Whereas there are various electronics design software program choices in the marketplace, reminiscent of the favored and open supply KiCad, EAGLE is definitely among the finest identified and most trusted. CadSoft initially launched EAGLE manner again in 1988 and in 2016 Autodesk acquired CadSoft together with the EAGLE software program. Nearly instantly, Autodesk made the controversial resolution to maneuver EAGLE to a subscription-only mannequin. Then in 2020, Autodesk modified EAGLE from a standalone product to a part of a bundle with Fusion 360. In one other controversial transfer, Autodesk simply introduced plans to discontinue EAGLE altogether, efficient June seventh, 2026.
That is all a part of Autodesk’s technique to construct a cohesive ecosystem for his or her varied software program instruments. Fusion 360 proved to be an enormous success for Autodesk, permitting them to take over the hobbyist market and introduce new customers to software program that might then serve them within the skilled world. Earlier than that, parametric CAD (computer-aided design) software program licenses had been very costly and so Fusion 360 represented a really sturdy worth proposition — much like what Adobe has achieved with Artistic Cloud. An enormous a part of that worth comes from the included instruments, reminiscent of CAM (computer-aided manufacturing). By eliminating EAGLE, Autodesk can construct electronics design instruments into Fusion 360 and provides customers motivation to enter that ecosystem.
EAGLE Premium subscribers have till June seventh, 2026 to make the swap. EAGLE Normal subscribers might want to make the swap on the time of their subsequent renewal in 2024. EAGLE Free subscribers ought to make the swap now.
In the event you use Fusion 360, then you have already got entry to the electronics design instruments. Merely choose “New Electronics Design” from the New File drop down menu. Autodesk guarantees that these instruments will present the entire identical energy and adaptability that EAGLE did, however the person interface is completely different. It maintains the identical normal type and interface design as the remainder of Fusion 360, so it ought to be intuitive for customers skilled with that software program. There are limitations for Private Use subscribers, however they’ll nonetheless get entry to many of the options.
There’s something to be stated for software program that places your whole instruments in a single place and that enables for higher collaboration, however Autodesk’s resolution to place EAGLE out to pasture is certain to upset some customers. Right here at Hackster, we’ll be experimenting with the brand new Fusion 360 electronics design instruments to learn the way nicely they work.