Fusion 360 Vs Onshape

[@ynnebbenny]

Nice presentation Arnold. Clear, well spoken and researched. It was a pleasure to watch. For me, and an often overlooked aspect, Onshape being browser based means that I can use it on a Linux computer. The expedience is identical to Windows. Free / Free and legal. I wonder how many 3rd world and emerging economies are going down this path. I look forward to watching more of your stuff.

[@bolesawchrobry8953]

big advantage for me is that onshape works also on linux

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Onshape is great software, I used to love being able to work on an iPad. (Even if you wouldn't want to long term). They also have good training materials.

[@w33va]

There's been a big change regarding Fusion 360. The 3 year edu accounts (free) seen to have been changed to 1 year. A third party now checks your edu credentials, so the age and demographics will now be enforced.. (guessing too many took advantage).

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Thanks Matt, its always good to get news about how things are working out in practise. I'll be making a change to my license soon by the sound of it.

[@peterharris3096]

Excellent presentation which clarified a few things for me, Ive used both and liked them equally, recently got a half price subscription offer for fusion 360. I could have carried on with as a hobbyist but thought the cost was worth the investment.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Good on you Peter, does that half price subscription get you the generative design features?

[@sylvainforget2174]

I just completed the two OnShape courses. I enjoyed learning that software. The two areas I found challenging for me are as follows: I never did find the drawings, and in the last two lessons of the intermediate course some of the sketches are not fully defined in the videos (left with blue lines and extruded). On the positive side, I had to pay close attention to the videos.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Well done Sylvain, its been two years since I left Onshape behind for Fusion 360 so I can't answer your question off the top of my head. The forums are excellent and you will probably get a string of helpful replies there. I have been reading some of the emails they send out and it looks like they are adding some neat features.

[@sylvainforget2174]

I guess I wasn't clear. These were challenges in your lessons. Since I completed the lessons and I learned something, those were not big challenges. For the record, I still prefer Fusion 360.

[@willh.2155]

Thank you for the video. However, I wanted to point out that Onshape does have basic learning tutorials (called self paced) that are free and geared towards beginners, which I am learning and using. Only two out of the many courses/learning paths are not free, as shown in your video (10:16 self paced course, but did not go beyond). So I am not sure if you overlooked that, or biased intentionally due to their change of service terms. Or maybe they added more since your video. I am using this for our high school robotics team. I will pay to get business/pro if we need it down the road. We bought Solid Works at work already, by the way.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

I hope I don't sound like the fox who says "those grapes are probably sour anyway". I really like Onshape and would have stuck with it if I could have. I'm glad to hear that their beginners courses are better than I thought, my impression was that they were focussed on converting users of other CAD software to their own platform and I never really dived right in. It will be interesting to see how the recent takeover by PTC affects Onshape.

[@ashishshete]

Thanks for sharing.

[@dumyjobby]

I like onshape very much but i find myself forced to switch to fusion 360, i am deveoping a product but i can't yet afford the subscription cost but also to have the files public is a problem. I enjoyed onshape a lot but that is a deal breaker

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Yes dj, the good thing about F360 is that they're happy to have you on the Personal Use license. I hope Onshape does well and I hope your venture is successful too. You should be able to do most of what you need on the free version of Fusion 360 and upgrade when it suits you. You can renew the Personal Use license each year but its a tricky procedure, let me know if you need help with that when the time comes.

[@gregausina]

I’d like to switch to fusion as well but unfortunately there is no Ipad version. Thanks for the comparison anyway, very interesting.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

If you are using an iPad for your work then yes, Onshape is the right choice.

[@happygilmore2100]

There is fusion 360 for the iPad but not sure if it is just a viewer.

[@doomestosis]

Thank you for well and informative comparison video.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

You're welcome zelano, are you using CAD at the moment?

[@doomestosis]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 Hello Arnold. Currently I am learning how to use Fusion 360, I have some knowledge with SolidWorks, because of that i was considering Onshape as it seems pretty similar to the SW, but as you said here, the licencing of Fusion 360 is more welcoming to new users. I obtained "Startup" licence of Fusion 360 and i am pretty happy with learning curve, only thing that I am concerned is that Fusion 360 don't handle complex assemblies as SolidWorks, but I am fine for now I guess. I subscribed to your channel and I will be watching your tutorials when I finish with Fusion 360 courses that are provided on their site.

[@philliptoone]

I made the switch from Solid works to OnShape in the spring of 2017.

[@philliptoone]

I had been using SolidWorks since 2000 and haven't touched it since I discovered OnShape.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Onshape is nice software and if you can get over the feeling of vulnerability to intellectual property theft it has a lot of advantages over SW. Solidworks is old enough now to look bloated in comparison to newer, younger and leaner competitors. What I really liked was the iPad interface even though I never wanted to do any serious work away from my desktop.

[@jovan_script]

Thanks for the advice, and the courses too! :)

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Glad to be able to help Jovan. Onshape is neat software, I hope it works out for you.

[@jovan_script]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 yes it is, and F360 as well. I'm doing 3d just as a hobby, but I might grab Fusion, since it's not that pricey, and Autodesk is a solid company. I've heard PTC acquired Onshape too. Thanks again, cheers!

[@jreamer0]

4 years later and it bump 3d printing way up, cloud based way up because of AI integration (same goes for opensource for use AI add-on coding) AND pay as you go because competition is going to start raging.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

My video is a bit dated now Jreamer, have you seen a more recent survey? What has changed is that PTC corporation bought Onshape and they are more focused on finding a viable business model. Where do you see the competition coming from? Its only an impression but everywhere I look, software is on subscription and rarely a one-off purchase.

[@broderp]

You didnt mention Fusion 360 limitations and de-featuring of thier program if you are on thier free tier. As an older tinkerer, not in school for many years now I no longer quality for "educational " licences. The free version of Fusion 360 limits you to 10 active files and limits what formats you can export to among other things. For the occasional use, even $385 a year is too steep. They should have a yearly plan like MS 365, $100 a year that would fit many casual budgetsxwithout the PIA limitations.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

bro, this video was made years before the license changes and the 10 document limit for free users. I did a video when the changes were introduced here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ3VoaywptqGh7M I still maintain that Fusion 360 is the best deal for hobbyists, inventors, backyarders and small businesses.

[@leftovercode]

Sorry about the change in service that much effort should be rewarded and you should be recompenced. Thank you for the video, very helpful.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Thanks LOC, I’m feeling right at home with Fusion 360 nowadays. It seems Solidworks has recently come out with a competing product so I’ll probably cover that story soon.

[@christian-yg9vy]

thank you for this great video. : )

[@stefanoceppi3406]

thanks for the professional explanations.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

That's very kind Stefano.

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

2020 ... could you please re-look and give a comparison ... I am on the verge of shifting from F to O ... so very confused

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Neville, I made a decision to leave Onshape and go to Fusion 360 two years ago and won't be changing my mind any time soon. I haven't looked at Onshape since except to keep up with the news and there have been some interesting developments. PTC bought Onshape in mid to late 2019. I read about this in the upfront ezine where there has been some commentary over time. I recommend that you start there www.upfrontezine.com/ and search Onshape in the right hand panel. My impression is that Onshape will be under increased financial pressure from the new owners which will affect their product offerings in the near to medium term.

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 thank you for the timely response. Yes I too was reverting back to F360 literally last night. After seeing your video and posting the query here ... i went ahead and relooked at Onshape and saw the post about PTC takeover and fee structure etc and was dis-disillusioned. so i decided to go back or rather stay with Fusion 360. I am currently using the free trial period for startups. Their online has been giving login issues and there has been no resolution ... my files are stuck in the cloud ... its literally raining cats and dogs here in my home town (light hearted mention) but retrieving my cloud files has no response from Fusion team. I too am going to stick with Fusion ...and keep poking at Onshape. The main thing that pulled me to them was the ability to work on multiple platforms/devices like android, tablet and such. Thanks again for the response.

[@JohnDavidDunlap]

I want to like Fusion360 but their upper management are stuck in the 1990's and refuse to support Linux. I use OnShape for this reason.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

I understand John, it was pretty close for me and I would have stayed with Onshape if they had any desire to work with hobbyists and backyarders. I guess I'm stuck in the 1990's too but I just don't get the attraction with Linux. I find windows good enough for work but more and more I use Chrome OS and Android for everything else. I might even do the unthinkable and go back to iOS now that they've made the frightful iTunes obsolete on the ipad. Oh, and Onshape is still the best 3D MCAD on an ipad, I just wouldn't use it like that, a mouse is far better for CAD.

[@JohnDavidDunlap]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 I'm a programmer by trade and programming is just easier on Linux, especially given that the vast majority of servers out there (where my code runs) are also Linux. It doesn't make sense for me to make my job harder to make my hobby easier.

[@Nabilphysics]

your videos are good. But could you please improve your sound recording.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Working on it Nabilphysics, this video is a couple of years old now, what do you think of the sound quality more recently?

[@Nabilphysics]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 I will definetly check it out. thanks for your reply.

[@accuracymark]

Thank you!

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

You're welcome Am!

[@pudelfan3059]

Just looked on the fusion 360 homepage. No Linux version. Onshape on the other hand works great im browser on my Mint19. Looks good, but not for me. Peace Pudelfan

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Hi Pudel Fan, what is it about poodles? They say that they're the only dog you can train to catch fish under water so they must be pretty smart. So is that Onshape or Fusion that 'looks good but not for you?' And I'll be interested to know if you can find any CAD for Linux other than in the browser. Let me know.

[@pudelfan3059]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 Hi. I don't know about the fishing. My Poodle does not like water. And yes, they are very smart. I switched to Linux a few months ago. I do have a dual boot setup with Windows 10, but right now I use the windows just for my brother labelprinter. (I bought it before I started to use Linux) I don't know of any other cad software that works on Linux right now, but I'm very happy with onshape. It was the first real cad I have learned and I use it to feed my 3D Printer. (Hobby level stuff). Peace Pudelfan

[@uptoit100]

​@@pudelfan3059 @Arnold Rowntree I'd be happy to learn more about your Onshape experience since you posted 5 months ago. I have a desktop recently set up the same way you are with Linux and Windows 10. Linux is too slow on my computer. As regards Onshape, are you on a free subscription? The present experience with mine is unpleasant to say the least.

[@uptoit100]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 I've just found your channel and this video. Many thanks for the very useful and timely information.

[@pudelfan3059]

@@uptoit100 Hi. I have nothing but good experiences with onshape. I have a free subscription. The only limits I know is that your designs have to be public. Nobody but you can edit the files, but everybody who wants can examine them. Probably nothing for a company, but for a hobbyist like me it is ok. As for the Linux, I am running a Laptop with an i5, 5th generation I believe. Am running Mint 19 without problems. Peace, Pudelfan

[@IceTea08]

Is fusion 360 the inventor?

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

No, that's you Kd K! Autodesk is the company that owns Fusion 360 and they also own another well known piece of software named Inventor. I'm planning to do some videos about inventing and inventors eventually, maybe later this year. Fusion 360 is a great way to design something and then earn some money from that design.

[@weldingempire]

Hi Arnold, Thanks for this helpful video on the two CAD software programs. I have been going down a rabbit hole trying to decide. I was trying to use Freecad but there aren't enough beginner tutorials.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Glad it was helpful! Fusion certainly has a following, lots of good resources and the forums are full of helpful people who have been there and know what you're going through. Also, the new functions in the drawings part of it allow you to use weld symbols.

[@jimmiller5891]

How about know that 360 has changed their licensing...

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Jim, I made a video about the license changes, here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ3VoaywptqGh7M One of the points I make is that when I protested to Onshape about their policy change there was no response, not even an echo. By contrast Fusion's boss went public and appeared on interviews to answer questions and assure the community that they were trying to solve a problem and that the free version isn't going away, that they want to keep the value there for hobbyists and protect the free deal. How honest he's being is your call. They also walked back on the removal of the STL translator in response to the uproar. I got mad at Onshape back then but I don't know of any KZbinrs who are mad at Autodesk about this.

[@jimmiller5891]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 Thanks.

[@Eiraart]

What do you think about programs like unreal engine

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

I did make a start on UE a few years ago while I was working as a building designer but ended up taking a day job that allows me to concentrate more on the part time Yt channel. It was to prepare architectural visualisations. Sketchup was my main tool for 3D design and 2D plans but for renderings I only rarely needed more than Sketchup can do on its own, I particularly liked the artistic non-photorealistic and sketchy looks that Sketchup is so good at but I could see that in the future I needed to be able to do a lot more. The one tool I thought would be more powerful than Sketchup for a drafty or a 3D modeller is Blender which is the other one I began to learn at the same time. Now that I'm teaching 3D mechanical CAD the rendering work I'm looking at is more like product photography than arch. vis. but who knows, perhaps I'll get back to Blender and UE sometime. But before that I've got a few other bits of software that definitely need to come first, one is a simulation post-processor called Paraview. You should look that one up yourself, I'll be posting tutorials on it eventually. www.paraview.org

[@Eiraart]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 thanks appreciate the response - with the pandemic I got involved with a company that was using UE for mapping surfaces during virtual presentations and also pre-sales of luxury condo projects so it got me curious about things down the road with everyone working on AR glasses etc - my backgrounds in live events producing and for now I can't work since I'm in Canada - at 51 thinking its time for a change and your videos got me leaning towards more 3D than 2D - I've used Autocad LT for staging, lighting plots and seating configurations and now just trying to decide best direction to head towards - seems the 3D and modeling stuffs the way forward. I'll make sure to take a look at Parkview - for now im going keep watching your content and learning my way in Fusion 360 :)

[@itsnotlevel2]

Not just for engineers... :-D

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

Quite right Paul, in fact I'm more interested in hobbyists, makers, inventors than professional engineers. I teach engineering at diploma level, which is technician level and you aren't even allowed to call yourself an engineer in Australia unless you have a degree and belong to the guild. I'll pontificate on this in a video eventually. Are you outside the guild like me?

[@itsnotlevel2]

@@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360 I am unfortunately not in the guild. I wished so many times I had gone that route but then realize it doesnt matter honestly. I am who I am today, im happy and love to learn.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

@@itsnotlevel2 Good on you, its one of my goals in life to encourage people like you. It's not about your ticket but what you can actually do and there's great pleasure in learning and achieving.

[@henrikvendelbo4495]

I find Fusion infuriating. I suppose it's CAD in general. It's bloody hard to grok the UI. It always runs in this terrible UI sandbox that reduces the inputs to the least common denominator, so the have to fumble around to do anything. And then the solution to any problem is to spend a day reading an online manual. I finally started over with Shapr3D where after 2 days I can actually may and print my own designs. I can see how Fusion is much more the component library based mature approach that I would like to have (without the put my IP in someone elses cloud), but the core editing paradigms are just completely counter-intuitive to me. To me it's the typical management run generic windows bloatware crap like Adobe and all the others that succeed through understanding Enterprise purchase politics, not how to make usable software.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

If I was going to leave parametric CAD behind I'd look at Blender - totally free, open source and able to output for 3D printers. Its capable of precision as well as freeform but I know it would take me much longer to learn.

[@JohnDavidDunlap]

Shapr3D has the same problem that Fusion360 does: No Linux support. That's a deal breaker for me.