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AutoCAD vs. Autodesk Fusion vs. AVEVA Simulation Platform

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    AutoCAD

    Score8.1 out of 10
    N/AAutoCAD is a CAD product from Autodesk. It allows designers to work in 2D and 3D, and is available on Windows and Mac, but with extensive online collaboration tools.

    $245

    per month

    Autodesk Fusion

    Score7.5 out of 10
    N/AAutodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool which integrates design, modeling, and simulation capabilities.

    $70

    per month

    AVEVA Simulation Platform

    N/AN/AAVEVA Simulation Platform (formerly SimCentral Simulation Platform) is an integrated simulation platform covering the entire process engineering lifecycle of design, simulation and training to deliver the process side of the Digital Twin.N/A
    Pricing
    AutoCADAutodesk FusionAVEVA Simulation Platform
    Editions & Modules
    Monthly Subscription
    $245
    per month per user
    Yearly Subscription
    $1975
    per year per user
    3-Year Subscription
    $5925
    3 years per user
    Fusion 360 - Paid Monthly
    $70
    per month per user
    Fusion 360 - Paid Annually
    $545
    per year per user
    Fusion 360 - 3 Years
    $1635
    3 years per user
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    AutoCADAutodesk FusionAVEVA Simulation Platform
    Free Trial
    YesYesNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoYesNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    AutoCADAutodesk FusionAVEVA Simulation Platform
    Considered Multiple Products
    Autodesk
    Chose AutoCAD
    PTC Creo and SOLIDWORKS have a separate module wherein we can create 2D drawings of the parts and assemblies modelled in them. But they generally created problem in creating circuit diagrams where in we need to manually sketch using different option. And when it comes to …
    Incentivized
    Chose AutoCAD
    AutoCAD is improving day by day and update by update. Making their [features] smooth and more [efficient] with every update and it is very efficient in the things that it does. [The] functions that they provide are very useful and easy to use. [The] interface of AutoCAD is …
    Incentivized
    Chose AutoCAD
    AutoCAD is better than both of these programs because it is cheaper, simpler, and a smaller program. It also makes it easier to print files you draw straight to a laser cutter, shopbot, or other shop machine. Fusion 360 is a great program for 3D drawings, but it does not …
    Incentivized
    Autodesk
    Chose Autodesk Fusion
    AutoCAD software is more complex than Autodesk Fusion 360. In addition, I can find many training videos of the Autodesk Fusion 360 program.
    Incentivized
    Chose Autodesk Fusion
    Fusion 360 has a basic feel with not too many tools to learn basic design. It easy allows for the creation of small prototypes and is a great way to start learning how to design.
    Incentivized
    Chose Autodesk Fusion
    Fusion 360 is the best rendering application that combines professionalism and usability, all in a user-friendly design, easy to understand and learn to use. It has powerful tools that any user with or without experience can draw on.
    Incentivized
    Chose Autodesk Fusion
    Fusion 360 beats all of those programs because of its ease-of-use. You can really do whatever you want with this program without the need to spend hours and hours of modeling or overthinking your piece. It also has the pro that you can try it for free so you don't need to pay …
    Incentivized
    AVEVA
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    96%
    Would buy again
    45 Answers
    89%
    Would buy again
    8 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    93%
    Delivers good value for the price
    38 Answers
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    8 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    91%
    Happy with the feature set
    43 Answers
    89%
    Happy with the feature set
    8 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    88%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    29 Answers
    86%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    6 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    95%
    Implementation went as expected
    38 Answers
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    8 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    AutoCADAutodesk FusionAVEVA Simulation Platform
    Computer-Aided Design Software
    Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of AutoCAD and Autodesk Fusion and AVEVA Simulation Platform
    Feature
    AutoCAD
    7.0
    7 Ratings
    7% below category average
    Autodesk Fusion
    7.7
    2 Ratings
    3% above category average
    AVEVA Simulation Platform
    -
    Ratings
    3D Modeling6.07 Ratings9.82 Ratings00 Ratings
    2D Drafting8.77 Ratings7.52 Ratings00 Ratings
    Rendering and Visualization6.37 Ratings9.12 Ratings00 Ratings
    Parametric Design7.57 Ratings5.22 Ratings00 Ratings
    Collaboration and Sharing8.77 Ratings9.62 Ratings00 Ratings
    Compatibility with other software and formats8.77 Ratings9.82 Ratings00 Ratings
    Assembly Design6.77 Ratings5.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    Simulation and Analysis4.76 Ratings4.62 Ratings00 Ratings
    Documentation and Annotation7.67 Ratings8.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    Customization and Extensions5.37 Ratings7.82 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    AutoCADAutodesk FusionAVEVA Simulation Platform
    Small Businesses
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    Enterprises
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    AutoCADAutodesk FusionAVEVA Simulation Platform
    Likelihood to Recommend
    7.7
    (88 ratings)
    8.2
    (17 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    10.0
    (3 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Usability
    8.3
    (9 ratings)
    7.4
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    6.9
    (13 ratings)
    7.9
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    8.0
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    AutoCADAutodesk FusionAVEVA Simulation Platform
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Autodesk
    Once again, for jobs/companies where you are doing a lot of design and modelling of tanks, pipework or filling machine or basic electronics its fantastic as a 3D and 2D modelling tool, however once again when it comes to testing these actual products in the real world, I feel like AutoCAD is let down by its clunky fitting and spec management and also in very limited in-house engineering simulations.
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    This software has been so easy to use from day one! I couldn't be more thrilled with it. Being an SME, it is offered on an annual basis free of charge. My network of engineers are amazed I am able to accomplish what I have using this software when the companies they come from are paying thousands for licensing. I also would like to note that Autodesk offer an incredible specialization to really round out your skills via Coursera.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Pros
    Autodesk
    • Compatibility of different file formats, and also exports to different file formats.
    • CLI Commands as well as internal functions which are exposed can be used for automation of various tasks.
    • The new 2025 comes with .NET Core support which helps AutoCAD to connect with Cloud based features.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • The first PRO of Fusion 360 that always comes to mind is how versatile it is. Fusion 360 is the first CAD/CAM software that also includes other key features that CAD programs of this size don't have.
    • Fusion 360 has a generous licensing structure that gives those just starting out a place to start with a professional level CAD program. As a result, this has helped build up a huge community and user base around Fusion 360.
    • Fusion 360 is updated on a monthly basis. This has proven to be a huge advantage over Solidworks (something else I use) which is only updated once a year. The nice thing about monthly updates, other than regular bug fixes, is that the team can adapt quickly and no one is taken by storm with a big overhaul of the UI or features at the beginning of the year.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Cons
    Autodesk
    • User Interface Customisation: AutoCAD's user interface could benefit from more robust customisation options. Allowing users to rearrange toolbars, menus, and panels according to their specific workflows and preferences would enhance productivity.
    • Enhanced 3D Modeling Tools: While AutoCAD is capable of 3D modeling, it's not as intuitive or feature-rich as dedicated 3D modeling software. Streamlining the process and adding more advanced modeling tools would be a welcome improvement.
    • Enhanced Collaboration and Version Control: AutoCAD could improve its collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and version tracking, to facilitate smoother teamwork, especially in multi-disciplinary projects.
    • Intelligent Object Libraries: AutoCAD could benefit from an expanded and more intelligent library of standard objects and components. This would save time for designers who often have to create custom components from scratch.
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • Fusion 360 is a very simple program, so once you begin to draw more complex 3D models, the software gets sluggish and loses its fluidity.
    • It would be really nice if Fusion 360 could output a model as a SolidWorks file so I can begin to draw something out in Fusion 360 and then pick it up in SolidWorks when I need to do some more advanced functions.
    • Because Fusion 360 is a simpler program, there are a few functions such as 3D sketches that are not intuitive like all the rest of the functions are.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Likelihood to Renew
    Autodesk
    Because rarely we [would] rather wait for a whole year to update, sometimes the new updates don't bring many new features and we are still ok with the current version. Also the change of interface is always something that takes time for every partner in the company to get comfortable with. So those are the main reasons we may want to keep the same version.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    It does everything I need for great value.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Autodesk
    It is very usable once you understand the program. I believe there is room for improvement in the 2D to 3D modeling capability. We have to use other apps to 3D model and that can be time consuming and sometimes AutoCAD doesn't transfer work that well between apps. They can improve there.
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    Because the tool is very useful and easy to access, it provides very basic and useful tools to start in the modeling part despite being basic processing aspects. It is also very easy to get a free, temporary, or student license, which makes it a very good CAD tool.
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Reliability and Availability
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    Sometimes I like using it on Saturday nights. Unfortunately, they usually do their updates at this time and it isn't available to use.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    It can freeze sometimes while doing heavy tasks.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Autodesk
    AutoCAD has the issue of crashing or slowing down the design procedure once a heavy design that includes several disciplines or multiple families/blocks is involved. Customer services gets the feedback from the crash reports but this issue seems like it has never been addressed in the software updates past several years.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    Support is conducted via internet Q&A boards; newcomers to 3D modeling may find that articulating their questions in the language of CAD software is the tricky part — once they find the right technical term for what they're trying to accomplish, answers come quickly. Autodesk also provides a large library of educational tutorial videos that make the initial process of learning Fusion 360's interface much easier.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    Autodesk
    the implementation was realy easy , to set up our workstation we pay for the licenses we are about to use , there was a little bit of delay to get the payment processed to receive the serial but after that the install runs without any problem , so you can fell secure there will be not issue with the implementation.
    Incentivized
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    Autodesk
    No. It is basic and straightforward.
    Incentivized
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    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    Autodesk
    I use Revit far more than I use AutoCAD. AutoCAD is great for simple linework, but even then I will often create the lines in Revit and then export to AutoCAD for final touches and printing. AutoCAD is a bit easier for large-format prints, which is why I almost always end up using it after starting in Revit.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    Autodesk Inventor excels at daily core engineering tasks. When integrated with Vault management systems and part libraries, Autodesk Inventor is tough to beat when you need a mechanical design solution. When Inventor and Vault are setup properly it allows for a very efficient design workflow. I think it would be difficult to achieve the same amount of workflow efficiency with Autodesk Fusion 360, that said, Autodesk Fusion 360 offers a very good toolset at a much lower cost. I can maintain a yearly subscription of Autodesk Fusion 360 and get about 85% of the functionality that is available via the Inventor design suite for the cost of about 2 months of an Inventor subscription. I then also get access to manufacturing plugins with Autodesk Fusion 360 but lose a lot in the drawing environment. Inventor beats Autodesk Fusion 360 hands down when it comes to documentation.
    Incentivized
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    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Scalability
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    It offers so much already, and the reason being is that it showed promise early on.
    Incentivized
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    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Autodesk
    • As an educational institute there are no overall business objectives.
    • As a negative, the licensing is expensive and we have to limit the number of computers we put it on.
    • As a positive, many of our students will have a leg up when entering into programs or companies that use this software.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • It gives me totally positive impacts. Its zero cost eliminates the need to search for other software to use.
    • Fusion 360's Autodesk cloud solution enables me to use 3d files generated via other Autodesk design software that are widely used by my customers.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    AVEVA
    No answers on this topic
    ScreenShots