UPDATE Sept. 25, 2020: STEP Export stays in Fusion 360 for personal use. Thanks to everyone in the community who shared your critical feedback, thoughts, concerns, and, so on. The Fusion 360 team has made the decision to continue to allow STEP export for personal, non-commercial users. It remains in the product unchanged and will not be removed as other announced changes roll out October 2020 and January 2021.
September 16, 2020 – Today, Autodesk changed the criteria for Fusion 360’s Personal Use License.
Is this the end of free Fusion 360? The short answer – NO!
Why are they Changing the Fusion 360 Personal Use License?
Since day one, Fusion 360 set out to democratize design and manufacturing for everyone.
Fusion 360 is now a mature product offering with over 650,000 users. Seven years later, the rapid growth has caused a growing confusion over the difference between the free and paid versions. Forums, social media, my inbox, and other parts of the interweb are filling with questions about the license types.
They can either cut ties with the free license or continue to create friction for those abusing the Personal Use license”
Last September, they attempted to draw a more distinct line between license types by dividing the free Startup/Hobbyist license into two: Hobbyist (called Personal Use) and Startup. The past year has proven that it was not enough distinction. There are still too many users abusing the free Personal Use license, whether intentional or unintentional.
Real talk – someone has to pay for the software, or none of us will get to use it. That means Autodesk has a choice to make. They can either cut ties with the free license or continue to create friction for those abusing the Personal Use license – keeping the free access for everyone who does not take advantage of it.
Fortunately, they are choosing the latter. I chat regularly with the Fusion 360 team members and they are very adamant that “The hobbyist community is something we’ll always support.”
The Autodesk legal team may not let them publicly commit to it, but it is in their best interest to offer a free license – forever.
Giving free access helps build a large user base, gets more chatter on community forums, more product feedback, and of course, converts many into paying subscribers – among other benefits.
Most importantly, users on free licenses are still spending hours learning how to use the software. A portion will then ask their boss or employer to purchase the product – resulting in more commercial subscribers. The same premise goes for making software available to students – something Autodesk has always valued.
With that in mind, are you certain you’re using the right Fusion 360 license?
Fusion 360 License Types – Where do You fit?
Understanding why there are four Fusion 360 licenses is a frequent question.
I’ve made the following chart to help explain each license type. Hopefully, this helps you find where you fit in. If not – comment your questions on this post.
| License Name | Which describes you? | Profit Threshold | License Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Use | You have a full-time job and want to use it for personal projects at home. On occasion, you sell your hobbyist projects. | $1,000 | Free |
| Startup | You’re all in on your “big idea”. You’re bootstrapped and probably eating ramen. The “Startup” is your full-time job. | $100,000 | Free |
| Education | You’re enrolled in an official educational institution. | n/a | Free |
| Commercial | You’re an employee at a small, medium, or large company or business owner that is making money. Fusion 360 is an integral part of your workflow. | n/a | $495/year |
I do think the “Profit Threshold” amount assigned to the Personal Use license is what throws a lot of people off guard. It appears as if a hobbyist selling a few things on Etsy should spend 50% of their side-income on software. Changing the threshold to $10,000 may be a more suitable middle ground.
I encourage you to mention the on the official Fusion 360 forum if you agree. Large companies often need some encouragement from the outside.
Do you fall into the Personal Use license category?
If you answered “No” – You will need to upgrade to a commercial license unless you qualify for Startup or Education.
If you answered “Yes” – then continue reading to figure out if the free version will still work for your projects.
Fusion 360 Personal Use License Changes (Explained)
Most hobbyists reading this won’t be affected by the changes. If one of the following license updates does affect your workflow, then you may not have been using the Personal Use license as intended.
The Fusion 360 blog post that also announced these changes included a chart comparing the old Personal Use license with the new. However, the more I looked at it the more I got confused about what is actually included since it doesn’t account for everything available in a commercial Fusion 360 license.
I’ve broken the changes down by each Fusion 360 workspace so you can easily check if it affects your workflow.
Design Workspace – Yes
Changes: File export options are limited to the following: .f3d, .f3z, .fbx, .ipt, .iam, .obj, .skp, .smt, .spd, .stl, and .step (For 3D Printing: You CAN still export as STL and OBJ files.)
No changes are being made to what files you can import.
Data management will be limited to 10 active projects. This means all others will be “archived” and can be re-activated at any time. This simply means you won’t be able to quickly open every single file in the Data Panel. You’ll have to “activate” it and deactivate one of your other ten files before you can open it.
Included: Everything else in the Design workspace remains unaffected. All sketching, surfacing, and solid modeling features are available.
Generative Design Workspace – No
Changes: Generative Design is no longer available via the Personal Use license.
Included: Nothing. Access to the workspace will not be allowed unless you upgrade to a commercial license.
Render Workspace – Yes
Changes: Cloud rendering is no longer available via the Personal Use license.
Included: You can still render everything locally, using your own computer. Everything else within the Render Workspace goes unaffected.
Animation Workspace – Yes
Changes: Nothing!
Simulation Workspace – No
Changes: Simulations are no longer available via the Personal Use license.
Included: Nothing. Access to the workspace will not be allowed unless you upgrade to a commercial license.
Manufacture Workspace – Yes
Changes by Tab
Milling: Removing multi-axis milling, automatic tool change, rapid feed.
Turning: Removing automatic tool change, rapid feed
Additive: None
Probing: No longer available via Personal Use.
Fabrication: None
Utilities: None
Note: “multi-axis milling” is referring to 3+2 axis and 5 axis. The standard 2, 2.5, or 3D milling is still included.
Drawing Workspace – Yes
Changes: 2D Drawings can only be a single sheet. They can also only be printed – no use of the F360hub where you share the “public link”.
Included: Everything else in the Drawing Workspace remains unaffected.
When These Changes Take Effect – Summary
All of these changes take effect on October 1st, 2020 – except the 10 active files allowance, which will be in effect on January 19, 2021.
You have until October 1st, 2020 to export your design if you need a specific format that will no longer be included via the Personal Use license.
From January 19th, 2021, and on, you will have the option to select 10 documents to remain active. The rest will be stored in your account in an archived state. You can swap an archived document for an active document at any time. There will be no limit on how many archived designs you choose to keep.
The most notable change is the File management, but I don’t think it will be as bad as it sounds. Most hobbyists are working on fewer than 10 projects at a time. Their goal is to create just enough “friction” for those using it for commercial purposes, so they purchase the correct license.
You’ll still be able to export as STL and OBJ files, create 2D, 2.5D, and 3D tool paths, and use Fusion 360’s new 3D Printing “slicer”.
Nothing changes in the Render Workspace, except that you can no longer do cloud rendering. Everything is done locally on your computer.
Everything a hobbyist would need is still available – for free.
Have questions about the license changes?
First, check out the answers on the Autodesk FAQs. If you still have a question then comment on this post – I’ll find an answer!
This has cleared things up for me. I’ve been using an educational licence and now feel I should get a personal one as I wish to make and sell items as a hobby while still working full time.
Thanks for the clear guidece
Hi Tony,
Glad that helped clear things up! The Education license used to allow anyone to sign up. It never was clear who wasn’t eligible for it…but now they’re making it more clear that it’s for students enrolled in an institution.
You’ll need to contact Autodesk Support to switch your license from Education to Personal Use. Unfortunately, with the Education license, they have to remove it from your account or it won’t allow you to transfer. The good news is that you get to keep all your files if you do that versus signing up for a new/separate account.
Cheers,
Kevin
I’m more confused than I was before. The Start-up level renders as $100,000 & Free. The income limit used to be $1,000. Is the free Start-up level still fully functional?
Hi Michael,
I think a lot of confusion comes from the fact that the “Startup” and “Hobbyist” license used to be one joint lincese type. Today, the Hobbyist license is referred to as the “Personal Use” license. The “Startup” license is a full-on commercial version of Fusion 360, but the distinction is that Startup refers to one working full-time on a hardware business. The startup license is not for a hobbyist trying to run a small Etsy storefront, or something alike – and I think that is where most of the confusion stems from.
I hope that helps!
Cheers,
Kevin
Will education license have any changes regarding simulation and generative design environments?
Hi Santiago,
As of now, these changes only affect the Personal Use license. All 3 other license types (Education, Startup, and Commercial) are not changing.
Cheers,
Kevin
I saw the writing on the wall last year and went commercial when they had a “go now and lock in your price” thing.
I’m glad I did because while not making a lot of money with it I have literally hundreds of files that I have originated and may need to return to at some point.
Hi Mark,
They are also running a 40% off promotion right now for any Hobbyists (Personal Use license holders) that do find they need or want some of the commercial features.
Cheers,
Kevin
So does that mean we can no longer export in STEP file?
That is correct. Starting October 1st, 2020, you’ll no longer be able to export as STEP files on the Personal Use license.
Cheers,
Kevin
Thanks for the write up Kevin.
Another clear and concise production that’s genuinely helpful to the community.
Keep up the good work 👍
Thanks, Paul! Glad you found it helpful.
Cheers,
Kevin
Ya the $5 a month is 1 happy meal per month for access and support of great software.
Cutting the STEP export means you will no longer be able to share your designs with others which is kind of a point for hobbyist users, and as far as I can tell they are leaving only proprietary editable 3d files meaning that they are looking users out andwhen they decide to cut the support for OBJ and STL files none of your designs will be usable
I agree – the STEP file restriction feels like an Apple move, trying to force users to remain only on their eco-system, otherwise inflicting pain points. (Taking into account that they’re allowing Fusion 360 and Inventor files).
If you’d like to voice your opinion, I’d love for you to add your feedback to the Google Doc I created. I’m sharing this feedback collectively with some Fusion 360 team members tomorrow.
Cheers,
Kevin
I agree with this Google doc. $100 or $120 a year sub is very doable and would jump to this in heart beat for some form of a personal license. I believe in paying for software. I just want it to be affordable for some who might not use FUS360 everyday and make no income with it.Hope this helps Thanks!
Thanks for your input, Corey!
Cheers,
Kevin
Thanks for this am about to renew, as ‘Personal Use’, in manufacturing ‘Milling’ does it now mean 4th axis milling is not available?.
Hi Alan,
I believe only 2, 2.5, and 3 axis milling will be available. However, I’ve asked a Fusion 360 team member for some clarification and will update when I get an answer.
Edit: Just got confirmation that 4-axis is not included.
Cheers,
Kevin
I think everything except educational should be charged for. Personal – $5 per month or $50 a year. Startup $10 a month or $100 a year. Commercial $500 per year.
Hi Jason,
This is an interesting idea. I encourage you to post this on the forum or anywhere else the Autodesk folks may see it. I do agree that a model like this would be a good middle ground to keep both parties happy.
Cheers,
Kevin
Or possibly Commercial $500 first year and then 300 each year after as long as you don’t cancel.
One other thing that needs addressed is long term access. What if I went commercial for a few years and decided to shut down but still want access to all my files. I should be able to throttle back to $50 a year personal. Mainly for storage and account access.
Couldn’t agree more.
I asked them what happens if one were to upgrade for one month of Commercial use just to use a single feature (let’s say 5-axis milling for one project) and then they switch back to the Personal Use license. There seems to be a lot of confusion on their end as to how that would work. Downgrading is definitely not a viable solution at this point.
Maybe they could have a pap per use model where you buy access to a feature set for a month.
I have bought a small toytown router/mill I am trying to get my head round
I am on the free licence
When I create a toolpath- at this stage it is critical I click the “simulate toolpath” as I still goof up a lot and doing so has saved me from many a mistake or getting completely obscure paths that I wasn’t expecting (I am sure it is all operator error and part of the learning curve)
Is this going to disappear for me?
Hi Bob,
You can still simulate your toolpaths, as long as they’re 2, 2.5, or 3 axis. Only 3+2 and 5 are not included in the Manufacture workspace.
The Simulation Workspace is what’s not included or available to the Personal Use license and perhaps where the confusion is. This instance is a communication and terminology issue…since they’re both referred to as “Simulations” 🙂
I hope that helps!
Cheers,
Kevin
It is a pity they don’t allow you to purchase credits for simulations etc.. Fusion 360 has too many limitations to make it worthwhile as a standalone modeling program. That was basically all that I used it for, as a CAD program it’s pretty clunky.
Hi Neil,
Great feedback. I’m curious, what sorts of hobbyist projects do you work on that require simulations?
Cheers,
Kevin
One question that seems to pop up is that if you have a project with like 20 separate models in it that you use in assemblies and similar, you won’t be able to do that? As I understand is that you will have the models available but you just can’t edit them without switching between “archive” and “editable”. But people are worried that they won’t be able to build things with many parts due to the 10 document limit?
Hi Jari,
As far as I know, that is correct. You can have more than 10 separate files used within one assembly, but you would have to juggle activating the ones ou want to work on and deactivating (archive) the ones you don’t want to work on.
I’ll circle back with my contact at Autodesk and double-check.
Cheers,
Kevin
Thank for the excellent clarification Kevin, as usual the majority of hobby users get affected by those who abuse the system. To me it is simple, if you make money by using someone else’s software you should pay to use that software, end of story. Everyone, individuals / companies are entitled to earn money from their efforts.
That said I would definitely favour a hobbyists level licence as others have suggested and I’ll post on the Autodesk forums accordingly.
I agree! I don’t know if they considered this and I’m passing this along to the Fusion 360 team to see what their point of view is.
Cheers,
Kevin
Am I correct in assuming laser cutters are now out as a tool as is exporting to CorelDraw? I create 2 or 3 individual structures a year for my personal model railroad. The dxf files are then sent to a service for cutting and sometimes to CorelDraw. CorelDraw is the other format the cutters use and I don’t see the updated F360 export types as import types for Corel.
Since only one sketch can be exported as dxf it sounds like I could not send a wall with door and window openings for cutting. The wall is a sketch, the doors and windows in that wall are sketches. I’m getting the feeling I’m not the hobbiest type they want to support.
Hi Kent,
Thanks for sharing your use case! I don’t think they (Autodesk) considered all types of hobbyists and they looked at this from a ‘generic’ hobbyist standpoint. With the license changes, the Personal Use license will allow you to export as DXF from sketches. However, it will no longer allow you to export the 3D model as a DXF file. I can definitely see how that disrupts your workflow.
If you’d like to voice your opinion, I’d love for you to add your feedback to the Google Doc I created. I’m sharing this feedback collectively with some Fusion 360 team members tomorrow.
Cheers,
Kevin
Thanks for the write-up.
Is it ten projects, or ten individual files?
Ten files would be a paint. I am building a 3d printer, and designing most of the parts. To start with, I modelled up a lot of the “stock” parts, things like motors, pulleys, control boards, connectors, &c. I import the stock parts into my new design and model the rest around them. I’ve got a little library of maybe 20 or so stock parts (even including things like a ballpoint pen and digital calipers!). If I put all of them into one new project (called “STOCK PARTS”), from which I can import the parts into my 3d printer project, will that count as one, or as twenty?
Hi Eli,
They say 10 “documents” because the word encompasses both Design files and Drawing files. The restriction does not include images and other non-design/drawing file assets.
To answer your question – if you put them all in one file (as components) then that would count as one file.
If you’d like to voice your opinion, I’d love for you to add your feedback to the Google Doc I created. I’m sharing this feedback collectively with some Fusion 360 team members tomorrow.
Cheers,
Kevin
In Michigan we have these things called Partnerships. It is where homeschoolers are allowed to access public school funds to take classes. I teach these courses from our facility using Fusion 360. In the past it was crazy simple to setup an educational account for my students but the problem know is that while the public school covers the costs of running the classes, I do not have a faculty ID because we are outside contractors. In other words, I now have no way to prove I’m teaching for the school system because my name isn’t anywhere, only my LLC. To make matters worse the kids do not have formal student ID’s because we are considered part time students.
My question is, who do I even contact at Autodesk to explain the situation and get my students a license? Should I simply sign them up for a personal account instead? That might be the easiest way to do it provided it doesn’t limit their ability to save a dxf of a 2D sketch for the laser nor mess up their files for the 3D printer plus simple 2, 2.5 and 3 axis toolpaths for the CNC lathe, mill and router. If I’m reading this right I think they would get by just fine with a personal license instead of the full blown student version. Do I basically understand this correctly?
Any thoughts?
Hi Carl,
It sounds does sound like the Personal Use license will be sufficient for your use cases – 2D sketch for the laser, 3D printing, simple 2, 2.5, and 3 axis toolpaths for the CNC lathe, mill, and router.
If you find there are reasons the education license is needed then you can always contact the Autodesk Education support team here. They handle all of the education licensing and I do know of others that have been approved for ‘edge cases,’ such as yours. A lot of it comes down to whether or not there is sufficient evidence that it is being used for learning purposes, and not someone trying to get a free license. They handle each case differently based on your situation, so I cannot say with certainty that you’ll be approved, but it’s worth a shot!
Cheers,
Kevin
When they say no Extensions does this mena that the shopbot.cps file I use to export my tool paths will not work anymore? Is that file considered an extension?
Hi John,
Extensions in this context refer to the Manufacturing Extensions available to purchase. These are the capabilities like Probing, 4 axis Rotary, 5 axis Steep & Shallow Strategies that extend your manufacturing capabilities with more convenience, faster machine times, and higher quality finishing.
As far as I’m aware, you’re referring to the “Post Library” which is still included.
Cheers,
Kevin
Yes, that is what I am talking about. Thanks, I learn a lot from your videos so selfishly I hope this change doesn’t affect you to much! For me only having 10 docs doesn’t affect me and as long as I can export to the Shopbot and 3d print I am all good. I was wondering if you thought about doing some videos on FreeCad?
I have no doubt that some hobbyists will leave and never look back…but I’ll still be doing Fusion 360 tutorials and courses. There will be a lot of hobbyists that stick with Fusion 360 because it is sufficient for their projects. I do think the majority of hobbiyst will not be affected. It’s the ‘super’ hobbyists that that are most left out. They fall in between hobbyists and professionals.
I use Fusion 360 both in a professional and personal manner. I wouldn’t say that I’d never do FreeCAD tutorials, but I know Fusion 360 like the back of my hand. Understanding a program inside and out is (in my opinion) one key part of being able to teach it well. A big part of what I do is preach the best practices and core workflows, something that beginner instructors overlook.
I’m all for open-source software, but it presents quite the challenge with something as complex as CAD. They’re never going to catch up to the existing professional level programs and I think they need to accept that. It then comes down to being an identity crisis. They’d be better off if they had a more niche ‘ideal user,’ even if their target was hobbyists. They could build features to solve more specific pain points, instead of building things based on other CAD programs.
Cheers,
Kevin
Good points. I looked at it and it’s basically a hodge podge as you mentioned.
Will third-party plugins still work as expected after October 1/2020 for those who are remaining on the PERSONAL edition?
Hi Vince,
Yes – all 3rd-party developed Scripts and Add-ins will still work. Everyone (regardless of license type) will still be able to leverage the Fusion 360 API as well as the add-ins available in the App Store.
When they said “Extensions” they were referring to the Manufacturing Extensions available to purchase. These are the capabilities like Probing, 4 axis Rotary, 5 axis Steep & Shallow Strategies that extend your manufacturing capabilities with more convenience, faster machine times, and higher quality finishing.
Cheers,
Kevin
If I remember correctly, then previously it was possible to download Tutorial Demo projects, for example, https://a360.co/33DsWGz from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HwM07hmXhM
Is it intentional – you disabled download when you shared the file, or it is due to license changes and now personal users don’t have download option when sharing their files?
Hi Ilmars,
That is correct – the license changes affected some of my downloads/shared files. I previously had my YouTube demo files on a Personal account so that I could keep them separate from my professional design work. I have been working on getting them all over to my commercial account and will update the links as they’re completed. The 30 Days series and many other videos have been updated already, but it’s a tedious (manual) process so I still have to do approximately half of the videos.
Cheers,
Kevin