What it does
Autodesk Fusion combines 3D CAD, manufacturing, electronics and product-data tools in a desktop application for Windows and Mac. Features and access conditions vary between commercial and personal plans.
A named parameter lets several features depend on one dimension. In Design, open Solid > Modify > Change Parameters and add a user parameter. Enter its name, unit and expression, then confirm. In a later feature's dimension field, type the parameter name and select it from the list. Expressions can relate dimensions, such as making a length twice a width.
To revise the design, return to Change Parameters and edit the expression. Automatic Compute can be paused while making several changes; confirming the dialog recomputes the design. This gives a repeatable way to change related dimensions without editing each feature independently.
Parametric modelling records features in the Timeline. Direct modelling has no such history. Converting a parametric design to direct mode removes its Timeline; switching back wraps the existing geometry in a Base Feature rather than restoring the earlier construction steps.
Personal use is a free one-year entitlement for eligible home-based, non-commercial projects under US$1,000 annual revenue. It excludes primary employment and company work and reduces CAM, drawings and file-exchange functions. Commercial access is subscription-based.
Strengths
- Named parameters and expressions can drive several design features.
- The Timeline records feature order and dependencies in parametric mode.
Watch out for
- Switching from parametric to direct modelling removes the existing Timeline.
- Personal access has non-commercial eligibility and reduced manufacturing and exchange tools.
Best for
- Product designs with dimensions that need coordinated changes
- CAD work that connects to electronics or manufacturing
Sources
- Autodesk Fusion | Product and Commercial Plan (Oct 28, 2026)
- Autodesk Fusion | Desktop Platform FAQ (Oct 28, 2026)
- Autodesk Fusion | Personal Use and Commercial Comparison (Oct 28, 2026)
- Fusion Help | Create or Edit Parameters (Oct 28, 2026)
- Fusion Help | Modeling Modes (Oct 28, 2026)