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SolidWorks vs Autodesk Fusion 360: catalog facts
SolidWorks	Autodesk Fusion 360
Best for: Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development	Best for: Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier
Paid Commercial license; no free tier.	Free + paid options Free tier for personal use, with paid subscriptions for commercial use and advanced features.
Windows	Windows, macOS
Industry-standard status means broad training resources, plugins, and file compatibility Deep feature set for parametric modeling, assemblies, and simulation add-ons	Combines CAD, CAM, and simulation in one subscription instead of separate tools Free personal-use tier makes it accessible to hobbyists and makers
Windows-only desktop application with a steep learning curve Commercial licensing makes it costly for individuals or small studios	Cloud-connected design means an internet connection is effectively required for full functionality Free tier has feature and project-count limits compared to paid subscriptions
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for SolidWorks solidworks.com Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Autodesk Fusion 360 autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Catalog checked September 22, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.