Once you've successfully launched Fusion 360 and signed into your Autodesk account, you'll want to start getting familiar with the basic functions of the software. Selecting a license is easy, but it is a legal agreement, so make sure that you qualify for the license that you've chosen.

You will be prompted to select a license after the first time you log into Fusion 360 with your Autodesk ID. Select your License: In order to use Fusion 360 for free, you must obtain a user license from Autodesk - either as a Hobbyist/Startup, a Student, or an Educator. If you've already created an ID and Password for Tinkercad, Fusion 360 will use the same log-in, since both are Autodesk products. Fortunately, the client is available for both PC and Mac systems.Ĭlick here for the Fusion 360 download page.Ĭreate an Autodesk Account: When you first launch Fusion 360, you will be asked for your Autodesk ID and password. Install Fusion 360: Unlike Tinkercad or Onshape, which are browser-based, Fusion 360 requires you to install new software on your computer. Autodesk supports Fusion 360 with professionally-produced learning resources, so you're not left to scrounge the web for tutorials.ġ) Install Fusion 360 and set up your account If you're ready to get down to business now, and you don't mind the initial difficulty curve, Fusion has you covered with dozens of different ways to get started. We recommend initially learning to 3D model using a simpler software like Tinkercad before graduating to Fusion 360. The terms and conditions are a little less restrictive than Onshape, but you should still familiarize yourself with what you can and can't do (some restrictions include the age of the user, who you can share your license with, or how much money you can earn as a business that utilizes Fusion 360 in their production). It is worth noting that there are some restrictions on how you are allowed to use the software, which you can read more about when you select your user license. Complete with a sculpting tool, impact simulation capabilities, and a polished rendering mode, it gives full-priced pro tools like Solidworks a run for their money - at least for hobbyist/startup use.

The tools in Fusion 360 enable fast and easy exploration of design ideas with an integrated concept-to-production toolset.'įusion 360 is one of the most capable and feature-rich 3D modeling programs available for free. It combines industrial and mechanical design, simulation, collaboration, and machining in a single package. 'Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE platform for product development.

Using fusion 360 for 3d printing