Autodesk Inventor vs Solid Edge

Autodesk Inventor9.0Visit SESolid Edge8.8Visit

Higher score Autodesk Inventor #6 in 3D CAD Software 9.0/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit site

vs

SE Solid Edge #8 in 3D CAD Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Solid Edge

• Autodesk Inventor fits best

  Windows-based mechanical engineering teams

• Solid Edge fits best

  Mechanical design with broad manufacturing features

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Side by side

Feature	Autodesk Inventor 9.0/10 Visit ↗	SESolid Edge 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.8
Ranking	#6 in 3D CAD Software	#8 in 3D CAD Software
Best for	Windows-based mechanical engineering teams	Mechanical design with broad manufacturing features
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	30-day trial	Free plan · 30-day trial
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	30 days
Free trial length	30 days	30 days
Deployment	Desktop, Cloud	Cloud, Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Web, Windows
Support	Docs · 24/7	Community, Docs
Integrations	4 integrations	8 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Autodesk Inventor 4/4 · Solid Edge 0/4
Assembly design	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Sheet-metal tools	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Surface modeling	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Cloud collaboration	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Modeling method	Hybrid	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Windows	Not checked yet
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.	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Supports parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based modeling Covers assemblies, sheet metal, surfaces, drawings, and MBD Connects with AutoCAD, Revit, and Autodesk Platform Services	Synchronous Technology combines parametric and direct modeling. Covers assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, surfaces, motion, and rendering. Supports cloud collaboration, file sharing, and STL/3MF export.
Cons	Runs as Windows desktop software rather than a cross-platform CAD tool Requires a paid subscription and has no free plan Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrowly focused CAD teams	Commercial package pricing is not stated. The primary commercial application is installed on Windows. Free editions include eligibility or noncommercial restrictions.
Our verdict	Autodesk Inventor is 3D CAD software for mechanical designers and engineers working on machine design, assemblies, sheet metal, frames, tube and pipe, cable and harness systems, simulation, rendering, and documentation. Its modeling… Read the review →	Solid Edge is Siemens Digital Industries Software’s 3D CAD and product-development software for mechanical designers, engineers, manufacturers, startups, students, and makers. Its scope covers part and assembly design, 2D drafting,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Autodesk Inventor — where it wins

  • Supports parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based modeling
  • Covers assemblies, sheet metal, surfaces, drawings, and MBD
  • Connects with AutoCAD, Revit, and Autodesk Platform Services

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs as Windows desktop software rather than a cross-platform CAD tool
  • Requires a paid subscription and has no free plan
  • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrowly focused CAD teams

• Solid Edge — where it wins

  • Synchronous Technology combines parametric and direct modeling.
  • Covers assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, surfaces, motion, and rendering.
  • Supports cloud collaboration, file sharing, and STL/3MF export.

  Where it doesn't

  • Commercial package pricing is not stated.
  • The primary commercial application is installed on Windows.
  • Free editions include eligibility or noncommercial restrictions.

• Autodesk Inventor9.0/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad Windows CAD system for mechanical design, assemblies, documentation, and automation.

  Visit siteFull verdict →
• SESolid Edge8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

  A broad mechanical CAD suite with hybrid modeling, manufacturing tools, and collaboration options.

  Visit Solid EdgeFull verdict →