Fusion 360 Reviews

“Beginner-friendly

Pros

As someone who's fairly new to CAD, I'm honestly blown away as it's ridiculously simple for me to design whatever I imagine, I get all the tools I need at no cost and it just keeps getting better over time!

Cons

I notice that it still freezes sometimes for no clear reason, even on my high-end PC workstation although that's a pretty minor issue!

“Positive experience overall

Pros

I've had a great experience with this program. It's where I developed numerous project designs, including my robo soccer bot. The entire robot was modelled in Fusion and I exported DXF files for laser cutting to produce the final machine. It's been invaluable for drafting pieces for patent submissions, lab reports, class projects and more. Right now I'm designing an FPV drone in Fusion and I'm hoping this one turns out well too. Before that I completed a robo race bot using Fusion as well. A lot of my 3D-printed parts were modelled here and I even designed a medical delivery robot's storage box. I sketched up a cycle design and several other devices using the same workflow. It provided an excellent learning curve as a beginner and helped move me up to an intermediate level. I'm looking forward to improving even further with this tool.

Cons

Generally I don't run into major issues but occasionally the program stutters when I use more complicated commands. For example, if I try to run an extrude immediately after applying a pattern, it can slow down because it's processing a lot at once. Another annoyance is that I need an internet connection to save files, without being online I can't save my work.

“Flexible software

Pros

I've found it incredibly flexible. It handles everything I need, from sketching P&IDs and preparing parts for 3D printing to running simulations that help me model new process flows.

Cons

Getting up to speed was tough at first because it packs so many features so I ended up needing lots of tutorials, hands-on practice and real work time to learn it properly.

“Cloud-based system

Pros

Because it keeps all files in the cloud, I no longer worry about losing work and that cloud capability has been a real game changer for me. The real-time collaboration tools also make designing with my team far smoother and more efficient, letting us work on projects together simultaneously without any version conflicts.

Cons

I'm overall very happy with it although my only complaint is that producing high-quality renderings demands fairly powerful hardware which can be a drawback.

“Comprehensive CAD modeling

Pros

I find the CAD modeling extremely comprehensive, letting me design virtually anything I need all inside a single program.

Cons

Personally, I'm frustrated by pricing and the subscription structure they use for their software products.

“Extensive range of features

Pros

I'm really impressed by it's wide-ranging toolset. It lets me take a hand-drawn sketch and turn it into a manufacturable product without jumping through hoops. For example, I can handle sheet metal work, produce high-quality 3D renderings, design PCBs and much more within the same app. The interface is user-friendly and enjoyable to work with and the pricing tiers fit me whether I'm a hobbyist at home, a student or a practicing engineer.

Cons

From my perspective there are a few drawbacks. I can see an educator running into trouble if a teacher needs every pupil to register for Fusion because coordinating sign-ups and accounts for an entire class could be problematic.

“Simple to get the hang of

Pros

It's simple to get the hang of and it's a powerful tool that's central to our machine shop.

Cons

There isn't much I dislike beyond the machine posts for Fusion's CAM which I find complex and not especially convenient to work with. Still, their support and third-party help have made it pretty easy for me to overcome those hurdles.

“Has many useful tools

Pros

I really like this program for modeling 3D parts. I get a ton of handy, practical tools while modeling and it stays consistently up to date thanks to Autodesk's support which is one of the best brands in the industry.

Cons

The biggest drawback is its weakness with organic design. I find it's geared much more toward building three-dimensional parts for machines and similar components, rather than sculpting organic shapes.

“Userfriendly product

Pros

It's so user-friendly, the keyboard shortcuts make things convenient and the way tools like Extrude/Remove are combined into a single button make workflows easy.

Cons

In my experience the animation and simulation features lag behind programs like SolidWorks or CATIA V5 which offer more advanced capabilities.

“Useful features

Pros

I've found the variety of features and tools really helps me shape precisely whatever geometry I'm aiming to create.

Cons

That said I notice it doesn't run as smoothly as some other CAD programs though I think it's an excellent option for beginners.

“Pleased with it

Pros

Coming from other platforms, I found this very simple to use. Since I'm already familiar with similar tools, I was able to pick it up really quickly and without much effort.

Cons

I'm honestly not seeing any downsides. Overall I'm genuinely very satisfied with how it works for me.

“Offers advanced simulation options

Pros

The software offers advanced simulation options that let me easily test how real-world, commercial parts hold up under actual stress, a feature I relied on in my previous organization.

Cons

I found the tool harder to use because of potential malware risks which made me wary during regular use.

“Immersive 3D designing experience

Pros

I find it's underlying structure delivers an excellent, immersive 3D design workflow.

Cons

The yearly license feels somewhat expensive.

“Reasonable pricing

Pros

The interface feels very well-organized and since it's cloud-based I can reach all my files from anywhere. I also appreciate that the pricing is affordable.

Cons

I've found it handles complex models poorly and frequently chokes on large files which slows my workflow. I also have to be online most of the time because it's so dependent on the internet and that reliance can be frustrating.

“Costly and confusing

Pros

I can't find anything positive as it's expensive, confusing and irritating.

Cons

For me everything seems odd and unclear and I end up looking everything up, even how to move the camera while other programs are far more logical and let me use them without training.

“Ease of use

Pros

I find it really easy to use, with several handy features and simple access that make getting started simple.

Cons

My hope is they expand several of the features further so the overall user experience feels more polished and capable.

“Amazing collaborative workspace

Pros

As an engineering instructor, I find its collaborative workspace fantastic and I use it to teach my students. The Fusion Teams channel makes it easy for them to collaborate on CAD files all in one spot. We no longer have to swap USB sticks anymore.

Cons

I think it is excellent overall and I can't really point to any feature I dislike. If I had to suggest an improvement, it would be in the assembly design area, specifically the application of constraints and the motion analysis tools could use some refinement.

“Well laid out

Pros

The well laid out interface makes designing simple. The solid collaboration, simulation and rendering tools really consistently boost my projects

Cons

My main issue is the limited customization and the steep learning curve which is compounded by its heavy dependence on a reliable internet connection.

“Makes designing easy

Pros

When I'm creating furniture for clients, this software makes it really simple to develop high-quality pieces that meet their needs.

Cons

I haven't faced any limitations yet and everything I've wanted to accomplish has been possible with this program.

“Simple UI

Pros

It's interface is very simple and much easier to understand than SolidWorks which makes it a superior choice for anyone getting started with CAD.

Cons

I appreciate that it is geared toward beginners but in my experience it's not the industry-standard like AutoCAD and misses a few higher-end tools. Aside from that, I still find it very approachable and it runs more smoothly on lower-spec machines.

“Helpful timeline feature

Pros

I've found the timeline tool really useful because it lets me go back and tweak dimensions without having to rebuild the entire CAD model.

Cons

My rig needs to be fairly powerful and I also have to set aside a substantial amount of disk space.

“Easy to handle

Pros

I'm comfortable using it because it's easy to pick up and I see fast progress. As a hobbyist I'm glad it's free to use.

Cons

Not all features are available to me on the free plan. I found several functions disabled.

“Limited printing options

Pros

Its very easy to manage and it has plenty of toolbars that make constructing 3D models easier.

Cons

My experience is that the rotation views aren't very smooth and the printing options are quite limited.

“Best option for 3D CAD

Pros

As a maker, I think it is currently the best option for 3D CAD because it makes creating complex parts simple and fast.

Cons

I do notice it can feel a bit clunky sometimes, just like many other CAD programs which gets frustrating.

“My go-to program for creating 3D models

Pros

We're finding this tool extremely versatile and easy to use. It's become my go-to program for creating 3D models.

Cons

It took me a while to get comfortable with it since it takes time to learn although after putting in some effort I'm able to sketch out simple models.

“The laggy nature of the program makes it unusable

Pros

This parametric design software allows me to easily modify previously created features.

Cons

Fusion causes a lot of frustration because of its slow and laggy performance. Even on my modern Mac M1, it's impossible to accomplish any work efficiently within the software.

“Fusion 360 does not help me at all and is complicated

Pros

I can color objects and alter their appearance, along with creating engineering drawings.

Cons

It's needlessly confusing which makes simple tasks like clicking or deleting specific elements a cumbersome process.

“Great tools for CAD for home projects, small tasks

Pros

Fusion 360 software offers a wide range of tools that improve efficiency and detail in the model, such as the thread creation tool. It also integrates well with manufacturing tools.

Cons

Compared to other CAD tools, Fusion lacks collaborative features and navigating assemblies can be challenging.

“Very useful.

Pros

I personally use the free version and it's probably the best "free" 3D software available. It's user-friendly and interactive.

Cons

The sketch tool leaves much to be desired. The lack of visual clarity with blue on blue colors and the finicky snap function make sketching a hassle. Sketching was much faster and easier with tools like Autocad R14 (even though it was a long time ago and what I am accustomed to). Additionally, I am not a fan of cloud-based software since I often work while traveling.

“How fusion broke my heart

Pros

Fusion 360 is an amazing program! It has everything a designer needs. Parametric 3D CAD? Yes, sir! Simulations? Check! Collaboration? No problem! PCBs? No problem! It covers CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing. Until recently, the hobbyist license offered functionality similar to the enterprise version, but that has changed.

Cons

The license model is flawed. The hobbyist license becomes useless once you're accustomed to all the enterprise functions. Fusion is heavily promoted in schools and colleges, but once you have to pay for it, the cost is too steep for a hobbyist. That's why I stopped using Fusion.

“good 3d software for hobby

Pros

The interface is very simple and intuitive which makes it easy to take the first steps.

Cons

Since it's primarily designed as a hobby program, creating complex projects can be challenging. Some commands are missing or difficult to locate.

“Low cost but powerful CAD package

Pros

Compared to other CAD packages, Fusion 360 has an incredibly low cost, and it's easy to get started with. It can perform most of the tasks you would expect from a modern CAD package, and the cloud features make collaboration very convenient.

Cons

The technical drawing package still needs improvement, especially if you're working on large commercial products. In comparison to software like SolidWorks, Fusion can be cumbersome to use when dealing with massive products that have complex feature trees and hundreds of components.

“The software for modeling and simulating your designs.

Pros

I really like the cloud functionality as it allows me to store my models on cloud servers and access them anytime. The fabrication feature is also excellent as it enables me to generate tool paths for machining parts and 3D printing.

Cons

I haven't encountered any negative points so far but that might be because I've only used it a few times for a couple of projects.

“Quality 3-D modeling software that is inexpensive and user friendly

Pros

Fusion 360 is affordable and fulfills 99% of my modeling needs. The user interface is simple and intuitive. It strikes a good balance between providing easily accessible essential features without overcrowding the interface with numerous options that are just one click away, if you can find the right "button."

Cons

Initially, I faced an issue with Fusion 360 during updates, which wasn't directly related to the software itself but rather the updating experience. My IT team struggled with it, almost leading me to consider canceling the subscription and switching to OnShape, a cloud-based alternative that doesn't require IT involvement. However, to be fair to AutoDesk, I never encountered problems updating the hobbyist version on my personal laptop. Fortunately, the last couple of updates were more manageable for my IT team so it seems they have overcome the learning curve. This issue doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. Another concern I had was the lack of ability to incorporate weld symbols into drawings. But, Fusion 360 addressed this by adding the capability, allowing me to provide detailed drawings with weld symbols without the need for manual workarounds. This concern has also been resolved. The only remaining drawback I have with Fusion 360 is its simulation capabilities. I had moderate expectations for the FEA tool, but it seems limited in terms of credits and types of simulations like linear FEA. It feels like AutoDesk is merely ticking the box to say Fusion 360 can perform FEA. My recommendation is to explore other tools like SimScale, Abaqus or Ansys for simulation needs.

“Number one of 3D modeling and simulation

Pros

Fusion 360 offers abundant references and resources for learning and training. The software is packed with functions and features, and its simulation capabilities make it the best 3D modeling software.

Cons

Fusion 360 comes with a slightly higher price tag, and it's not specifically designed to the dental field.

“My experience with FUSION 360

Pros

With Fusion, I can create new things from scratch and bring them to life. Once I master the CAD and 3D functions, I can model pieces in various materials and render them or transfer them to other software for manufacturing. Learning it from scratch isn't easy due to its many features, but the advantage is that there's an abundance of learning material on YouTube and in the Adobe community.

Cons

The main con I believe is the price mainly if you don't have access to a student or enterprise account, as it can be quite expensive. However, considering the extensive features and user-friendly interface, it's worth the investment. Another point to note is that learning Fusion 360 from scratch may not be easy, but there is ample learning material available online.

“Very good!

Pros

This software is really impressive! I love how easily I can create 3D drawings and prototypes on paper.

Cons

One aspect that bothers me is the lack of version control. Since I alternate between using Fusion on my PC and the online version, there are times when I have to update Fusion on my PC because my project won't open. Having an automatic update feature or an option to choose the desired version would be ideal.

“Collaboration and Power in Design

Pros

Fusion 360 provides collaboration tools and powerful features for 3D design, including parametric modeling and simulation capabilities.

Cons

Fusion 360 requires an internet connection for access and may have a slightly overwhelming user interface, with occasional crashes reported by some users. Additionally, the pricing may not be appealing for freelancers.

“headache

Pros

I rely on machining and can't afford any delays caused by unresponsive or malfunctioning software.

Cons

I experienced frequent hangs, software instability, and unpredictable behavior with f360. The lack of fast and reliable customer support added to the frustration.

“Decent Product, Just Expensive.

Pros

Once you become familiar with Fusion 360, it's fantastic. I can quickly create models and test them digitally.

Cons

Certain parts of the user interface feel clunky, and it's disappointing that there is no dark mode available, especially when other Autodesk tools like AutoCAD offer it.

“Love Fusion 360

Pros

Personally, I use Fusion for designing and modeling objects for my 3D printer, and it works amazingly well.

Cons

Initially, the program can be confusing due to the abundance of features, but watching YouTube videos helped me easily overcome this hurdle.

“Great In Theory. Clunky in Practice.

Pros

Parametric design, a clean interface, and decent rendering are some of the great features of Fusion 360.

Cons

Bugs, bugs, bugs, too many bugs. Regardless of the computer I use, I face performance issues. Drawings consume a lot of resources, and making changes in the design tree often leads to major errors. Features stop working randomly. Having used Fusion since 2016, I can confidently say that it's becoming increasingly cumbersome.

“Easy to use for beginners and advanced engineers

Pros

The UI is excellent, and it's easy to use. Compared to other contemporary CAD software, Fusion is a lot simpler.

Cons

Fusion 360 lacks sophistication and isn't reliable for complex designs.

“Years of experience

Pros

As someone who started with Eagle, I found it a nice progression to move to Fusion. It's really user-friendly, even as a student. Building PCBs with it was a fun experience.

Cons

Sometimes, I encounter issues with the library when attempting to add my own components. This weakness becomes apparent when compared to the ease of constructing designs.

“Fusion 360 quickly became our #1 Design software

Pros

What initially attracted us to Fusion 360 was its price compared to Rhino or Solidworks. However, we discovered that it's a powerful tool that offers nearly every feature we could ask for.

Cons

Our team, consisting of individuals experienced with Solidworks and Rhino, quickly adapted to Fusion 360. Personally, as a CNC novice, I found the learning curve to be steep. Eventually, I enrolled in a course that proved immensely helpful.

“Fusion 360, the software for all!

Pros

Where do I even start? Fusion 360 immerses me in the drawing experience, making it easy to bring my designs to life with multiple commands. I can also simulate my designs directly, and the accuracy and ease of use are impressive. The best part? It can all be done in the cloud, so I don't need a powerful computer to run my simulations!

Cons

It's difficult to pinpoint any shortcomings in this software. For my occasional and simple usage as a mechanical engineer, it fulfilled all my requirements. I could easily share drawings with my team and access previous work without any problems.

“Fusion 360 Review

Pros

Fusion 360 makes CAD designs a simple task. Also I can easily create any type of 3D model for purposes like 3D printing and prototyping.

Cons

While Fusion 360 is user-friendly, it lacks some advanced features that professionals might seek.

“Fusion 360

Pros

This software is incredibly user-friendly, allowing me to complete models on time and easily create component models. The best part is that I can edit the sketch at any stage of the process. It's great for making 2D diagrams and converting them into accurate 3D models.

Cons

This software demands significant storage space and relies on high-speed data. Sometimes, troubleshooting errors can be challenging. Upgrading to new versions of the software can also become cumbersome.

“Fusion 360

Pros

Fusion 360 is my go to software for 3D modeling. It simplifies the process of creating component models, and it helps me deliver projects on time. Converting 2D drawings into 3D designs is particularly easy with this software. Plus, modifying the design by editing the sketch is highly effective.

Cons

This software operates exclusively on high-speed data, and it requires a significant amount of storage space. Occasionally, I encounter issues when transferring documents within the software.

“Would you use Fusion 360 youself?

Pros

In my opinion, it's incredibly user-friendly, especially for beginners.

Cons

I have no complaints about it. I simply love it. There's nothing to dislike about it.