CATIA vs Autodesk Inventor

CATIA9.3Visit Autodesk Inventor9.0Visit

Higher score CATIA #2 in 3D CAD Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit CATIA

vs

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

• CATIA fits best

  Enterprise engineering and advanced product design

• Autodesk Inventor fits best

  Windows-based mechanical engineering teams

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	CATIA 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Autodesk Inventor 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	9.0
Ranking	#2 in 3D CAD Software	#6 in 3D CAD Software
Best for	Enterprise engineering and advanced product design	Windows-based mechanical engineering teams
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	Pricing on request	30-day trial
Free plan	Not checked yet	—
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension	Desktop, Cloud
Platforms	Web, Windows	Windows
Support	Community	Docs · 24/7
Integrations	2 integrations	4 integrations
Built for	Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CATIA 4/4 · Autodesk Inventor 4/4
Assembly design	✓	✓
Sheet-metal tools	✓	✓
Surface modeling	✓	✓
Cloud collaboration	✓	✓
Specs
Modeling method	Parametric	Hybrid
Supported platforms	Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software.	Windows
File import and export	STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products.	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.
Our review
Pros	Generative, parametric, direct, solid, and surface modeling Sheet-metal, assembly, motion, drawings, simulation, and PLM integration 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration with broad format support	Supports parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based modeling Covers assemblies, sheet metal, surfaces, drawings, and MBD Connects with AutoCAD, Revit, and Autodesk Platform Services
Cons	Commercial subscriptions start at $1,961 per user per quarter There is no free plan Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrow CAD projects	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
Our verdict	CATIA is 3D CAD and product-engineering software from Dassault Systèmes for designers and engineers developing complex products, assemblies, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary projects. Its capabilities span parametric and generative… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• CATIA — where it wins

  • Generative, parametric, direct, solid, and surface modeling
  • Sheet-metal, assembly, motion, drawings, simulation, and PLM integration
  • 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration with broad format support

  Where it doesn't

  • Commercial subscriptions start at $1,961 per user per quarter
  • There is no free plan
  • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrow CAD projects

• 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

• CATIA9.3/10 · Pricing on request

  A deep engineering suite for complex products, with enterprise pricing to match.

  Visit CATIAFull verdict →
• Autodesk Inventor9.0/10 · 30-day trial

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

  Visit siteFull verdict →