SOLIDWORKS vs Autodesk Inventor

SSOLIDWORKS9.2Visit Autodesk Inventor9.0Visit

Higher score S SOLIDWORKS #3 in 3D CAD Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit SOLIDWORKS

vs

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

• SOLIDWORKS fits best

  Established teams needing full mechanical CAD

• Autodesk Inventor fits best

  Windows-based mechanical engineering teams

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Side by side

Feature	SSOLIDWORKS 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Autodesk Inventor 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	9.0
Ranking	#3 in 3D CAD Software	#6 in 3D CAD Software
Best for	Established teams needing full mechanical CAD	Windows-based mechanical engineering teams
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	$2,820/device/yr	30-day trial
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	30 days
Money-back guarantee	15 days	30 days
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension	Desktop, Cloud
Platforms	Windows, Web	Windows
Support	Docs	Docs · 24/7
Integrations	2 integrations	4 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SOLIDWORKS 0/4 · Autodesk Inventor 4/4
Assembly design	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Sheet-metal tools	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Surface modeling	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Cloud collaboration	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Specs
Modeling method	Not checked yet	Hybrid
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Windows
File import and export	Not checked yet	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	Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures Includes simulation, motion analysis, rendering, and manufacturing documentation Offers web and Windows access with cloud collaboration and revision management	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	The annual entry price is high for smaller teams and individual professionals Advanced routing and analysis require the Premium tier Commercial access is paid, while free access is documented for students	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	SOLIDWORKS is 3D CAD and product development software for engineers, designers, and technology professionals. It supports parametric part, assembly, and 2D drawing modeling, with specialized tools for sheet metal, weldments, molds, and… 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

• SOLIDWORKS — where it wins

  • Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures
  • Includes simulation, motion analysis, rendering, and manufacturing documentation
  • Offers web and Windows access with cloud collaboration and revision management

  Where it doesn't

  • The annual entry price is high for smaller teams and individual professionals
  • Advanced routing and analysis require the Premium tier
  • Commercial access is paid, while free access is documented for students

• 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

• SSOLIDWORKS9.2/10 · Free plan

  Full mechanical CAD with broad design, manufacturing, simulation, and collaboration tools.

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

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

  Visit siteFull verdict →