Fusion 360 - A Game-Changer for Personal Use, Now with Limited Functionality

Autodesk has made some significant changes to its Fusion 360 software, which is now free for personal use. While the majority of users will not be affected by these changes, those who have been using Fusion 360 extensively may need to adapt to the new limitations.

What does it mean for you? Well, if you're a startup company or an individual designer working on non-commercial projects, you can continue to use Fusion 360 without any restrictions. However, if you've been relying heavily on the software's advanced features and capabilities, you'll now need to choose from one of three subscription types: Fusion 360 for personal use, which is limited in functionality but still free; or upgrade to a paid subscription.

So, what are the limitations? First and foremost, the new license will only be available for non-commercial, personal use. This means that if you're using Fusion 360 for commercial purposes, you'll need to upgrade to a paid subscription. Additionally, there are some restrictions around unusual corporate arrangements, such as subsidiary companies, contractor use, and more.

But don't worry - this change doesn't affect your free access to Fusion 360. In fact, the software's integrated CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB tools will continue to be available for personal use.

What are the benefits of using Fusion 360 for personal use? For starters, you'll have unlimited active and editable documents (although there is a limit of 10 documents). You can also export your designs in various formats, including F3Z, DWG, DXF, IGES, SAT, and STEP. Plus, you can download designs from public share links and enjoy multi-sheet support, smart templates, and output options for drawings.

However, it's important to note that there are some limitations to the software's functionality. For example, team features and power CAD import/export will no longer be available. This may not affect most personal users, but if you're relying on these advanced features, you may need to upgrade to a paid subscription.

Why is Autodesk making these changes? According to the company, it's all about scaling and aligning intended usage with its various offerings. By limiting functionality for non-commercial use, Autodesk can better support advanced capabilities for Fusion 360 subscribers and stay true to its guiding principles of democratizing design for everyone.

In conclusion, while the changes to Fusion 360 may be significant for some users, they shouldn't affect most personal users. The software is still free for home-based, non-commercial design, manufacturing, and fabrication projects, and it offers a range of features that are perfect for hobbyists or individuals working on personal projects.

So what do you need to do? Simply fill out the form answering all the questions and more, and then apply to Autodesk. You can also download a free 30-day trial of Fusion 360 from the Autodesk website if you want to try out the software before committing to a subscription.

Remember, Fusion 360 is still an incredible tool for personal use, and with its limited functionality, it's perfect for those who are just starting out or want to tinker with design without breaking the bank.

Fusion 360 is free for personal use