solutions
  • Integrated CAD + CAM
  • Long Term Access
  • Photo-Realistic Rendering & Documentation
  • Unified Electronics & PCB Design
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Our Analysis of Autodesk Fusion's Pricing Plans

Autodesk Fusion offers a range of plans to suit different user needs and budgets. We've analyzed the pricing details to help you determine which option might be the most suitable for your 3D modeling and design requirements. From annual and monthly subscriptions to free versions for personal, startup, and educational use, Fusion provides flexibility in its pricing structure. Let's dive into the specifics of each plan and explore the advantag...

es and limitations to consider when making your decision. __Annual subscription__ Autodesk Fusion’s annual subscription, priced at $680 per year, offers a more cost-effective option than monthly billing—saving users around 33%. The plan includes full access to the software and a single-user license. A three-year subscription is also available for $2,040, though it doesn’t provide additional savings over the annual rate. **Pros:** - __Comprehensive functionality:__ Unlock Autodesk Fusion’s complete set of tools for design, engineering, and manufacturing. - __Long-term savings:__ Enjoy a substantial discount by committing to a year-long subscription. - __Predictable budgeting:__ Simplify financial planning with a fixed annual cost. **Cons:** - __Upfront investment:__ The annual payment may be a significant initial expense for some users. - __Less flexibility:__ Users are locked into a 12-month commitment, which may not suit those with short-term or sporadic needs. - __Single-user limitation:__ The license is restricted to one user, which may not be ideal for teams or collaborative projects. __Monthly subscription__ For users who need short-term access or greater flexibility, Autodesk Fusion’s monthly subscription is available at $85 per month. This pay-as-you-go option includes the full feature set and allows users to scale their usage as project needs change, but does not carry the discount offered to annual subscribers. **Pros:** - __Flexibility:__ Users can start or stop their subscription as needed, without long-term commitments. - __Scalability:__ The monthly plan can easily accommodate fluctuations in demand or project requirements. - __Affordable entry point:__ The lower upfront cost makes it easier for users to get started with Autodesk Fusion. **Cons:** - __Higher long-term costs:__ Over time, the cumulative cost of monthly payments may exceed that of an annual subscription. - __Ongoing expense:__ Users must factor in the recurring monthly fee when budgeting for their projects. __Free trial and free versions__ Autodesk provides several options for users to experience Autodesk Fusion at no cost. A 30-day free trial allows users to explore the software's advanced features and functionality. Additionally, free versions are available for personal hobby use (with limited functionality), startups (less than three years old with 10 or fewer employees), and educational use (for qualifying students, educators, and institutions). **Pros:** - __No financial risk:__ Users can test-drive Autodesk Fusion without any upfront costs. - __Accessible learning:__ Free versions enable users to familiarize themselves with the software before committing to a paid plan. - __Targeted support:__ Specific free versions cater to the unique needs of hobbyists, startups, and educational users. **Cons:** - __Limited functionality:__ The free versions may not include all of the features and tools available in the paid plans. - __Time restrictions:__ The 30-day trial period may not be sufficient for users to fully evaluate the software's capabilities. - __Eligibility requirements:__ Some free versions have specific criteria that users must meet to qualify for access. __Extensions__ Autodesk Fusion offers several extensions that provide additional specialized functionality. These include the Simulation Extension ($1,465), Machining Extension ($1,465), Product Design Extension ($595), Manage Extension ($495), and Signal Integrity Extension ($1,465). **Pros:** - __Enhanced, specialized capabilities:__ Extensions enable users to access advanced tools and features tailored to specific workflows. Each extension focuses on a particular area of expertise, providing users with targeted tools and functionality. - __Modular approach:__ Users can select and pay for only the extensions they need, rather than purchasing a monolithic software package. **Cons:** - __Additional costs:__ The cost of extensions can significantly increase the overall expense of using Autodesk Fusion. - __Complexity:__ The added features and tools may require additional learning and training for users to fully leverage their capabilities. - __Integration challenges:__ Users must ensure that the extensions they choose are compatible with their existing workflows and systems. __Conclusion__ After analyzing the pricing structure of Autodesk Fusion, it's evident that the software offers a range of options designed to cater to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. **For hobbyists, startups, and educational users:** Autodesk provides free versions of Autodesk Fusion with varying levels of functionality. Hobbyists can access a limited free version for personal use, while eligible startups (less than three years old with 10 or fewer employees) and qualifying students, educators, and institutions can benefit from more comprehensive free access. These options allow users to explore the software's capabilities without incurring costs. **For small businesses and professionals:** The monthly and annual subscription plans offer flexibility and affordability. The monthly plan, priced at $85, provides a low-risk entry point for those who need short-term access or have fluctuating project demands. The annual plan, at $680 per year, offers a cost-effective solution for businesses with consistent usage, as it includes a 30% discount compared to the monthly plan. **For enterprises and specialized needs:** Autodesk offers a suite of extensions that enhance Autodesk Fusion's functionality in specific domains, such as simulation, machining, product design, and more. These extensions come at an additional cost, ranging from $495 to $1,465, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their unique requirements and scale their capabilities as needed. Ultimately, the choice of pricing plan depends on factors such as the size and nature of the business, the intended use of the software, and budget considerations. By carefully evaluating these aspects and leveraging the available free trials and discounts, businesses can select the most suitable pricing option to maximize the value of Autodesk Fusion for their specific needs.

Autodesk Fusion Features

Drawn from insights across 268 verified reviews, we've outlined Autodesk Fusion's best and worst rated features and how they stack up against the average rating.

Autodesk Fusion's score
Category average

Autodesk Fusion's Best Rated Features

2D Drawing

5.0

4.33 category average

3D Design & Modeling

4.63

4.35 category average

Data Import/Export

4.55

4.25 category average

Autodesk Fusion's Worst Rated Features

Product Data Management

3.60

3.43 category average

Reporting/Analytics

4.0

3.78 category average

Project Management

4.03

4.06 category average

  • Popular features found in 3D CAD
    2D Drawing
    Animation
    Bill of Materials Management
    Data Import/Export
    For 3D Printing
    For Architects
    For Manufacturers
  • More features of Autodesk Fusion
    3D Design & Modeling
    3D Modeling
    Access Controls/Permissions
    Annotations
    API
    Bills of Material
    CAD Tools
    Change Management
    Collaboration Tools
    Compliance Management
    Component Library
    Configurable Workflow
    Content Library
    Customizable Fields
    Design Management
    Document Generation
    Document Management
    Document Storage
    Drafting
    Drag & Drop
    Electrical
    File Management
    Floor Plans & Maps
    Landscape Design
    Manufacturing Design Data
    Mechanical
    MES
    Mobile Access
    Offline Access
    Parts Management
    Product Data Management
    Production Management
    Project Management
    Project Templates
    Project Workflow
    Quality Control
    Real-Time Updates
    Rendering
    Reporting/Analytics
    Reusable Designs
    Rules-Based Workflow
    Scheduling
    Secure Data Storage
    Sketching and Annotation Tools
    Third-Party Integrations
    Workflow Management

Autodesk Fusion Integrations

Based on 268 verified reviews, we've identified products most frequently integrated with Autodesk Fusion.

AutoCAD
AutoCAD
Integration rated 4.0 from 2 reviews
Inkscape
Inkscape
Integration rated 5.0 from 2 reviews
Ansys Discovery
Ansys Discovery
Integration rated 5.0 from 1 review
VRED
VRED
Integration rated 5.0 from 1 review
Unity
Unity
Integration rated 5.0 from 1 review
CURA
CURA
Integration rated 5.0 from 1 review

See all 13 integrations

Autodesk Fusion Key Sentiments

We analyzed 268 verified reviews for Autodesk Fusion to find out what actual users really think.

Most Positive Sentiments

Design and prototyping

68% Positive
30% Neutral
1% Negative

Reviewers find Fusion 360 invaluable for rapid prototyping, enabling quick transitions from concept to production. They appreciate the user-friendly tools that facilitate the creation of complex designs and the software's versatility in handling various projects, from medical devices to furniture. Users also commend the ability to design, develop, and manufacture within the same application, streamlining their workflow.

3D CAD design

68% Positive
23% Neutral
10% Negative

Users appreciate Fusion 360's feature-rich environment for creating 2D and 3D technical drawings. They find the software easy to use for modeling various materials and appreciate its integration with 3D printing, allowing seamless transitions from design to manufacturing. Additionally, reviewers highlight the software's comprehensive tools for rendering, simulation, and exporting models, making it a versatile choice for 3D CAD projects.

Free licensing

64% Positive
29% Neutral
7% Negative

Reviewers are pleased with Fusion 360's generous licensing options, particularly the free version for hobbyists and non-profits. They find the software's functionality comparable to professional tools, making it accessible for personal projects and small businesses. Users appreciate the ability to use Fusion 360 without cost, provided they do not monetize their creations, which supports a wide range of creative endeavors.

Least Positive Sentiments

Professional use

64% Positive
12% Neutral
24% Negative

Reviewers appreciate Fusion 360's ability to enhance productivity and provide high precision for industrial solutions. They find the software effective for various professional applications, including engineering and manufacturing. However, some users feel that Fusion 360 is expensive and falls short in certain engineering disciplines, limiting its effectiveness for all professional needs.

Learning curve

41% Positive
38% Neutral
22% Negative

Users acknowledge that Fusion 360 has a steep learning curve, requiring significant effort to master its features. They find the software intuitive and powerful once learned, enabling the creation of complex designs. However, beginners may struggle with the initial complexity and advanced functionality, necessitating substantial training and practice to become proficient.

Cloud access

50% Positive
31% Neutral
19% Negative

Users value Fusion 360's cloud storage, which allows easy access to projects from any machine and facilitates collaboration by sharing files with teammates. They appreciate the convenience of cloud-based CAD, which reduces local storage needs and ensures up-to-date file versions. However, some reviewers express concerns about internet dependency, cloud crashes, and file recovery issues, which can disrupt their workflow.

Autodesk Fusion User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5

Ratings Breakdown

5

63%

4

28%

3

5%

2

1%

1

2%

Secondary Ratings

Ease of Use

4.1

Value for money

4.3

Customer support

4.1

Functionality

4.5

Brock's profile

Brock P.

Verified reviewer

Retail

51-200 employees

Used weekly for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed February 2023

Fusion 360 quickly became our #1 Design software

5

Fusion 360 is a fantastic program at a great price. Since bringing this tool into our environment we have pretty much stopped using everything else.

Ratings Breakdown

5
Ease of use
5
Value for money
5
Customer support
5
Functionality
icon
Pros:
What initially drew us to Fusion 360 was the price compared to Rhino or Solidworks. However, this is a POWERFUL tool with just about every feature we could ask for.
Cons:
Our team who had previously worked with Solidworks and Rhino took to Fusion 360 very quickly. Personally, I am more of a novice on CNC. For me the learning curve was pretty steep. Ultimately I found a course on it which helped a TON.

Reasons for choosing Autodesk Fusion

More powerful than VCarve Pro and much cheaper than Solidworks.

Reasons for switching to Autodesk Fusion

Fusion 360 is an industrial class tool on par with Rhino or Solidworks for a FRACTION of the price. It has everything we could ask for. We also used Vectric Vcarve Pro for many years and Fusion 360 is MILES better than these tools.

Read More

sunny's profile

sunny p.

Verified reviewer

Automotive

Self-Employed

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2021

Best cloud based CAD software

5

Ratings Breakdown

4
Ease of use
4
Value for money
5
Customer support
5
Functionality
icon
Pros:
its cloud based rendering helps me a lot because it helps me getting high quality image without using my pc power and instantly.
Cons:
The software overall not have something i don't like but its getting Havier by every update which is a problem for old computer systems. because lot of student use fusion and have old PC.

Reasons for choosing Autodesk Fusion

1. It's free for students 2. It's user interface 3. It's community support 4.some of it's unique features like T-spline modeling.

Read More

kg

kev g.

Verified reviewer

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

51-200 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2024

Fusion CAD work

3

Ratings Breakdown

3
Ease of use
4
Functionality
icon
Pros:
easy to use some nice features ease of access
Cons:
could expand on many of the features to enhance user experience

Read More

Alejandro's profile

Alejandro S.

Verified reviewer

Oil & Energy

Self-Employed

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2021

Fusion 360, a simple alternative for 3D mechanical design

5

The use that I have given to Fusion 360 is more oriented to modeling simple parts and parts to be printed in 3D, in these areas it is even more versatile than the other software I have used, such as Autodesk Invetor and SolidWorks, which I have used. used to perform complex assemblies and simulations. Fusion 360 has been very useful for me to make prototypes to scale in the 3D printer

Ratings Breakdown

5
Ease of use
4
Value for money
5
Customer support
4
Functionality
icon
Pros:
Fusion 360 is a lighter and cheaper alternative for the design of 3d parts and machines, although it does not have all the features that can be found in specialized software such as Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks, that simplicity and low cost can mean an advantage if what you want to design and draw is not very complex. Another great advantage is that Fusion 360 can be used for free if you are looking for a hobby use. For example to manufacture parts on your 3D printer or on your CNC router.
Cons:
As it is a technical software, free modeling is somewhat restricted, so if you are looking to make aesthetic models or with complex shapes, this software is not the best alternative. In terms of mechanical design, although you can get good results with simple parts and machines, for complex assemblies it will also be somewhat limited and you will have to opt for options such as Autodesk Inventor.

Reasons for switching to Autodesk Fusion

Because the cost of Autodesk Inventor is much higher and it was not justified for the work that was going to be done

Read More

Godwin's profile

Godwin A.

Verified reviewer

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

11-50 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed March 2021

Fusion 360, the always improving youngster in CAD/CAM/CAE!

4

3D modeling in Fusion 360 is a wonderful experience as I have designed products ranging from medical equipment to automotive technology to household tools and even industrial machine parts with ease.

Ratings Breakdown

5
Ease of use
5
Value for money
5
Customer support
3
Functionality
icon
Pros:
First of all, you can never lose any file on Fusion 360. Even if you fail to save and your device shuts down, you can always get a recovered version on restarting Fusion on that device. Secondly, Fusion 360 is so light as compared to its other competitions as it really doesn't consume much of your OSD/ROM. Finally and obviously, you can easily get access to your design files from anywhere and at anytime you want it as Fusion saves them on the cloud.
Cons:
Of course, Fusion 360 is cloud based and may consume internet data while it is running in "working online" mode. And in offline mode, user experience might not be smooth.

Reasons for switching to Autodesk Fusion

It wasn't really a switch but more of a new preference as it is easier to design a complete project assembly in a single file on Fusion 360.

Read More

CW

Colter W.

Verified reviewer

Automotive

501-1000 employees

Used weekly for less than 6 months

Review source

Reviewed March 2025

Great CAD Software

4

The application works spectacularly for CAD modeling of just about any part; and 3D modeling for 3D printing is great through this software.

Ratings Breakdown

4
Ease of use
2
Value for money
3
Customer support
5
Functionality
icon
Pros:
The CAD modeling is very in-depth, and you can make just about anything all within one piece of software.
Cons:
I highly dislike the price and pricing model AutoDesk implements for their products.

Read More

sm

saravanakumar m.

Verified reviewer

Automotive

10000+ employees

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed December 2024

Engineering Manager Review for Fusion 360

5

Fusion 360 is a complete cloud integrated product, very easy for multiple design teams to use together at the same time, Same project .

Ratings Breakdown

5
Ease of use
5
Value for money
5
Customer support
5
Functionality
icon
Pros:
Advanced simulation options are available, allowing us to easily test how real-world selling parts hold up to real life stress(used in previous organization).
Cons:
Malware risks are available so hard to use.

Read More

DR

Dawne R.

Verified reviewer

Design

Self-Employed

Used monthly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed October 2024

Building with Fusion 360

5

My overall experience with Fusion 360 has been pleasant. It allows me to design and complete small furniture and be able to show a client what the product will look like prior to the build.

Ratings Breakdown

5
Ease of use
5
Value for money
4
Customer support
5
Functionality
icon
Pros:
This program makes it very easy for me to design high-quality furniture pieces for my clients.
Cons:
I have not found anything thus far that I can't do through this program.

Read More

IS

Ian S.

Verified reviewer

Construction

201-500 employees

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed August 2024

Fusion 360 is great for makers

5

Very positive. I really loved the free version you could access as a student.

Ratings Breakdown

5
Ease of use
5
Value for money
5
Customer support
5
Functionality
icon
Pros:
Fusion 360 is the best solution for 3D CAD as a maker right now. It allows you to make complex parts easily.
Cons:
It can be clunky at times like all CAD software and

Read More

SW

Shannon W.

Verified reviewer

Events Services

11-50 employees

Used monthly for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed December 2024

Easy to use software

5

Fusion 360 is really easy to use and can be picked up easily whether you have similar skills in other software or starting from new

Ratings Breakdown

5
Ease of use
5
Value for money
5
Customer support
5
Functionality
icon
Pros:
I found this really easy to use especially when I am used to using other platforms, I picked this up really easily
Cons:
Nothing really, I am quite happy with using it

Read More

Showing 1 - 10 of 268 Reviews

Autodesk Fusion FAQs

  • How much does Autodesk Fusion cost?

    Autodesk Fusion offers a few different pricing plans. Users can download a free trial or purchase one user seat for $85 per month. Users can also purchase a one-year plan for one user for $680 or commit to a three-year plan paid annually for $2,040. Also, Autodesk Fusion offers a free plan for qualifying hobbyists for non-commercial use.

  • Is there an alternative to Autodesk Fusion?

    Yes, there are multiple alternatives to Autodesk Fusion, including AutoCAD, SolidWorks Premium, SketchUp, AlibreDesign, and KeyCreator. All of these are 3D CAD software with different modeling features at different price points. Autodesk Fusion users are largely satisfied, with the platform earning a 4.5-out-of-5-star overall rating. Users highlight its ease of learning combined with powerful capabilities.

  • Can you use Autodesk Fusion without a subscription?

    No. While Autodesk Fusion offers a free trial for 30 days with full access to all features, users must eventually subscribe to a paid plan to maintain access. Pricing starts at $85 per month, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee and the opportunity to lock in pricing for three years. Larger software discounts are available with longer-term subscriptions.

  • What are the disadvantages of Autodesk Fusion?

    Autodesk Fusion has some drawbacks, including ease of use and customer support, both rated at 4.1 out of 5 stars on Software Advice. Some reviews mention a lack of animation and simulation features, while others find the interface confusing, suggesting it demands prior technical experience with 3D modeling software. Additional user reviews highlight performance issues or software crashes, especially when working with large files.

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