Fusion® vs. Onshape® — Software Comparison
Learn more about these 3D printing software options and how to use them.
Onshape® is a cloud-based 3D CAD platform with a wide range of features for mechanical and product design. Because most processing is performed in the cloud, it does not require high-performance local computer hardware. Onshape does not include native finite element analysis (FEA) or rendering tools; these capabilities must be added through the Onshape add-in (Extension) marketplace and often come at an additional cost. Onshape uses a subscription-based pricing model and is typically at least three times more expensive than Autodesk Fusion®. However, it offers one of the most advanced integrated file management and version control systems, making it especially well-suited for collaborative engineering projects.
Autodesk Fusion® is a cloud-based engineering tool with an excellent set of features that assist engineers throughout the entire product development lifecycle. It adds to this robust collaborative function that allows teams to work on projects without having to be in the same location. Fusion is easier to learn than Onshape, features a modern user interface, and boasts a large active user community. It also has multiple subscription models at different price points.
This article will explore the differences between Fusion and Onshape and highlight their optimal use cases and minimum system requirements. It will compare both packages based on parameters such as user experience, customer support, application stability, user community, and price.
What Is Fusion 360?
Fusion is a powerful, cloud-based engineering tool designed for collaborative product design. It was developed and is maintained by Autodesk®. Fusion offers a wide range of features, including standard 3D modeling and a highly capable CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) module. This module features a variety of tools such as FEA (Finite Element Analysis), mold analysis, motion analysis, generative design, and more. Fusion also has an excellent CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) module that is continually being updated. In addition to all the mechanical engineering-related modules, Fusion also has a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design suite. Fusion runs most of its processor-intensive functions, such as simulation and rendering, in the cloud, resulting in significantly faster turnaround times when using this functionality.
For more information, see our 3D Printing Article and guide on Software for 3D Printing.
What Is Onshape?
Onshape® is a cloud-based 3D modeling platform that runs on a web browser. It has a sharp focus on version management and collaboration between team members who may be working on the same project from different countries. Onshape offers rendering, CAM, and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) add-on modules, which are available at an additional cost. Its cloud-based nature means that lower-end computer hardware can run it, as much of the heavy computing is done in the cloud. Onshape can also be accessed via both iOS and Android-based apps. It continuously adds new features that aim to improve the overall experience.
Fusion 360 vs. Onshape — Use Cases and Applications
Autodesk Fusion 360® is widely used in mechanical engineering, product design, and manufacturing. It supports the entire design lifecycle, from initial 3D modeling to engineering validation and production. Fusion 360 includes an integrated FEA solver for structural simulation, as well as a powerful CAM package that supports CNC machining, 2D profiling, and additive manufacturing workflows such as 3D printing. It also offers rendering tools capable of producing photorealistic images and animations for marketing and presentation purposes.
Onshape® excels in cloud-native CAD collaboration through its built-in product data management (PDM) system. This enables seamless access, real-time collaboration, and version control among distributed engineering teams and external stakeholders. These capabilities make Onshape particularly well-suited for fast-paced, collaborative product development involving multiple contributors in different locations.
Onshape is primarily a CAD platform and does not natively include CAE, CAM, or rendering tools. Such capabilities must be added via third-party extensions from the Onshape App Store, often at additional cost. In contrast, Fusion 360 integrates these tools into its core package, making it more of an all-in-one engineering solution. At the same time, Onshape offers greater flexibility and scalability for organizations prioritizing collaborative design over integrated manufacturing features.
Fusion 360 vs. Onshape — System Requirements
Onshape® is a fully cloud-based CAD package, meaning most computation is handled on remote servers. Local hardware is used primarily for rendering the display and managing user input, so high-end processing power is generally not required. However, a capable graphics card is recommended for smooth model manipulation.
Autodesk Fusion 360® is a cloud-connected application but relies more heavily on local computing resources for modeling, simulation, and rendering tasks. This makes its hardware requirements more demanding than those of Onshape. Table 1 below summarizes the system requirements for each platform.
What Operating Systems Do Fusion 360 and OnShape Support?
Fusion is only supported on macOS® 11 and 12 and Microsoft Windows®. Fusion no longer supports Microsoft Windows 7®. Onshape is cloud-based and therefore can run on both Microsoft Windows and macOS, provided that one of the recommended web browsers is used. These are Google Chrome®, Mozilla Firefox®, Safari® (macOS® Only), Opera Mini® and Microsoft Edge®.
What Are the Minimum Memory Requirements for Fusion 360 and Onshape?
Fusion requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. However, using at least 8 GB for larger and more complex models will result in a far smoother user experience. Despite being cloud-based, Onshape will also work better with at least 8 GB of RAM, especially if multiple browser tabs are open simultaneously while running Onshape.
What File Formats Do Fusion 360 and Onshape Support?
Both Fusion 360® and Onshape® can import and export a wide range of proprietary and neutral CAD file formats, making them highly versatile for cross-platform collaboration.
Onshape does not store files in a downloadable “native” CAD format. Instead, all data exists within a cloud-based Onshape Document containing CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and even non-CAD references such as images, PDFs, or videos. These documents manage version control, metadata, and associated files within a single, browser-accessible environment.
Fusion 360, by contrast, has its own native file formats (.f3d for design files and .f3z for multi-file archives), which can be stored locally or in the cloud via Autodesk’s platform.
For more information, see our guide on Files for 3D Printing.
Table 2 lists the major CAD file formats compatible with each platform.
| Format Type | Onshape | Fusion |
|---|---|---|
Format Type Native | Onshape NA | Fusion F3D |
Format Type External | Onshape X_B, X_T SAT STEP IGES, IGS SLDPRT 3DM STL OBJ IAM, IPT Catia V4 to V6 PRO ENGINEER JT NX PAR, PSM GLTF 3MF | Fusion X_B, X_T SAB, SAT STEP IGES, IGS SLDPRT 3DM STL OBJ IAM, IPT 123DX ASM CATPART, CATPRODUCT DWG, DXF NEU PRT SKP |
Fusion vs. Onshape — User Experience
Fusion has a modern and easy-to-understand user interface that neatly groups similar functions under tabs. However, since it is still under active development, the user interface can change between software versions. This can be confusing at times, as some control buttons might be in a different location after an update.
Onshape offers a smooth user experience. However, the interface can be difficult to get used to compared to standard CAD packages like Solidworks® and even Fusion, because all the features are on a single ribbon instead of being broken down into different categories. The icons are all the same color, making it difficult to differentiate them. Despite being browser-based, Onshape is responsive, although this responsiveness depends on a stable internet connection.
Learning Curves for Fusion 360 and Onshape
The learning curve for Onshape is steeper than that of Fusion. However, both provide a range of video tutorials to help users get used to how the software works. Onshape’s steep learning curve is due to its powerful but complex product data management system and the very nature of its user interface. All the standard CAD features are available on Onshape, but how they are laid out can be confusing for users used to CAD packages like Solidworks®, for example.
Is Fusion Easier to Learn and Use Than Onshape?
Yes, Fusion is easier to learn and use than Onshape. While both CAD packages are relatively easy to learn, Fusion has a well-structured learning center that is easy to use and covers a wide range of topics. Onshape has a similar learning center, but ultimately, it is slightly more challenging. Its learning center also hides some of the higher-quality courses behind a paywall, which can be a bitter pill to swallow considering the price of the Onshape software.
Fusion 360 vs. Onshape — Application Stability
Both Fusion and Onshape are cloud-based. Any instabilities, bugs, or crashes rarely result in data losses, as both programs store files on servers and can be easily recovered. Both CAD packages are commercial products. As such, any stability issues can be reported on the relevant forums and addressed in subsequent updates. Onshape does not require a high-bandwidth connection. A stable, uninterrupted connection is all that's needed for a smooth user experience.
Fusion 360 vs. Onshape — Customer Support
Fusion and Onshape are both commercial products. They both make formal customer support available. Both also have an assortment of avenues for getting assistance, from robust in-app help modules to official forums where users and experts can assist with queries.
Fusion 360 vs. Onshape — Community
Fusion and Onshape have vibrant communities in official forums, social media, and multiple YouTube® channels (official and unofficial). However, Fusion has a much larger online community due to its popularity and larger user base.
Fusion 360 vs. Onshape — Price
Autodesk Fusion 360® uses a subscription-based pricing model with multiple term options. As of 2025, the monthly plan costs $85 per user, the annual plan costs $680 USD (equivalent to about $57/month when billed annually), and the three-year plan costs $2,040 USD. Autodesk also offers discounted or free access for certain groups: a personal-use license for qualifying hobbyists with non-commercial projects (free, renewable annually), a startup license at $150 for three years for eligible small businesses, and free full-feature access for students and educators. Fusion’s pricing can be more complex than it appears at first glance because some advanced CAE and CAM capabilities are sold separately as extensions requiring their own subscriptions.
Onshape® also uses a subscription-based model but offers only annual billing for its paid tiers. The Standard plan costs $1,500 per user per year. In contrast, the Professional plan costs $2,500 per user per year and includes advanced features such as release management, simulation, and ECAD/MCAD collaboration tools. An Enterprise plan is available with custom pricing for organizations needing advanced security, analytics, and administrative controls. Onshape offers a free version for personal or open-source projects, but all designs created under this plan are public.
Alternatives to Fusion and Onshape
The cloud-based nature of Onshape and Fusion means they do not have many direct competitors. SketchUp® is cloud-based but is far less capable. The closest comparisons in terms of capabilities would be the desktop-based CAD packages like Solidworks® and Inventor®.
Fusion has far more features and functionality than Onshape and is significantly cheaper.
Summary
This article presented Fusion 360 and Onshape, explained each, and discussed their various differences such as learning curve, customer support, and price. To learn more about Fusion 360 or Onshape, contact a Xometry representative.
Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities and other value-added services for all of your prototyping and production needs. Visit our website to learn more or to request a free, no-obligation quote.
Copyright and Trademark Notices
- Autodesk®, Fusion®, and Inventor® are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, in the United States.
- Windows® & Edge® are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation
- macOS® & Safari® are trademarks of Apple Inc.
- Onshape® is a trademark of Onshape Inc.
- Google Chrome® & YouTube® are trademarks of Google LLC
- Opera mini is a trademark of Opera Software ASA CORPORATION
- SketchUp® is a trademark of Trimble INC.
- SolidWorks® is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
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