Fusion 360 is a software that enables 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB through its collaborative cloud design. Because you can use all of these applications within the software, Fusion 360 is meant to be your one-stop tool for any 3D design.
This means you shouldn’t have to purchase any other software or tools to get your design done and sent out. The name actually comes from the fact that it can fuse multiple software into one and streamline your design process. It is created by Autodesk.
Since it can do so much in one software, there are a lot of tools and features. This can be overwhelming for many as they struggle to determine which parts of the software they will need for their design and which they can ignore.
Check out this Comparison between Solidworks vs Fusion 360
About Fusion 360
When Fusion 360 was first released in 2013, it quickly became a favorite. There are multiple benefits to using Fusion 360. While its ability to handle every part of a 3D design is a big draw-in, the cloud-based software for storage and collaboration as well as its flexibility were actually the most enticing for many people.
It can be used for almost any 3D purpose such as design, simulations, modeling, circuits, manufacturing, and animation.
| Features | Description |
| System Requirements | Fusion 360 is available on Windows, macOS, web browsers, Android, and iOS |
| Date Released | It was first released in 2013 on July 16th |
| Last Update | The most recent update was 2.0.13162 on May 26, 2022 |
| Rating | 4.5 on G2 |
| Uses | Fusion 360 is designed to work with concept design, 3D modeling, manufacturing, electronics, and simulations, and be collaboration-intensive. |
| Cost | Fusion 360 costs $70 a month for professionals, or you can purchase it for $545 a year. If you know you will want it for multiple years, you can buy a 3-year subscription for $1,635. There is a less intensive version for free for those looking to use it as a hobby and make less than $1,000 a year in revenue. The educational version is also free to use and there is a free trial to test it out. |
Fusion 360 Step by Step – CAD, FEM & CAM for Beginners
- How Many Videos: 25 lessons
- How Long: 3 hours and 33 minutes
- Level: Beginner
If you need to know how to get started on Fusion 360, as well as how to use 3D software in general, then this tutorial can help you out. It walks you through everything Fusion 360 can do as well as every step of 3D design from the actual design to manufacturing.
Fusion 360: Designing Custom Cookie Cutters
- How Many Videos: 12 lessons
- How Long: 40 minutes
- Level: Beginner
Cookie cutters can be fun around the holidays and special occasions, but it can be hard to find the exact cookie cutters you want. This tutorial shows you how to turn 2D designs into 3D models that you can then print off.
While it starts with a simple cookie cutter, you learn the tools to make your own designs.
Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners
- How Many Videos: 1 lesson
- How Long: 34 minutes
- Level: Beginner
Many people recommend this tutorial on YouTube for understanding everything about Fusion 360. It is a mini course, so it doesn’t go much in-depth, but it is a quick way to get a nice walkthrough on how to get started in the system. It covers how to create folders, projects, sketch, insert, and export for 3D printing.
Designing for 3D Printing with Fusion 360
- How Many Videos: 28 lessons
- How Long: 4 hours and 3 minutes
- Level: Beginner
If you want a more in-depth guide on how to use Fusion 360, then this Udemy course is much better. It goes through four hours of lessons on how to download Fusion 360, and then how to make some designs such as tweezers, coat hooks, wrenches, vacuum nozzles, and more. It also goes into depth on how to export and print certificates.
Learn Fusion 360 – Make Anything With 3D Printing & Design
- How Many Resources: 18 Lessons
- How Long: 1 hour and 47 minutes
- Level: Beginner
This course walks you through how the Fusion 360 interface works, specifically for 3D printing. You even get projects to make sure you understand what you are learning by making a useful phone stand.
Autodesk Generative Design for Manufacturing Specialization
- How Many Videos: 1 lesson
- How Long: 112 hours
- Level: Advanced
Autodesk offers its own classes as well, with in-depth information about all of its tools. This tutorial focuses on generative design, specifically for manufacturing.
You use tools you would never think to use on your own and how to make shortcuts that you would otherwise not know about. Since it covers very specific and detailed tutorials for those who already know the basics of Fusion 360.
Complex Topology and Class-A Surface Modeling with Fusion 360
- How Many Videos: 1 lesson
- How Long: 1 hour and 4 minutes
- Level: Advanced
If you want classes straight from the company that designed Fusion 360, then check out the lessons available on Autodesk. They don’t offer quite as wide a variety of topics as other sites, but they do go in-depth on some subjects.
One example is the complex topology that this lesson covers. It covers product design, manufacturing, building design, engineering, and consumer products.
Fusion 360 for 3D Printing – Class 1- Design Thingamabob
- How Many Videos: 6 lessons
- How Long: 14 minutes
- Level: Beginner
3D printing can be a useful job or a way to make your own products for fun. This tutorial walks you through the basics of using Fusion 360 for 3D printing and some of the tools you need to create a thingamabob.
Fusion 360: Product Rendering Techniques
- How Many Resources: 8 lessons
- How Long: 1 hour and 52 minutes
- Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Rendering can be a bit confusing if you haven’t done anything like that before, especially on Fusion 360 where there are so many tools available. This class works you through how to render and make models or presentations.
You will learn how to model liquids, labels, and text, as well as inset decals, reference images, and a rendering scene. It will also walk you through the cloud resources and local resources you may need. There are plenty of exercise files to make sure you are understanding the lessons.
Fusion 360 for 3D Printing – Class 7 – Design a Soap Dish
- How Many Videos: 8 lessons
- How Long: 28 minutes
- Level: Intermediate
Many people have found that using the free version of Fusion 360, or the paid if you are a bigger and more successful business, for 3D printing can be very easy and compatible with their 3D printing devices.
This tutorial walks you through how to make a soap dish and some of the tools you might need for future 3D printing.
Best Fusion 360 Tutorials FAQS
What Are the Limitations of Using the Fusion 360 Hobbyist Software?
Fusion 360 for personal and hobby uses can do quite a bit. You can only have 10 documents active at a time, there are only so many types of export files allowed, and can do only local rendering.
You also don’t have the option for multiple documentation options on 3D drawings, only able to print a single sheet at a time. Simulations, generative design, and extension access are also not allowed using the personal version.
Does Fusion 360 Have to Be Connected to the Internet to Work?
Fusion 360 can be used for local use as well as cloud use. This means that you are able to use almost all of the features and tools without being connected to the internet. However, you do have to connect to the internet every two weeks.
Additionally, all the storage is cloud-based, so if you don’t have an internet connection, many items cannot be saved. This means it isn’t an ideal option for those without constant internet connections.
Additionally, the internet does best when it is at a higher speed. At lower speeds, you risk losing data and files if the connection drops in the middle of work.