Our verdict: Fusion's free personal-use license is the most capable free parametric CAD for 3D printing, CNC and hobby projects. The limits are real: 10 editable documents, fewer export formats, no commercial work and an Autodesk account for everything. For anything you sell, you need the paid subscription.
About Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion, formerly Fusion 360, combines parametric 3D modeling, CAM toolpaths and electronics design in one app that stores projects in Autodesk's cloud. The personal-use license is free for home-based, non-commercial projects by people who earn less than US$1,000 a year from them, and it runs for one year at a time with renewal.
Personal use keeps the standard design and modeling tools but limits the rest: 10 active editable documents at once, 2.5- and 3-axis milling, small PCB designs, single-sheet drawings and exports to formats such as STEP, STL, OBJ, 3MF, F3D and SKP. Simulation, generative design, cloud rendering and extensions need the paid subscription.
What it does well
- Parametric modeling. Sketches, constraints and a timeline let you change dimensions after the fact.
- CAM toolpaths. 2.5- and 3-axis milling, turning and additive setups in the personal license.
- Electronics. Schematic and PCB design, limited to small boards for personal use.
- 3D printing export. STL and 3MF export or sending a model straight to a slicer.
- Cloud projects. Designs are stored and versioned in your Autodesk account.
Who it is for
Good fit
Makers, 3D-printing hobbyists and home CNC users designing parts for non-commercial projects.
Look elsewhere
Freelancers or businesses, anyone working offline for long periods, and people who refuse cloud storage.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full parametric CAD free for hobbyists
- CAD, CAM and PCB in one app
- STEP and STL export included
- Frequent updates
Cons
- Only 10 editable documents at once
- No commercial use; license must be renewed every year
- Requires an Autodesk account and cloud storage
How to install Autodesk Fusion
Open the personal-use page on autodesk.com, sign in or create an Autodesk account and confirm that you qualify. The installer is a small downloader that fetches and updates the app. Older designs beyond the 10-document limit can be switched to read-only and back in the data panel.
Questions about Autodesk Fusion
Is Autodesk Fusion free?
Yes, for personal, non-commercial use by people earning less than US$1,000 a year from their projects. Commercial use needs a paid subscription.
What are the limits of Fusion for personal use?
Ten active editable documents, limited CAM, PCB and drawing tools, fewer export formats and forum-only support. Simulation, generative design and cloud rendering are not included.
Is Fusion 360 the same as Autodesk Fusion?
Yes. Autodesk renamed Fusion 360 to Autodesk Fusion; the personal-use license works the same way.
