Autodesk Inventor AlternativesCAD Software & 3D Modelers like Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Inventor is described as 'CAD software for 3D design, simulation, and documentation, offering parametric, direct, freeform design options with integrated CAM tools' and is a CAD software in the photos & graphics category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Autodesk Inventor for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and SaaS apps. The best Autodesk Inventor alternative is FreeCAD, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Autodesk Inventor are SketchUp, SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Fusion.

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Autodesk Inventor alternatives are mainly CAD Software, but if you're looking for 3D Modelers or 3D Printing Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Linux, Free, Open Source + 3D Modelling, Mac, Open Source and iPad. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Autodesk Inventor.
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Alternatives list

  1. FreeCAD icon

    FreeCAD

     472 likes

    A powerful open-source parametric 3D modeler ideal for mechanical engineering, supporting Python scripting, running on Windows, Linux, and Mac, with modular architecture allowing extensive adaptability and use with scientific computing libraries.

    113 FreeCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    FreeCAD screenshot 1
     
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    3
    37
    Comments about FreeCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk Inventor
    Guest
    Negative
    6

    Wasn't able to do anything with it

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Would not open of arch linux

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -8

    Lots of good feature and great compatibility

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    FreeCAD icon
    FreeCAD icon

    • Some users think FreeCAD is a great Autodesk Inventor alternative, some don't.

    • FreeCAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk Inventor is Paid and Proprietary
  2. SketchUp icon

    SketchUp

     555 likes

    Comprehensive 3D modeling software ideal for architecture, engineering, film, and gaming. It includes features like easy-to-use interface, sun and shadow analysis, color experimenting, and mock-up creation. Available in freeware and professional versions for diverse needs.

    166 SketchUp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    Main UI
     
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    3
    11
    Comments about SketchUp as an Alternative to Autodesk Inventor
    Guest
    Negative
    14

    Inventor is significantly more detailed and allows for the simulation of motion. Sketchup is a pretty rudimentary 3d drawing tool, and does not produce very high quality models or measurements, etc.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    3

    Sketchup is very inaccurate compared to Inventor. While it is a good beginners tool, it cannot be used to make accurate engineering solutions

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Sketchup is not parametric.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    SketchUp icon
    SketchUp icon

    • This alternative is disputed. SketchUp is a legitimate Autodesk Inventor alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • SketchUp is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk Inventor is also Paid and Proprietary
  4. SOLIDWORKS icon

    SOLIDWORKS

     88 likes

    Leading 3D CAD software for design, analysis, and product data management, developed by Dassault Systèmes. Enhances productivity, fosters collaboration, and accelerates time to market. Features include parametric modeling, photorealistic rendering, and strong PLM process support.

    102 SOLIDWORKS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    SOLIDWORKS screenshot 1
     
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    17
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Autodesk Fusion icon
    Autodesk Fusion

    Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE suite offering cloud modeling, simulation, and manufacturing tools with collaborative editing, free-form and parametric design, licensing for students, hobbyists, and startups, plus support for 3D pri...

    https://www.autodesk.com
    Learn More
  6. Autodesk AutoCAD icon

    Autodesk AutoCAD

     215 likes

    Leading CAD software known for its robust 2D and 3D modeling capabilities, facilitating intricate designs in architecture, engineering, and construction across Mac, PC, and web. Features include a dynamic API for customization, cloud access, and subscription-based service for continual updates and collaborations.

    130 Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Autodesk AutoCAD screenshot 1
     
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    1
    7
    Comments about Autodesk AutoCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk Inventor
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    autocad is for 2d applications

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Autodesk AutoCAD icon
    Autodesk AutoCAD icon

    • Some users think Autodesk AutoCAD is a great Autodesk Inventor alternative, some don't.

    • Autodesk AutoCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk Inventor is also Paid and Proprietary
  7. Autodesk Fusion icon

    Autodesk Fusion

     44 likes

    Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE suite offering cloud modeling, simulation, and manufacturing tools with collaborative editing, free-form and parametric design, licensing for students, hobbyists, and startups, plus support for 3D printing and CNC machining.

    44 Autodesk Fusion alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Freeform modeling & sculpting
     
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    7
  8. Dune 3D icon

    Dune 3D

     16 likes

    Dune 3D operates as a parametric 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. It provides users with the capability to sketch and constrain both in 2D and 3D dimensions. Furthermore, it allows for the addition of chamfers and fillets to designs.

    58 Dune 3D alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Dune 3D screenshot 1
     
  10. Siemens NX icon

    Siemens NX

     3 likes

    Siemens NX software is an integrated product design, engineering and manufacturing solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently.

    20 Siemens NX alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Siemens NX screenshot 1
     
  11. BRL-CAD icon

    BRL-CAD

     57 likes

    BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, libraries for...

    74 BRL-CAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    PA-63 Extractor
     
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    1
    Comments about BRL-CAD as an Alternative to Autodesk Inventor
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Old software, each part of the model has to be entered in plain text. Can still make some nice stuff if you spend time learning how to use it.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    BRL-CAD icon
    BRL-CAD icon
    • BRL-CAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk Inventor is Paid and Proprietary
  12. BricsCAD icon

    BricsCAD

     49 likes

    BricsCAD the first all-in-one CAD design solution in .dwg that answers all your needs; 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM. BricsCAD is a cost-effective, innovative, and familiar CAD solution.

    80 BricsCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    BricsCAD Dark and light mode
     
  13. PTC Creo icon

    PTC Creo

     16 likes

    With Creo Parametric, and its extensions, you can create, analyze, view, and share designs downstream using 2D CAD, 3D CAD, and parametric and direct modeling capabilities.

    82 PTC Creo alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Machinery design capabilities within ProEngineer
     
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    1
    Comments about PTC Creo as an Alternative to Autodesk Inventor
    Aleksandr Dikov
    Positive
    0

    Complete solution for complex projects.

    PTC Creo icon
    PTC Creo icon
    • PTC Creo is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk Inventor is also Paid and Proprietary
  14. Plasticity icon

    Plasticity

     7 likes

    Plasticity is a 3d modelling software for concept artists. Modelling in Plasticity is quick and efficient due to the unique gizmos, shortcuts, and thoughtful workflow.

    21 Plasticity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Plasticity screenshot 1
     
  15. Shapr3D icon

    Shapr3D

     30 likes

    From design to manufacturing. Teams collaborate with more impact. Instinctive design meets multidevice capability and full interoperability for the ultimate 3D design workflow.

    44 Shapr3D alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPad
    Sketch to model. Mastered in hours.
     
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