SolidCraft vs Fusion 360

SolidCraft facts from introduction, README, and ROADMAP. Fusion 360 is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc. SolidCraft states it is not affiliated with Autodesk.

This is a community comparison for orientation, not a lab benchmark. Where we lack a primary source, cells are marked uncertain. Always verify against current Autodesk docs and SolidCraft releases.

At a glance

Topic	SolidCraft	Fusion 360
License / cost	Open source (MIT OR Apache-2.0), free downloads	Commercial subscriptions; Autodesk also offers limited free/hobby tiers (confirm on Autodesk’s site)
Maturity	Early; “usable for simple parts” per project	Mature production CAD suite
Parametric solids	Sketch → timeline features, parameters, assemblies/joints (in progress per roadmap)	Full parametric modelling + history
Drawings / CAM / Sim	Deferred on official roadmap	Integrated (product-dependent)
Surfacing / T-splines	Mostly deferred beyond solid needs	Form / T-spline workflows
Platforms	Windows, Linux desktop; web (wasm); macOS builds in releases	Windows, macOS; cloud services
AI / automation	First-class MCP server + CLI commands	Various Autodesk AI features; not the same as local MCP (uncertain / different model)
File formats	.solidcraft; STEP/IGES/3MF/STL/OBJ; FreeCAD/Rhino import via cadmpeg	Native .f3d/.f3z plus many interchange formats
Cloud collaboration	Local-first; web app stores designs in the browser	Cloud projects / team features

When SolidCraft is a good fit

You want an open-source, agent-drivable CAD kernel/UI for learning, scripting, or MCP-based workflows.
Parts are relatively simple solids / enclosures / sheet-metal subset — matching the project’s stated scope.
You need headless CLI measurement/export in CI or agent loops.

When Fusion 360 (or another mature CAD) is still the better fit

You need production drawings, CAM toolpaths, simulation, or advanced surfacing today.
You rely on Autodesk’s ecosystem, manufacturers’ Fusion-centric pipelines, or managed cloud teams.
You require signed installers, enterprise support SLAs, or certified training paths.

Migration guide (honest)

There is no documented one-click Fusion → SolidCraft importer for native .f3d files in the SolidCraft materials reviewed for this page. Practical path:

Export from Fusion as STEP (preferred for solids) or IGES / 3MF / STL depending on need.
Open in SolidCraft: solidcraft part.step, or File open / drop on the window; CLI: solidcraft-cli eval part.step. STEP becomes an Import base feature you can build on.
Expect loss of Fusion feature history — parameters and timeline features do not transfer through STEP. Rebuild critical features parametrically in SolidCraft if you need editability.
Meshes (STL/OBJ/3MF/glTF) import as mesh bodies (render/measure/move/export); solid features need B-rep. SolidCraft’s mesh.convert can reconstruct some constant-section parts (see README).
FreeCAD users: .FCStd import via cadmpeg is documented — sometimes a useful intermediate if you already have FreeCAD in the loop.

Uncertain / verify yourself: exact Fusion export settings for best SolidCraft STEP fidelity; large assembly performance; material/appearance round-trips; PMI/drawings (SolidCraft defers drawings).

Trademark note

Autodesk and Fusion are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. SolidCraft’s own licence text states it is independent and not affiliated with Autodesk. This unofficial site is likewise unaffiliated with Autodesk and Tangency Labs.

Related: install SolidCraft · MCP tutorial.