Autodesk Inventor vs Shapr3D

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.

Shapr3D is a 3D CAD application for direct and history-based parametric modeling. It has a built-in render engine and supports 3D-print export, while sculpting and animation tools are not included. The Free plan allows two projects and includes 20 generations. Pro costs $299/user/yr, billed annually and excluding VAT, and allows unlimited projects. Shapr3D runs natively on Windows, macOS, iPadOS and visionOS, works offline, saves designs locally and syncs them to Shapr3D Cloud when connected. It imports and exports native CAD formats, including XT, STEP, IGES, DWG, STL and 3MF. Browser-based Review Links let people view and comment on models, drawings and visualizations. Pro supports shared team projects, contributors, centralized storage and secure review links. Its 14-day Pro trial gives access to all features, but requires a credit card and charges on day 14 unless canceled at least 24 hours before. Listed requirements include Windows 10 version 2004 or later, macOS Sonoma 14.0 or later, and iPadOS 17 or later.