Autodesk Improves Performance and Usability in the Latest Fusion 360 Update

The September update for Autodesk Fusion 360 is shaping up to be yet another amazing release.  See the highlights and learn more about it before being surprised the next time you login.

You spoke, Autodesk listened.  For the soon-to-hit-the-cloud monthly update of Fusion 360, Autodesk heard your suggestions for making Fusion 360 better and are delivering on those requests.  The focus for this monthly release is heavy on UI improvements, self-paced learning, and general performance enhancements.

This model done in Fusion 360 by Maritza Garcia and shared in the Fusion 360 Gallery.
See the awesome Keyshot rendered version in her project.

12 Brand New In-product Tutorials

Tired of switching between application windows? Autodesk has improved the self-paced learning experience by including 12 tutorials that appear in-window.  No more pausing the video to switch windows to try it yourself and then switching back to resume the video.  Now, it all happens withing Fusion 360.  The tutorials are completely self contained, so users may select any tutorial in any order to get the most training for the tight schedules. 

Share Data with Anyone

Collaboration is key, and many times collaborators aren’t CAD wizards, users, or if they are, don’t use the same software that you do.  Autodesk has improved its data sharing and collaboration tools by allowing users to share data with anyone, even those who do not have an Autodesk account.  Through a simple email link, your ideas can be shared publicly or users can also add a password for added security.

Expanding the API

PythonScripts, macros, and functions – we’re all hackers at heart and love the little extras that users and communities can put together.  Autodesk is expanding Fusion 360’s API to allow users to automate repeating tasks.  Sample scripts are included as examples.  And while Javascript is the default programming language for now, Python and possibly others are on the short list for inclusion.  Sooner or later I need to stop putting off learning Python.

CAM 360 is not Forgotten

With the merging of CAM360 into the base Fusion 360 application, each month of beautiful geometry creation enhancements ought to include at least a few beautiful physical part creation enhancements.  Since the focus on this update is about the UI and performance, the notable CAM360 update includes small, but delightful, user interface tweaks that makes finding and fixing toolpath errors easier.

Offline Mode

Have a terrible internet connection?  Still need to get work done?  Start your project and switch to offline mode.  Go back online when you’re ready to update your changes.  For some, this will never be used.  For others, this is a necessity and will prove to be a real time saver by reducing rework.

Conclusion

I’m still amazed at the breadth and depth of enhancements Autodesk is able to incorporate into a monthly release cycle without causing major stability issues or introducing other bugs into legacy workflows. September’s update is just as amazing.  In usual fashion, users won’t know when exactly the update hits, so make sure you keep watching your announcements for the release date.  Or, stumble upon easier workflows and a few UI tweaks like the rest of us.

Source:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/design-differently/what-s-cooking-for-the-september-update/ba-p/5229789