SketchUp vs Fusion

by Gralio Mar 13, 2025

SketchUp and Fusion 360 are both powerful 3D modeling software tools but cater to different needs and user profiles. SketchUp prioritizes ease of use and visualization, while Fusion 360 offers a more integrated and comprehensive platform for product development, from design to manufacturing.

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 2746 reviews and 60 websites, saving 15 hours, 45 minutes of reading.

SketchUp

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Fusion

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

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.

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

SketchUp is better for individual users and smaller teams who need an intuitive and affordable 3D modeling software primarily for visualization and conceptual design. Fusion 360 is better for businesses and engineering teams requiring a more comprehensive and collaborative platform that integrates design, engineering, manufacturing, and simulation tools.

Relative strengths of SketchUp (compared to Fusion)

Easier to learn and use, especially for beginners or non-CAD professionals.
Extensive library of pre-made models and plugins available through the 3D Warehouse.
More affordable for individual users or hobbyists, with flexible subscription options.

Relative weaknesses of SketchUp (compared to Fusion)

Limited simulation and manufacturing capabilities compared to Fusion 360.
Performance can be an issue with complex models.
Reliance on plugins for advanced features can add to the overall cost.

Who should use SketchUp VS. Fusion

SketchUp is user-friendly 3D modeling software ideal for design visualization and client presentations. Users praise its intuitive interface and extensive 3D Warehouse, but some find complex modeling challenging without plugins. Best for individuals and businesses in architecture, interior design, construction, and woodworking.

Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based design and manufacturing platform ideal for businesses of all sizes. It streamlines product development from concept to production with 3D modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. Users praise Fusion 360 for its comprehensive features and ease of use, especially for beginners. However, some have noted cloud dependency issues and limitations in drawing features. Fusion 360 is best suited for industries like manufacturing, media & entertainment, and software.

Ideal for small to large businesses in architecture, interior design, and construction.
Best fit for the real estate and construction industry, suitable for related design fields.

Ideal for small, medium, and large businesses seeking a comprehensive product development solution.
Excellent fit for Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, and Software companies.

SketchUp 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

SketchUp supports creating 2D drawings using the integrated LayOut tool.

Supported

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

Supported

SketchUp allows 2D sketching, but primarily focuses on 3D modeling. LayOut offers more advanced 2D drafting.

Supported

Fusion 360 supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.
3D modeling

Supported

SketchUp allows creating and editing 3D models.

Supported

Fusion 360 supports creating and editing 3D models.
Design Sharing

Supported

SketchUp allows sharing designs with stakeholders via links, Trimble Connect, and 3D Warehouse.

Supported

Fusion 360 allows sharing designs with various stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
Design review tools

Partially supported

SketchUp supports design review via Trimble Connect, but lacks direct commenting features.

Partially supported

Fusion 360 supports design review via Autodesk Design Review.
Dimensioning

Supported

SketchUp supports automatic and manual dimensioning tools for both 2D drawings and 3D models.

Not supported

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

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.11

Neutral sentiment

+0.5

Rather positive sentiment
Customer Service

+0.17

Neutral sentiment

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.89

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.79

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

-0.08

Neutral sentiment

+0.07

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.48

Rather positive sentiment

+0.71

Strongly positive sentiment
Scalability

+0.17

Neutral sentiment

+0.56

Rather positive sentiment

SketchUp and Fusion Pricing

SketchUp offers flexible subscription plans for 3D modeling software, with options for individuals, professionals, studios, and educational institutions. They offer monthly and annual billing options (annual pricing shown here), with discounts for annual subscriptions. All plans include access to features such as 3D modeling tools, a library of 3D models, and collaboration features.

Plans

User sentiment

Neutral

-0.11

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Rather positive

+0.5

See full Pricing page

SketchUp and Fusion review insights

2746 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Intuitive and user-friendly interface, easy to learn.
Versatile 3D modeling capabilities suitable for various design tasks.
Extensive 3D Warehouse with pre-made models and components.
Large and active community with ample learning resources and plugins.
Good integration with other software, especially rendering applications.

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

Difficult to create complex or organic shapes without plugins.
Rendering capabilities are limited without plugins.
Large models can cause performance issues, including slowdowns and crashes.
Inconsistent experience across different operating systems (Windows vs. Mac).
Subscription model and pricing can be a barrier for some users.

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.

SketchUp and Fusion Ratings

G2

4.5/5

(1304)
Capterra

4.5/5

(950)
Glassdoor

3.9/5

(1518)

G2

4.5/5

(492)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

Company health

Employee growth

5% increase in the last year

2% increase in the last year

Web traffic

7% decrease in the last quarter

2% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

August 2022 - $1B

March 2020 - $0

How do SketchUp's offline capabilities compare to Fusion 360's cloud-based approach?

SketchUp is primarily a desktop application with some cloud integration for features like 3D Warehouse and Trimble Connect, allowing for offline work. Fusion 360, being cloud-based, requires an internet connection for most of its functionality, though it offers limited offline capabilities for certain design tasks. This means SketchUp offers greater flexibility for users who may not always have reliable internet access, while Fusion 360 benefits from cloud features like real-time collaboration and automatic version control.

Which product better integrates with existing CAD/CAM software?

Fusion 360 is likely the better choice for CAD/CAM software integration. While SketchUp is known for integrations, particularly with rendering applications, Fusion 360 is designed specifically for a CAD/CAM workflow, encompassing design, modeling, simulation, and manufacturing processes within a single platform. This inherent integration likely surpasses SketchUp's reliance on external plugins for similar functionality.

What are the advantages of SketchUp?

SketchUp's advantages lie in its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier to learn and use, especially for beginners or non-CAD professionals. Its extensive 3D Warehouse provides a vast library of pre-made models and components, accelerating the design process. A large and active community offers ample learning resources and plugins, extending the software's capabilities. SketchUp is known for its versatile 3D modeling capabilities suitable for various design tasks across different industries.

What are the disadvantages of SketchUp?

SketchUp's reliance on plugins for advanced features like complex modeling and rendering can be a drawback, increasing costs and potentially creating compatibility issues. Performance issues with large models, including slowdowns and crashes, can disrupt workflows. Some users find the subscription model expensive, especially for hobbyists or occasional users.

Alternatives to SketchUp and Fusion

Revit

Revit is advanced design software for professionals involved in building projects. It allows architects, engineers, and construction teams to work together on a single, detailed 3D model of a building. This helps everyone stay coordinated, spot problems early, and make better decisions. Any changes made to the model are automatically updated everywhere, keeping documents consistent and reducing errors. Revit is a powerful tool for designing, planning, and constructing better buildings.

CADspace

CADspace is an Australian company providing software and services focused on SOLIDWORKS, a popular computer-aided design (CAD) program. While they don't develop their own software, CADspace assists businesses, likely mid-sized ones, with their existing SOLIDWORKS setup. They promise strong technical support to help your company maximize its use of SOLIDWORKS.

AutoCAD

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How are we doing?

Is this information helpful to you? Is there anything we are missing?

Did this help you select your product?

Other issues? Vote & Let us know