Autodesk Inventor vs DesignSpark Mechanical
Autodesk Inventor
autodesk.comDesignSpark Mechanical
rs-online.comSide by side
| Figure | Autodesk Inventor | DesignSpark Mechanical |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.5 (#11) | 8.3 (#19) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.5 (#7) | 8.0 (#20) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.4 (#38) | 8.2 (#57) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | No |
| 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. | Explorer imports RSDOC, RSDOCX, DSPCB IDF, TXT, JPG, BMP, PNG; exports RSDOCX, STL, OBJ, 3D PDF. Creator/Engineer also import OBJ, SKP, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, AVI, WMV, MKV; export AMF, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, GLB/GLTF, OBJ, VDB, 3D PDF, SKP, STL, XAML, JPG, PNG. |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Modeling method | hybrid | The software uses gesture-based direct modeling with push-pull tools. |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | No |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows Server 2016 and 2019 (64-bit) |
Plans
Autodesk Inventor
- FlexPrice not published
- Free TrialFree
- Inventor MonthlyPrice not published
DesignSpark Mechanical
- ExplorerFree
- CreatorPrice not published
- EngineerPrice not published
In their own words
Autodesk Inventor
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.
DesignSpark Mechanical
DesignSpark Mechanical has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.