AutoCAD vs Fusion 360

Compare AutoCAD and Fusion 360's features. Learn about the differences between the two 3D modeling software.

Fusion 360
AutoCAD
AutoCAD LT
Civil 3D
Fusion 360
InfraWorks
Inventor
Revit
Revit LT
AutoCAD
AutoCAD

Pricing

MonthlyN/AN/AN/A
AnnualN/A$1,350$2,175
3 yearN/A$4,050$6,525

Overview

Fusion 360 is an integrated industrial and mechanical design platform. Concept and prototype in collaboration with manufacturing.

Design every detail with 2D and 3D CAD software. AutoCAD has improved industry toolsets and workflows across desktop, web, and mobile.

Professional-grade tools for 2D and 3D modeling, collaboration, advanced simulation, CAM, and digital factory design.

2D + 3D modeling, design + rendering

Detailed concept renderingsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
3D graphics rotation/panningCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Advanced geometric viewsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Edit scans with raster and vector toolsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Shape generatorCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
SketchingCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Assembly modelingCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Mechanical concept and layout designCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Mesh modelingCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Surface modelingCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Parametric modelingCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Tube and pipe designCheckmarkCheckmark
Direct modelingCheckmarkCheckmark
Freeform modelingCheckmarkCheckmark
Component generators and calculatorsCheckmarkCheckmark

Documentation

2D manufacturing drawingsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Compatible for 3D printingCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Geometric dimensions & tolerances (GD+T) standardsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Print batches of drawingsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Tracked changes within drawings *with Manage ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Exploded viewsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Print batches of multiple product drawingsCheckmarkCheckmark
Detect and comply with CAD standardsCheckmarkCheckmark
Xref compareCheckmarkCheckmark
Smart annotation toolsCheckmarkCheckmark
Architechture Drafting StandardsCheckmarkCheckmark
Content centerCheckmark

Collaboration

Import, export modelsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Shared view collaborationCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
User managementCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Global shareCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Commenting + redliningCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Unlimited accessCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Public/private design sharingCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Team participantCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Import, export blocks CheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Import, export drawingsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Import and convert PDFsCheckmarkCheckmark
Attach, edit, display point cloudsCheckmarkCheckmark

Cloud and mobility

Access, view, or edit remotelyCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Publish, share, and collaborate onlineCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Works with popular cloud servicesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Web appCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Mobile appCheckmarkCheckmark
Annotate dwg files in airplane modeCheckmarkCheckmark

Simulation and visualization

Exploded views and animationsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Stress analysisCheckmarkCheckmark
Cloud simulationCheckmarkCheckmark
SimplifyCheckmarkCheckmark
Compare resultsCheckmarkCheckmark
Static stressCheckmarkCheckmark
Modal frequencyCheckmarkCheckmark
Thermal & thermal stressCheckmarkCheckmark
BucklingCheckmarkCheckmark
Non-linear StressCheckmarkCheckmark
Event simulationCheckmarkCheckmark
Shape optimizationCheckmarkCheckmark
Dynamic simulationCheckmark

APIs and automation

Manufacturing methods & constraintsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Machine learning & AICheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Create custom keystroke commandsCheckmarkCheckmark
AutoLISP programming and automationCheckmarkCheckmark
Visual LISP functionalityCheckmarkCheckmark
Visual Basic applicationsCheckmarkCheckmark
Record repetitive keystroke sequencesCheckmarkCheckmark
Edit multiple object propertiesCheckmarkCheckmark
Industry-specific object librariesCheckmarkCheckmark
MacrosCheckmarkCheckmark
Native, editable resultsCheckmarkCheckmark
Cloud solveCheckmarkCheckmark
CostingCheckmarkCheckmark
Design configurationsCheckmarkCheckmark
Automated frame designCheckmarkCheckmark
Sheet metalCheckmarkCheckmark

Mechanical design

Design parts, assemblies, productsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Automate part updatesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Assign parametric constraints for partsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Intelligent tool palletesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Import external CAD geometryCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Object materials and mass propertiesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Automate bills of materials creationCheckmarkCheckmark
700,000+ intelligent manufacturing partsCheckmarkCheckmark

Electrical + PCB design

Schematic captureCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Create panel layouts, schematic diagramsCheckmarkCheckmark
Use consistent project standardsCheckmarkCheckmark
Organize in a project-based structureCheckmarkCheckmark
Wiring diagram error checkingCheckmarkCheckmark
65,000+ intelligent electrical symbolsCheckmarkCheckmark
PCB layoutCheckmarkCheckmark
PCB manufacturing (CAM)CheckmarkCheckmark
Design for manufacturability/DRCCheckmarkCheckmark
MCAD-ECAD unificationCheckmarkCheckmark
Component library managementCheckmarkCheckmark
SPICE simulationCheckmarkCheckmark
Electronics coolingCheckmarkCheckmark
PCB design integrationCheckmarkCheckmark
Printed circuit board interoperabilityCheckmark

Manufacturing

2.5 & 3-axis millingCheckmarkCheckmark
3+2 milling (5-axis positional)CheckmarkCheckmark
4-axis millingCheckmarkCheckmark
5-axis simultaneous millingCheckmarkCheckmark
Setup probingCheckmarkCheckmark
TurningCheckmarkCheckmark
Mill-turningCheckmarkCheckmark
Water jet, laser cutter, plasma cutterCheckmarkCheckmark
Free Post Processor LibraryCheckmarkCheckmark

Additive manufacturing

Fused filament fabricationCheckmarkCheckmark
Associative programmingCheckmarkCheckmark
Metal additive manufacturingCheckmarkCheckmark

Model management

Integrate coordinated BIM modelsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Model-based definitionCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
BIM interoperabilityCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Assign objects to layers with colorsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
TrustedDWG™ file validationCheckmarkCheckmark

Data management

Administrative toolsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
User managementCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
File exportCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Version controlCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
AnyCADCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Work with non-native dataCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Create reusable block librariesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Printed circuit board interoperabilityCheckmarkCheckmark

Toolsets

Architechture toolsetCheckmarkCheckmark
Map 3D toolsetCheckmarkCheckmark
MEP toolsetCheckmarkCheckmark
Plant 3D toolsetCheckmarkCheckmark

Extension compatibility

Simulation ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmark
Generative Design ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmark
Machining ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmark
Nesting & Fabrication ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmark
Product Design ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmark
Manage ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmark
Additive Build ExtensionCheckmarkCheckmark

User interface

Customize menu, ribbon interfacesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Content sensitive ribbonsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Cohesive user experienceCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Block libraryCheckmarkCheckmark
Edit, print logical drawing setsCheckmarkCheckmark
Import, edit, and create CAD blocksCheckmarkCheckmark
Quick access recent or favorite blocksCheckmarkCheckmark

Support and stability

Automate updates and notificationsCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Includes service packs, updatesCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Certified hardware supportCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Available dedicated phone supportCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Extensive user communityCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Guides, tutorials, and training centerCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Customize installs for your companyCheckmarkCheckmarkCheckmark
Access to releases from prior yearsCheckmarkCheckmark

System requirements

Processor

2.5-3+ GHz

2.5-3+ GHz

2.5-3+ GHz

Microsoft Windows

10, 64-bit

10, 64-bit

10, 64-bit

Apple MacOS

Big Sur v11

Big Sur v11, Windows 10 on Mac

Linux

Disk space

30 GB

30 GB

30 GB

RAM

8-32 GB

8-32 GB

8-32 GB

Video graphics card

DirectX 11 capable, Shader Model 5, min. 4 GB of video memory

DirectX 11 capable, Shader Model 5, min. 4 GB of video memory

DirectX 11 capable, Shader Model 5, min. 4 GB of video memory

Browsers

Chrome

Chrome

Chrome