Format exchange

Fusion 360 accepts input files from a huge range of popular 3D formats. The programme can also open STL (stereolithography) files for editing, usually considered an output format ready for the 3D printer.

File formats not natively recognized by the application, like 3D Rhino CAD files, can be imported as well. Registered users can use the Cloud Import feature to convert non-natively recognized file formats.

Managing workflow

One of the features I have most appreciated in Fusion 360 is the possibility to choose the preferred workflow when designing. The top element of the design is the project, in which the user can define a set of documents in a folder-like structure. Every document consists of a 3D model built with one or more 3D objects.

Easy creation of the STL file

Creating an STL file from the model is easy: just select the object of 3D print to export and send it to the printer application, or to an online 3D printing service.

Fusion 360 workspace organization

Fusion 360 is organized in a set of tabs:

• Sculpt

• Model

• Patch

• Make

• Render

• Animation

• Simulation

• Cam

• Drawing.

Any of these options gives access to a dedicated workspace. The user interface changes its look-and-feel setting to the most comfortable environment to work with these features.

The download webpage showing the three easy steps to install Fusion 360. The Windows download page shows the same image — the choice of the platform depends on the computer from where you are downloading the programme

The first screen shown on the first run. Note the user-settings window on the right side of the screen. One of the most useful interface features is the availability of contextual windows that can be closed and reopened when needed, or ‘rolled up’, leaving only the title bar for a quick reminder of the most used features while drawing

To use the programme, it is mandatory to register on the site. The registration step is essential to access the cloud features of Fusion 360