Autodesk Announces the End of EAGLE

While there are many electronics design software options on the market, such as the popular and open source KiCad, EAGLE is easily one of the best known and most trusted. CadSoft originally introduced EAGLE way back in 1988 and in 2016 Autodesk acquired CadSoft along with the EAGLE software. Almost immediately, Autodesk made the controversial decision to move EAGLE to a subscription-only model. Then in 2020, Autodesk changed EAGLE from a standalone product to part of a bundle with Fusion 360. In another controversial move, Autodesk just announced plans to discontinue EAGLE altogether, effective June 7th, 2026.

This is all part of Autodesk's strategy to build a cohesive ecosystem for their various software tools. Fusion 360 proved to be a massive success for Autodesk, allowing them to take over the hobbyist market and introduce new users to software that could then serve them in the professional world. Before that, parametric CAD (computer-aided design) software licenses were very expensive and so Fusion 360 represented a very strong value proposition — similar to what Adobe has done with Creative Cloud. A big part of that value comes from the included tools, such as CAM (computer-aided manufacturing). By eliminating EAGLE, Autodesk can build electronics design tools into Fusion 360 and give users motivation to enter that ecosystem.

EAGLE Premium subscribers have until June 7th, 2026 to make the switch. EAGLE Standard subscribers will need to make the switch at the time of their next renewal in 2024. EAGLE Free subscribers should make the switch now.

If you use Fusion 360, then you already have access to the electronics design tools. Simply select "New Electronics Design" from the New File drop down menu. Autodesk promises that these tools will provide all of the same power and flexibility that EAGLE did, but the user interface is different. It maintains the same general style and interface design as the rest of Fusion 360, so it should be intuitive for users experienced with that software. There are limitations for Personal Use subscribers, but they will still get access to most of the features.

There is something to be said for software that puts all of your tools in one place and that allows for better collaboration, but Autodesk's decision to put EAGLE out to pasture is sure to upset some users. Here at Hackster, we'll be experimenting with the new Fusion 360 electronics design tools to find out how well they work.