Inventor: CAD Software for technical and mechanical designs

What is Inventor used for?

Inventor is computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by Autodesk, many use for 3D mechanical design, simulation, and visualization. It uses the concept of parametric design, used primarily to create technical drawings for mechanical purposes. It is found in many fields such as automotive, architecture, construction, etc. Autodesk Inventor includes parametric, direct edit, and freeform modeling tools for all your projects.

With Inventor you can create models, simulate and exchange your design ideas with colleagues and friends. 

Created in 1982 by John Walker and 12 partners, Autodesk was the first CAD company to go public. It publishes a variety of software suites including AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and Alias. 

For more information, please refer to our page about preparing files for 3D printing.

Autodesk Inventor Publisher

Inventor software features

From basic features to most advanced automation processes, Inventor is offering great possibilities for designers and engineers developing 3D models. With Autodesk Inventor software you can improve your performance and:

Autodesk Inventor screenshot

If you want to discover all features of Inventor click here

If you are looking for a software with automation abilities, you might be interesting by Autodesk Inventor.

Inventor software supports the following 3D file formats:

IPT (Inventor), PRT (NX), SLDPRT (SolidWorks), PRT (Pro/ENGINEER), X_T or X_B (Parasolid), G (Granite), STEP, IGES, SAT, DWF, JT, STL, IDW (Inventor Drawing), DWG drawings, DXF Drawings.

However, Inventor only uses Windows as an operating system. Linux and Mac users can not work with this CAD software. 

If you want to know more about the current Autodesk Inventor 2023, you can watch this webinar from Autodesk and check out their YouTube channel

What is the price of Inventor?

Inventor software is not free but you can download a trial version, which can be found on its official website.

They do offer different subscription models on their website. If paid monthly the Inventor costs $290. $2,300 when paid annually and the best value is given, if you pay for 3 years with $6,555. 

Inventor Fusion 360 for personal use is Autodesk’s free design technology with limited features. Otherwise, Fusion 360 can be purchased on a monthly to yearly basis. 

Our tools to use Inventor software

In our collection of tutorials about modelling with CAD software, you will find our tutorial about Inventor software containing all the steps required to help you create your 3D model, and how to use Inventor. Once you have created your file, don’t forget to export it in STL to be able to print it more easily! If you have difficulty performing this export, our transfer a 3D file section explains how to do so with Inventor software.

If you need help printing a file you designed with Inventor, refer to our eBook, “Fix your Files“. These resources will help you improve your 3D files to make them printable!

Is your 3D file ready? Then upload it and bring your object to life!