AutoCAD vs Fusion

by Gralio Mar 10, 2025

AutoCAD and Fusion 360 address different design and manufacturing needs. AutoCAD excels in 2D drafting and offers specialized tools, while Fusion 360 provides a comprehensive cloud-based platform for the entire product development lifecycle.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 4358 reviews and 60 websites, saving 1 day, 42 minutes of reading.

AutoCAD

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Fusion

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About

AutoCAD is a design and drafting software to create 2D and 3D models. It offers industry-specific tools for fields like architecture and manufacturing. AutoCAD stands out with its web and mobile apps, enabling work from anywhere. It promises increased productivity through specialized features and a familiar interface.

Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based design and manufacturing software that brings together all stages of product development in one place. It offers 3D modeling, manufacturing planning, electronics design, and simulation tools, allowing teams to work together seamlessly from concept to production. Fusion helps manufacturing companies streamline their design process, reduce reliance on physical prototypes, and get products to market faster.

Summary

Main difference

AutoCAD is a robust desktop-based software specializing in 2D drafting and 3D modeling, ideal for businesses needing industry-specific tools and a familiar interface. Fusion 360, a cloud-based platform, offers a broader range of product development tools, from design and simulation to manufacturing, fostering collaboration and streamlined workflows.

Relative strengths of AutoCAD (compared to Fusion)

Strong 2D drafting capabilities and a familiar interface, well-suited for established workflows.
Industry-specific toolsets cater to diverse sectors like architecture and manufacturing.
Web and mobile apps offer flexibility for remote work and on-site access.

Relative weaknesses of AutoCAD (compared to Fusion)

3D modeling capabilities are less advanced compared to Fusion 360.
Desktop-based licensing can be expensive and less flexible than cloud subscriptions.
Limited collaboration features compared to Fusion 360's cloud-based platform.

Who should use AutoCAD VS. Fusion

AutoCAD is user-friendly 2D drafting software praised for its customization and industry-standard tools. However, some users report performance issues and high costs. Best for medium to large businesses in manufacturing, real estate, construction, and media and entertainment.

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing. Users praise its comprehensive features, seamless workflow, and beginner-friendly interface. However, some have noted cloud dependency issues and limitations in drawing features. Best for businesses seeking an all-in-one product development solution.

Best for medium to large businesses (100+ employees).
Ideal for Manufacturing, Real Estate & Construction, and Media & Entertainment.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes needing a comprehensive product development solution.
Best fit for Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Education, Media & Entertainment, Software/IT, and Automotive industries.

AutoCAD and Fusion features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Supported

AutoCAD allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models using various built-in tools.

Supported

Fusion 360 allows creating 2D drawings from 3D models.
Dimensioning

Supported

AutoCAD supports manual and automatic dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.

Not supported

Fusion 360 supports manual but not automatic dimensioning for 2D drawings.
DWG support

Supported

AutoCAD fully supports importing and exporting DWG files.

Partially supported

Fusion 360 supports importing DWG files with workarounds, but exporting is not confirmed.
2D Sketching

Supported

AutoCAD supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.

Supported

Fusion 360 supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.
DWG import

Supported

AutoCAD natively uses DWG files, so importing them is supported.

Supported

Fusion 360 supports DWG import, but some elements might be missing.
Design review tools

Partially supported

AutoCAD supports design review via Autodesk Design Review.

Partially supported

Fusion 360 supports design review via Autodesk Design Review.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.56

Rather negative sentiment

+0.5

Rather positive sentiment
Customer Service

+0.78

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.33

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.72

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.71

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.26

Neutral sentiment

+0

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.11

Neutral sentiment

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

-0.45

Rather negative sentiment

+0.71

Strongly positive sentiment

AutoCAD and Fusion Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.56

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Rather positive

+0.5

See full Pricing page

AutoCAD and Fusion review insights

4358 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Intuitive and user-friendly interface for 2D drafting, praised for its ease of use and familiar commands.
Extensive customization options, including custom commands, shortcuts, and workspaces.
Widely used and recognized as an industry standard, ensuring compatibility and collaboration.
Vast online resources, tutorials, and a large user community provide ample support.
Precise and accurate drawing tools, essential for detailed technical drawings and plans.

Comprehensive feature set, including integration with McMaster-Carr.
Easy to learn and use, especially for beginners.
Seamless transition between design, modeling, and simulation.
Excellent collaboration features, including web-based sharing.
Integrated system allows for a streamlined workflow from sketch to 3D print.

Users dislike

Performance issues, slowdowns, and crashes are frequently reported, especially with larger files and 3D modeling.
High cost of licensing and subscription model is a major concern for individuals and small businesses.
3D modeling capabilities are considered limited compared to dedicated 3D software.
Steep learning curve and complex interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
Limited file format compatibility and occasional issues with importing/exporting files.

Cloud dependability can be an issue.
Drawings can be a mess and prone to crashing.
Some features, especially in the sketcher, could be more user-friendly.
Limited drawing features, especially for professionals.
Expensive, especially considering limitations for hobbyists.

AutoCAD and Fusion Ratings

G2

4.4/5

(1446)
Capterra

4.7/5

(2449)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

G2

4.5/5

(492)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

Company health

Employee growth

2% increase in the last year

Web traffic

2% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

March 2020 - $0

How do AutoCAD's mobile and web apps compare to Fusion 360's cloud-based accessibility?

AutoCAD offers web and mobile apps that extend access to design and drafting tools beyond the desktop, enabling users to work on the go. Fusion 360, being fully cloud-based, provides inherent accessibility from any device with a web browser, eliminating the need for separate app installations while facilitating real-time collaboration and data sharing.

Which product better integrates design, manufacturing, and simulation workflows?

Fusion 360 better integrates design, manufacturing, and simulation workflows. It offers a single platform encompassing 3D modeling, manufacturing planning, electronics design, and simulation tools, enabling a seamless transition between these stages. While AutoCAD excels in design and drafting, its simulation capabilities are less integrated. Fusion 360's cloud-based nature further enhances collaboration and streamlines the entire product development process.

What are the advantages of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD's advantages include a familiar interface, industry-specific tools, and web and mobile apps for flexible access. It is widely recognized as an industry standard, ensuring compatibility and collaboration, and is supported by vast online resources and a large user community. AutoCAD excels in 2D drafting, offering intuitive and precise tools for detailed technical drawings.

What are the disadvantages of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD's disadvantages include performance issues with large files and 3D modeling, a high cost, limited 3D capabilities compared to dedicated 3D software, a steep learning curve for beginners, and limited file format compatibility. Users also report occasional issues with importing and exporting files.

Alternatives to AutoCAD and Fusion

XTEN-AV

XTEN-AV is a cloud-based software designed for the audiovisual industry. It helps businesses create professional AV designs and proposals with tools like automated drawing generation, a library of over 1.5 million AV products, and proposal templates. XTEN-AV offers collaboration features, integrations with popular business applications, and a virtual reality platform to visualize room designs. Pricing is tiered based on user count and feature access.

BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a cost-effective computer-aided design (CAD) software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and building information modeling (BIM). BricsCAD aims to be familiar to users of other CAD software, enabling a quick transition. It boasts innovative features like machine learning to improve drawing accuracy and efficiency. BricsCAD offers both permanent and subscription licensing options to fit various needs and budgets.

Solid Edge

Solid Edge is a suite of software designed to help businesses create and manage product designs. It offers tools for 3D modeling, simulating product performance, and managing the manufacturing process. Solid Edge aims to be user-friendly and affordable, making it suitable for mid-sized companies looking for a comprehensive product development solution.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

PIPEPHASE

PIPEPHASE is a software used by oil and gas companies to simulate the flow of oil and gas through pipelines. It helps companies design, plan, and optimize their pipeline systems. PIPEPHASE allows companies to model different scenarios, like changing production rates or pipeline diameters, to see how it impacts efficiency and profitability. This helps companies make informed decisions about their pipeline operations, leading to improved performance and reduced costs.

Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-based design platform for creating and managing product designs. It combines powerful 3D modeling tools with built-in collaboration and version control features. This means your design team can work together in real-time, from any location, without worrying about file compatibility or data loss. Onshape aims to speed up the design process, improve collaboration, and eliminate the headaches of traditional design software.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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