Autodesk Inventor vs Siemens NX
Autodesk Inventor
autodesk.com
Siemens NX
plm.sw.siemens.comSide by side
| Figure | Autodesk Inventor | Siemens NX |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.5 (#11) | 8.6 (#7) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.5 (#7) | 8.5 (#8) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.4 (#38) | 8.5 (#31) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| 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. | NX X Manufacturing Essentials can import, export, and visualize Parasolid, IGES, DXF, STEP, STL, and JT models. |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Modeling method | hybrid | hybrid |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows desktop; NX X Design is cloud SaaS and supports browser-based access |
| Surface modeling | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Autodesk Inventor
- FlexPrice not published
- Free TrialFree
- Inventor MonthlyPrice not published
Siemens NX
- NX X Design Essentials, Standard, Advanced and PremiumPriced on request
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.
Siemens NX
Siemens NX is a product development suite spanning design, engineering, and manufacturing. It uses hybrid modeling and includes assembly design, sheet-metal tools, and surface modeling. Windows desktop use is supported, while NX X Design provides browser access as a cloud SaaS service with built-in data management. NX X Design has Essentials, Standard, Advanced, and Premium tiers, built on a common core with progressively added functionality. The tiers can share data without translation with other Siemens Xcelerator software. NX supports IGES, STEP AP203, STEP AP214, DXF/DWG, STL, and 3MF; NX X data exchange also lists JT, Solid Edge, and SolidWorks open. Design Copilot NX answers questions using documentation for the user's NX version and can link to documentation or launch mentioned commands. Other listed tools include virtual and augmented reality design, model-based inspection characteristics, sketch checking with automatic correction, and routed-systems design with rule checking. NX is paid, with pricing on request and a 30-day free trial; no free plan is listed.