What is Fusion 360 and why should I get it?
It is a cloud powered 3D CAD system for the future. Work anywhere and easily share your designs with anyone. Integrated are simulation tools, free form tools, parametric cad tools all intuitive and easy to understand. You can send your design to a 3D printer or machine shop.
Are you a student or an educator? You can download and use Fusion360 for free for 3 years.
Are you a enthusiast/hobbyist? You can download and use Fusion360 for free for 1 year.
[A free 1-year startup license is available for hobbyists, enthusiasts, makers, and emerging businesses that make less than US$100,000 in revenue per year. At the end of 1 year, you can reselect the startup entitlement or transition to a commercial entitlement.
Start by downloading the 30-day trial. Once you’re in, simply register for free use.]
From my point of view this is absolutely astonishing. Autodesk, a very large player since the early days of cad, I mean who haven't heard of autocad?, is giving away their newest hot cad software for free. It is a full blown capable cad system that is used by professionals all over the world. Machine shops design and machine their products with this one program only.
Step1. Download the package.
https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview
The 2 different options to registered are marked here. Both are free!
Step 2. Register
Use the picture above to choose the correct license.
Additional info if you are running into problems, or if you are the type of person that reads the manual before doing anything:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooing/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-activate-start-up-or-educational-licensing-for-Fusion-360.html
Step 3. You’re done! Go create something
I am most grateful for all the support Autodesk is supplying. They have a Autodesk design academy with hours upon hours of learning material and tutorials, that will get you up to speed in no time. Don’t be afraid if you haven't used a cad program before. I have seen total noobs become skilled designers in a few months! You can do it too.
Autodesk has a channel on youtube, filled with tutorials. go watch! It is very inspiring.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMwMz3RMbW5mbx0iDcRQ2g
Good Luck and hope to see your designs here someday :-)
/Lars