Autodesk Inventor

autodesk.com/products/inventor
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3D modeling software for designers and engineers

How to Replace Autodesk Inventor

Overview

Autodesk Inventor is 3D CAD software that provides mechanical design, documentation, and simulation tools. It combines parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design capabilities with integrated tools for machine design, sheet metal, frame design, and more. The software includes powerful Model-Based Definition for embedding manufacturing information directly in 3D models.

Features

21 features across 13 categories

Analysis(1)

Simulation

Simulate designs to validate form, fit, and function before manufacturing

Also in: Lexion, Ironclad, Juro

Automation(1)

iLogic Automation

Quickly reconfigure designs for customers with workflows powered by iLogic

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Collaboration(2)

Built-in Collaboration Tools

Share feedback with built-in collaboration tools and work with anyone, anywhere no matter what CAD software they use

Cloud-Based Design Review

Collect feedback from stakeholders anywhere using cloud-based design review

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Obsidian

Compatibility(1)

Multi-CAD Translation

Directly open designs created from other CAD systems with no translation necessary

Core Design(1)

3D Modeling

Create 3D models using parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design approaches

Also in: Penpot, UXPin, Canva

Design(1)

Mechanical Design Tools

Specialized tools for mechanical design workflows

Also in: Squarespace, InVision, WordPress.com

Documentation(2)

Documentation Tools

Tools for creating technical documentation and drawings

Model-Based Definition

Include 3D dimensions, annotations, and dimensional tolerances directly to your 3D model for downstream applications

File Support(1)

Native DWG Support

Work with native DWG drawings

Integration(4)

Autodesk Platform Services

Connect your data, applications, and enterprise software

BIM Compatibility

Deliver custom designs that are BIM ready and increase sales opportunities by providing product data in native Revit family format

Informed Design for Inventor

Boost BIM interoperability with Informed Design for Inventor

Inventor API

Access Inventor API to create add-ins

Libraries(1)

Content Center

Choose from standard and customizable content libraries, including beams, bolted connections, gears, cams, belts, and springs

Project Management(1)

Product Development Lifecycle Tracking

Track your product development lifecycle with a single data source

Specialized Design(4)

Cable and Harness Design

Integrated tools for cable and harness design

Frame Design

Use automated tools to create weld frame structures and simulate them using beam elements

Sheet Metal Design

Build sheet metal designs with options for industry-standard bend allowances to create accurate flat patterns for manufacturing

Tube and Pipe Design

Use a combination of automated tools and full-control design functions to build tube and pipe runs

Visualization(1)

Visualization

Visualization tools for product representation

Pricing

Monthly

Starting at {{PRICE}}/month
  • All core features
  • 8x5 support
  • Single sign-on (SSO)
  • Usage reporting
  • 15-day return policy

Annual (1-year)

Annual subscription
  • All core features
  • 33% savings over monthly
  • 8x5 support
  • Single sign-on (SSO)
  • Usage reporting
  • 30-day return policy

Annual (3-year)

Popular
3-year subscription
  • All core features
  • 33% savings over monthly
  • Price protection for 3 years
  • 8x5 support
  • Single sign-on (SSO)
  • Usage reporting
  • 30-day return policy

Flex

Pay as you go
  • Flexible access to 100+ products
  • Daily rate billing
  • Share token pool
  • Default group assignments

Business Plan

Custom
  • Designated Customer Success Manager
  • 24/7 support
  • Expert coaching and learning plans
  • Success planning
  • Directory sync

Enterprise Plan

Custom
  • Tailored, proactive partnership
  • 24/7 support with case manager
  • Custom tools, tracking, and reporting
  • Unlimited access
  • Flexible licensing options

Free Trial

Free
  • 30-day free trial
  • Full access to all features

Cost Calculator

Pricing data not available for Autodesk Inventor. Check their website for current pricing.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a Autodesk Inventor alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 21 features.

Buy Autodesk Inventor

Better Value
Monthly costContact Sales
3-year totalVaries
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Development cost$12,000
Maintenance$180/mo
3-year total$18,480
Dev time~1 months

Buying Autodesk Inventor saves ~$18,480 over 3 years vs building.

Estimates based on 21 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.

Integrations

3 known integrations

AutoCADAutodesk Platform ServicesRevit