AutoCAD LT vs. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 and AutoCAD LT are both CAD applications. Fusion 360 is a 3D modeling and manufacturing cloud software, whereas AutoCAD LT is a 2D drafting software that can be used to draw 3D objects manually. AutoCAD LT integrates with industry-specific tools such as AutoCAD Architectural, Electrical, and Mechanical whereas Fusion 360 focuses on industrial design (mechanical engineering).

AutoCAD LT is primarily a drafting package that creates a machine, house plans, schematics, plant layouts, and updates of related 2D and 3D models must be done manually. Fusion 360 is primarily an engineering package that simulates how the machine moves, assemblies of parts, mechanics, finite element analysis, complex surfacing, rendering, detailed 2D drawing based on 3D model or assembly that is updated whenever the 3D model changes.

Fusion 360 is a better solution for 3D modeling and is typically used by designers, engineers, and manufacturing professionals for product design workflows. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform that integrates needs across various disciplines.

AutoCAD LT is best-in-class for 2D drawing and drafting providing powerful tools for architecture, engineering, and construction in a cost-effective software package.

Autodesk Fusion 360 is free for hobbyists, non-commercial design work, and for qualifying startups. Fusion 360 for personal use is a limited free version that includes basic functionality and can be renewed on a 3-year basis. You can try all the features and functionality of Fusion 360 with a free 30-day trial. Learn more.

AutoCAD LT is available to try free for 30 days for any use case and includes access to the entire set of tools offered in the full version. Learn more.

While both Fusion 360 and AutoCAD can create 3D models there are various considerations to determine which is a better fit for your needs.

AutoCAD features a robust 2D toolset and can create 3D geometry-driven models typically utilized for architectural drawings and schematics. AutoCAD LT contains all the core features and exclusively the 2D toolset of AutoCAD to save costs when a user does not need access to the 3D features of AutoCAD.

Fusion 360 places a greater emphasis on pure 3D design with freeform models and is most often used for industrial design. Fusion 360 also integrates workflows on a cloud-based software platform.

Fusion 360

Operating System

• Apple® macOS™ Monterey 12.0, Big Sur 11.x*; Catalina 10.15; Mojave v10.14 (learn more about Apple Security Updates)
• Microsoft® Windows® 8.1 (64 bit) (until January 2023)**
• Microsoft Windows Windows 11, 10 (64-bit)

CPU

• x86-based 64-bit processor (e.g. Intel Core i, AMD Ryzen series), 4 cores, 1.7 GHz or greater; 32-bit not supported
• ARM-based processors partially supported via Rosetta 2 only

See full Fusion 360 computer specifications.

AutoCAD LT

Operating System

• Apple® macOS™ Monterey 12.0, Big Sur 11.x*; Catalina 10.15; Mojave v10.14 (learn more about Apple Security Updates)
• 64-bit Microsoft® Windows 11 and Windows 10

CPU

• Windows
  • Basic: 2.5–2.9 GHz processor
  • Recommended: 3+ GHz processor
• Mac
  • 64-bit Intel CPU
  • Recommended: Intel Core i7 or higher

See full AutoCAD LT computer specifications.

Yes, both Fusion 360 and AutoCAD LT can run on Mac and Windows.

AutoCAD LT is primarily for 2D drawings and drafting. It is possible to view 3D models in AutoCAD LT, however they cannot be created or edited. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform for 3D modeling and while you can create 2D drawings in Fusion 360 from a design it is not the primary approach to the freeform design workflow.

AutoCAD LT is a cost-effective way to get access to the comprehensive 2D toolset from AutoCAD for drafting, drawing, and documentation. AutoCAD includes additional 3D CAD and automation features for designers as well as seven industry-specific toolsets. Learn more.