Alternatives to Autodesk Inventor

Parametric 3D CAD software for mechanical design, simulation and engineering documentation. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Autodesk Inventor.

  • SolidWorks

    Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    SolidWorks is industry-standard parametric CAD with broad training resources and simulation add-ons, also Windows only and costly for individuals.

  • Autodesk Fusion 360

    Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Autodesk Fusion 360 adds CAM, runs on Windows and macOS, and has a free personal tier, but is cloud-connected and needs internet for full functionality.

  • Solid Edge

    Mainstream parametric CAD software with a free Community edition.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    Solid Edge is Siemens parametric CAD with a free Community edition and an integration path with NX, still Windows only with full features in paid tiers.

  • Siemens NX

    High-end CAD, CAM, and CAE suite used in aerospace and automotive design.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsLinux

    Siemens NX integrates CAD, CAM and CAE for aerospace and automotive design, aimed at large enterprise teams with matching pricing and complexity.

  • Onshape

    Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    Onshape runs entirely in the browser with real-time collaboration and version history, but needs a stable internet connection and its free tier projects are public.

  • FreeCAD

    A parametric 3D modeller for real objects: design by sketching constrained 2D shapes, then change the parameters later.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    FreeCAD is free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux with parametric modelling and production drawings, though large assemblies can be slow.

  • Alibre Design

    Parametric 3D CAD software for designing mechanical parts and assemblies, with optional CAM add-ons.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    Alibre Design is lower-cost Windows parametric CAD for parts and assemblies, with weldments in the Expert edition and optional CAM, FEA and motion add-ons.

  • IronCAD

    Commercial 3D and 2D mechanical CAD software with drag-and-drop design and hybrid modelling.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    IronCAD is commercial Windows mechanical CAD with drag-and-drop catalog design and hybrid direct and feature-based modelling, sold through sales and resellers.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Autodesk Inventor as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • VariCAD

    A 3D and 2D CAD program for mechanical engineering design on Windows and Linux.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsLinux

    Autodesk Inventor provides parametric mechanical modelling with simulation and documentation on Windows, sold by subscription only, whereas VariCAD includes all features in one licence.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.