Fusion 360 Vs Inventor
What if I told you I've been using a CAD software that was faster and more flexible than SolidWorks, ran both on a Mac and PC and cost zero dollars? Would you believe me? Two months ago, I began using Fusion 360, Autodesk's cloud-based CAD software. Since then, I've been asked to compare Fusion 360 to SolidWorks more than a dozen times. Being an on-again, off-again user of SolidWorks since 2010, I figured I knew enough about the two programs that I'd be able to do a rudimentary comparison.
While I'm doing my best to keep this article completely factual, I'd say I'm an average user of both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks at best. Please let me know if I make any glaringly erroneous statements.
** UPDATE (3/12/2017): It looks like SolidProfessor is now charging to access all the Fusion 360 tutorials, however they seem to still be available for free at the Fusion 360 website: What is Fusion 360? Fusion 360 is a cloud-based parametric solid-modeler that offers features to get you from idea to prototype in one single environment. Below, you'll find the different modes and what they're used for. • Model - Parametric Solid Modeling • Patch - Surface Modeling • Render - Real-time Ray Tracing • Animation - Timeline & Animations • Simulation - Validate & Optimize Designs • CAM - Manufacturing Fusion 360 vs. SolidWorks Realize now that a comprehensive comparison is not going to happen. It would be exhausting and it's beyond the scope of my knowledge. I've settled on a shootout-style feature comparison based upon what I see as potential deal-breakers when deciding which software to invest resources in learning.
As a 3D Artist with an industrial design background, I use both SolidWorks and Fusion 360 for solid modeling and surface modeling occasionally. Though both SolidWorks and Fusion 360 offer features beyond solid modeling, I won't be getting into those in this article. Part/Assembly Mode - When you begin a new design in Fusion 360, you don't specify whether you're creating a new part or assembly as you do in SolidWorks. In Fusion 360, once you've got Fusion Design files and they can all have multiple bodies, components and subassemblies. Later down the line, Fusion's flexibility becomes more apparent when you don't run into the myriad reference issues that can arise when building top-down assemblies in SolidWorks. Fusion 360 - 1, SolidWorks - 0.
User Interface pt. 1 - Fusion 360, has a very simple UI (user interface), reminding me a bit of Google's Sketchup.
The Mod Code will not accept any gift unless it can be used or expended consistently with the purpose and mission of the Mod Code. 
Fusion 360 Vs Inventor Vs Solidworks
Fusion 360 has a few bold icons and the entire working area (called the canvas) only shows a grid where you're working, allowing you to focus on what you're creating. When I've the luxury of working behind a large monitor, I prefer to see every button laid out in plain view. However, I travel frequently for work with a 15' Macbook Pro, and the consolidated tools and condensed menus make working on a laptop pleasant. One way this is achieved is by allowing commands to perform several functions. For instance, in Fusion, the same extrude command can create a new body, component, extruded cut or intersection.