Autodesk Inventor
autodesk.com
What it is
Autodesk Inventor is Windows software for mechanical design, documentation, simulation, and model-based definition. Its 3D tools combine parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based modeling, with support for assembly design, sheet metal, and surfaces. Inventor can open designs from other CAD systems without translation. Parts can be exported to formats including DWG, IGES, JT, OBJ, STEP, and STL; assembly exports also include RVT, while drawings support DWG, IDW, DWF/DWFx, and DXF. Design connections include Revit family data, Vault, Factory Design Utilities, and Inventor Nastran. Automation options include iLogic, the API, and Autodesk Platform Services. Inventor is paid, with a 30-day trial and no permanent free tier. Displayed monthly, annual, and three-year prices are placeholders, not figures. A subscription permits installation on up to three devices, but only the named user may sign in and use it on one computer at a time.
Spec sheet
- Free plan
- NoRead 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Admin features
- Flex includes default group assignments for simplified user management.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- AI security
- Autodesk states that its AI development, deployment, and use are responsible, ethical, and secure.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Assembly design
- YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Autodesk benefits
- Autodesk offers Business and Enterprise success plans with support, coaching, reporting, and licensing options.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Automation integrations
- Inventor supports iLogic, its API, and Autodesk Platform Services for automation and ecosystem connections.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Cloud collaboration
- YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Core features
- The software provides mechanical design, documentation, simulation, and model-based definition tools.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Design integrations
- Inventor connects with Revit family data, Vault, Factory Design Utilities, and Inventor Nastran.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Design methods
- Inventor combines parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Displayed pricing
- The page shows monthly, annual, and 3-year price placeholders rather than figures.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- File import and export
- Import: Autodesk states Inventor supports opening non-native CAD data. Export formats documented for parts include DWG, DWF/DWFx, IGES, JT, OBJ, RFA, SAT, STEP, STL, CATIA V5, Parasolid, and Pro/ENGINEER; assemblies additionally include RVT. Drawing formats include DWG, IDW, DWF/DWFx, and DXF. Format support varies by data type and version.Read 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Free tier limits
- The page describes a 30-day free trial, not a permanent free tier.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Free trial
- Inventor is available as a free 30-day trial.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Install limit
- A subscription allows installation on up to 3 computers or other devices.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Modeling method
- hybridRead 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Non-native data
- Inventor can directly open designs from other CAD systems without translation.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Online support
- Autodesk provides 24x7 online support options and resources.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Previous versions
- Subscribers can install and use the 3 previous versions.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Refund policy
- Annual and multi-year subscriptions have a 30-day return policy; monthly subscriptions have 15 days.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Sheet-metal tools
- YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Support benefits
- Subscription and Flex purchases include 8x5 support, single sign-on, and usage reporting.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Supported OS
- Inventor runs on Microsoft Windows.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Supported platforms
- WindowsRead 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Surface modeling
- YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
- Use restriction
- Only the named user can sign in and use the software on one computer at a time.Read 27 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Combines parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design
- Includes assembly, sheet-metal, and surface tools
- Opens designs from other CAD systems without translation
- Supports multiple documented export formats
Limits
- Runs on Microsoft Windows
- No permanent free tier
- Displayed subscription prices are placeholders
- One named user can use one computer at a time
Who it suits
Inventor suits mechanical designers who need 3D modeling, assembly, documentation, or simulation tools on Windows. Its CAD connections and automation options may also suit teams working with the listed Autodesk integrations.
Verdict
Inventor brings several modeling methods and mechanical design tools into a Windows application, with broad documented file-format support. Buyers should account for the paid model and the lack of displayed subscription figures.
Where Specifiction places it
- 3D CAD Software#11 of 798.5
- CAD software#7 of 318.5
- 3D modeling software#38 of 1478.4