Emily Suzuki
This post is also available in:
Create better products with enhanced workflows tailored to your business on one platform.
When it comes to CAD/CAM software, one size never fits all. Sometimes, your software has everything you need to run your business, but there are cases when you may need more functionality to push your ideas further. Fusion extensions are optional add-on modules built into Autodesk Fusion that unlock advanced capabilities for manufacturing, simulation, design, signal integrity, and product lifecycle management. Autodesk Fusion currently offers three extensions: Manufacturing, Simulation, and Design.
Unlike third-party add-ins available from the Autodesk App Store, Fusion extensions are first-party, built-in capabilities developed by Autodesk that integrate seamlessly with the core platform.
Perhaps your job shop or manufacturing department is expanding and you need access to multi-axis strategies like steep and shallow finishing, flow-line machining, and automatic collision avoidance. Or, perhaps you need to run simulation studies such as nonlinear stress analysis, shape optimization, or injection molding validation. That’s where Autodesk Fusion extensions come in.
Where can I access Autodesk Fusion extensions?
Fusion extensions allow you to unlock advanced capabilities and advanced workflows that enable you to create better products. Extensions live right inside the Autodesk Fusion platform. You can unlock them if you need more capabilities or leave them locked if you don’t need any extra features. If you need just one extension, you can select only the one you need. If you need multiple, you can unlock multiple. Or, if you don’t need any of them, no worries—you can simply leave them untouched. You can even trial Fusion extensions for free to experience the benefits of extending your platform.
Who are Fusion extensions for, and how do they work?
Extensions are for individuals and businesses who need access to more advanced Fusion features. Extensions help improve operational efficiency and collaboration by introducing automated and optimized workflows across teams to increase manufacturing throughput and reduce time to market.
We recognize that many members of our community don’t need access to extensions, and that’s okay. Think about it this way: Have you ever used software with too many features? Squinting to find the menu option you need among 50 options or racking your brain to remember where to find that one feature you know is buried somewhere in the depths of the program are never fun.
We want Fusion to remain accessible for everyone and easy to use for all, regardless of your career level or job description.
Instead of bloating Fusion with advanced features to only meet the needs of a select group in our community, we’ve kept it simple by giving you the option to either turn extensions on directly in Fusion or simply leave them turned off if you don’t need them.
Who should use each Fusion extension?
- CNC machinists needing multi-axis toolpath strategies, sheet nesting, or additive manufacturing preparation should use the Fusion Manufacturing Extension.
- Product designers and engineers requiring generative design exploration, FEA validation, or injection molding simulation should use the Fusion Simulation Extension.
- Industrial designers creating complex surface geometry, automated patterns, or performance-optimized forms should use the Fusion Design Extension.
Note: Fusion extensions are for current Fusion subscribers. If you do not currently own a subscription to Fusion and need advanced functionality, consider Fusion for Manufacturing or Fusion for Design.
What extensions does Fusion currently offer?
| Extension | Primary function | Key capabilities |
| Fusion Manufacturing Extension | CNC machining, fabrication, additive manufacturing | 3-5 axis toolpaths, sheet nesting, metal additive build preparation |
| Fusion Simulation Extension | Design optimization and validation | Generative design, FEA, electronic cooling, injection molding simulation |
| Fusion Design Extension | Complex geometry and surface modeling | Automated patterning, surface analysis, manufacturing-aware design tools |
Fusion Manufacturing Extension
The Fuison Manufacturing Extension unlocks additional capabilities for CNC machining, fabrication, and additive manufacturing preparation to reduce programming time and maximize machine utilization for complex parts. Features include:
- 3 to 5-axis CNC machining strategies including steep and shallow finishing, flow-line machining, and automatic collision avoidance
- Sheet-based nesting for optimized material utilization
- Fabrication tools for sheet metal workflows
- Metals-based additive manufacturing build preparation
- Toolpath simulation and verification
Fusion Simulation Extension
The Simulation Extension optimizes part design and performance through cloud-powered analysis and generative design. Designers and engineers are able to validate designs earlier and explore more design alternatives without local compute limitations. Features include:
- Unlimited cloud solves for generative design exploration
- Finite element analysis (FEA) including nonlinear stress and thermal studies
- Electronic cooling simulation
- Injection molding simulation for manufacturability validation
- Shape optimization studies
Fusion Design Extension
The Design Extension automates complex geometry creation to enhance product performance and aesthetics with manufacturing awareness.
- Automated geometry optimization
- Automated surface patterning and texturing
- Curvature analysis and surface quality tools
- Manufacturing-aware design validation
- Complex freeform surface modeling
How much do Autodesk Fusion extensions cost?
Let’s break down how much each Fusion extension costs per user:
- Manufacturing Extension: $1,465/year for 1 user
- Simulation Extension: $1,465/year for 1 user
- Design Extension: $595/year for 1 user
How do I install Fusion extensions?
Well, you don’t! Extensions aren’t third-party add-ins. They behave like the rest of Fusion but are built to extend your capabilities. Simply access the extension manager by clicking on the extension cord icon in the top right of Fusion to get started:
You now have all the background knowledge you need to start using your first Fusion extension!
Autodesk Fusion extensions frequently asked questions
Do I need to install Fusion extensions separately? No. Fusion extensions are built into the Fusion platform and do not require separate installation. Simply unlock them through the extension manager within Fusion.
Can I try Fusion extensions for free? Yes. Autodesk offers free trials for all Fusion extensions so you can experience their capabilities before subscribing.
What is the difference between extensions and third-party add-ins? Fusion extensions are first-party modules developed by Autodesk and built directly into the platform. Third-party add-ins are developed by external developers and available through the Autodesk App Store.
Can I subscribe to just one extension? Yes. You can subscribe to any individual extension based on your specific needs, or subscribe to multiple extensions if your workflow requires them.