Is fusion 360 free indefinitely if your a hobbyist

[bgolash]

Hi

I am thinking about using fusion for my cabinet shop. I like the program and would invest

my time designing seed cabinets for my upcoming jobs. But I wonder how long Fusion will be

free. At the moment even if you had to purhase a subscription its very affordable. But again

there is nothing keeping Autodesk from increasing the price to levels too high for a startup.

If it was not indefinite for a small business and a subscription cost $1000.00 a year it would be too high.

12 years of use equals $12000. My take on CAD software is usually if a version was never updated

it would have enough functionalty for 99% of the user base.

Barry

[brianrepp]

Hey Barry - thanks for reaching out.  While I can't necessarily make any promises that Fusion 360 will indefinitely have a free tier, or who meets the guidelines for a free tier (current entitlements here), please know that we are extremely committed to serving the enthusiasts, hobbyists, startups and smaller businesses.  Since day one, Fusion 360 has been heavily adopted by users in this segment, and we credit a great deal of our success thus far to the usage, engagement and feedback from this community - it's is critical to our strategy, and we intend to continue that commitment.  Hope that helps ease your mind, and if you need any help getting going on Fusion 360, let us know... there is a stellar community of experts on these Forums!

[Anonymous]

hi there i have herd that you can get fusion 360 for free if you are a hobbyist i dont have a business or use it to make money but would really  like to try it and i find 30 day to shorter time to get a good feel if i will like the software as i don't spend a lot of time working on projects any helb would be cool 

[brianrepp]

Hi @Anonymous - welcome to the community!  In this scenario you absolutely meet the guidelines of our hobbyist/start-up licensing. Here are details for how to activate it.

[Anonymous]

Is that $100,000 in yearly revenue or profit?

[lichtzeichenanlage]

@Anonymous: I'm not a lawyer and can not give any advise. My understanding ist, that the english license text is less precise than the German one. The German one defines it by "$100k annual sales". Not sure if this is because of translation or different conditions in different countries.The best way to get an answer might be to contact Autodesk support. 

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous: Congratulation if you reach either definition of 100k with your use of Fusion :c)

At that point, a regular "subscription" fee might not be a real showstopper anymore, I'd hope.

I highly doubt that anyone at Autodesk would "hunt down" users legally because they are 100 Euros (or US$) over that limit. It is more likely a "guidance" limit, and as a successful CEO of your company making over or close to 100k with regular usage of Fusion you are likely already interested yourself in putting everything on "sound legal footing" and would just subscribe... If you would continue to use it "for free" while at the same time becoming really successful (and hence likely also more known around the community), you would possibly one day become a "nice letter" from anyone politely reminding you of the conditions and asking you to reconsider your situation.

If you would be a Google-like player or known millionaire giving a £%$^ and just making a lot of money using Fusion, you would like face a law suit right away :c)

In short, don't make a problem where there really is none and enjoy (like I do) the generosity of Autodesk and the community to both have a great hobby and/or learn to use the tool to build a successful business. IF you have a successful business, consider "paying back" the favor by being a honest person and subscribe.

[dieselguy65]

at the price of fusion, compared to others, does it really matter if the $100k is revenue or profit?

its a bargain, paying even if you are just a hobbyist.

[Anonymous]

If your have a difference in revenue and profit (paying yourself per hour because theres no materials cost with this program) I'd argue you're running a business, not a hobby. Your business could pay you $200k for your design work in a year, but still only make $10k profit. In the example I gave, the business should be paying for the professional license.

[jodom4]

Hi Ziyad,

From the entitlements info page: "You may use the service if You are (a) a company, startup, or home-based business that generates less than $100,000 (or equivalent in other currency) per year from the total sale of goods or services..."

By that we mean $100,000 (US) in top line gross sales for the year, not profit.

[jodom4]

Hey, MySchizoBuddy

It's technically top line gross sales, so that would mean revenue, not profit.

[Anonymous]

Regarding whether you qualify as a hobbyist or not ...

I do work for a company that is interested in me learning Fusion 360. I'm guessing the 30 day free trial will be too short to be of any use to my company. Is using it at home for learning only, and not for commercial use qualify? After I start feeling comfortable. of course we would subscribe.

Thanks

Colby

[brianrepp]

Hi @Anonymous - I have no issue with this.  If you run into any snags, be sure to ask here on the forums - it's a great community, with tons of experts, along with active Autodesk participation.

[Anonymous]

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I'm also a hobbiest and working in Z scale trains 1:220 which there are not to many Things done in Z scale. I was using an old 3DMax8 program that has seem to guit working. I have had it since 2003 and used it off an on since. I don't have a business and make stuff in Z scale. I enjoyed the 3DMax8 because it was easy to use. Not that I can't draw using it and tried to get a license but no go! So I was thinking of trying this out! I 66yr out and don't plan on going back to school and living off retirement! so I hope I could get a free hobbyist issue! thanks! attachment are done with 3Dmax8 with SP1,SP2,SP3, and realdraw 2007 added to max8

[cybrdave]

I am an RC (radiocontrol) hobbiest and I own a DIY CNC router to cut things.

I recently downloaded a copy of Fusion 360 to create toolpaths for my hobby.

Is there some process or "thing" I have to sign up for to make my software not expire?

I like playing with new technologies but if it will expire before I get proficient then it's not worth starting on.

Dave

[brianrepp]

Hi Dave - once your trial is done, you will have the option to extend your subscription for a year as a hobbyist.  At the end of the year as a hobbyist, assuming you still meet the qualifications, you can simply once again extend your subscription as a hobbyist for an additional year.  As long as we continue to offer this benefit, you will be able to continue to extend your subscription!  Does that help?

[Anonymous]

Is it still possible to extend the free licence for another year once the first year is over?

[brianrepp]

Hi @Anonymous - currently if you still meet the qualifications necessary to be considered a startup/hobbyist, yes you can renew your subscription for another year!

[Anonymous]

Thanks Brian,

Just read a few of your replies and you answered all my questions. I've done a fair bit of research on the net and Fusion 360 is the only winner, as I'm 60 now I only want to learn one cad program looks like it's Fusion 360.

(do I get a free cap now  )  

Ted.

[diver_ozcan]

Hello.  I  am a hobbyist. My subscription will end in 16 days.  How can I renew my subscription again? Best regards.