What is Autodesk Inventor used for?

Inventor is a 3D mechanical design solution enabling engineers to create comprehensive digital prototypes before manufacturing. The software provides tools for designing individual parts, assembling complete products, running performance simulations, creating technical documentation, and generating photorealistic renderings. Users can validate designs through virtual testing, reducing costly physical prototypes and streamlining the product development workflow.

Can you get Inventor for personal use?

Autodesk offers multiple access options for Inventor's personal use. Students and educators qualify for free educational licenses, while hobbyists and professionals can choose between monthly, annual, or three-year subscription plans. A free 30-day trial allows users to explore all features before purchasing. The software requires a powerful computer with dedicated graphics for optimal performance and sufficient RAM.

What is the cost of Inventor?

Inventor's subscription pricing starts at $310 monthly for one user, while the annual subscription costs $2,500, offering better value for consistent users. The three-year subscription at $7,505 allows long-term users to lock in their price. Educational institutions can access free licenses; volume discounts are available for multiple seats. Additional modules may incur extra costs.

Is Inventor good for 3D modeling?

Reviewers highlight 3D design and modeling as one of Inventor’s top features. The software offers comprehensive parametric design tools, direct editing capabilities, and freeform modeling features. It excels at assembly modeling, simulation, and complex surface geometry creation. Plus, its integration with other Autodesk products, extensive part libraries, and powerful visualization tools can make it particularly effective for mechanical design projects and manufacturing workflows.

Updated March 31, 2025 at 1:20 PM

Inventor 2026: Benefits, Features & Pricing

Written by Laura Burgess

Content Analyst

Edited by Caroline Rousseau

Senior Editor

Wondering if Inventor is right for your organization?

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On this page

Our Summary
Pricing and Plans
Features
Integrations
Key Sentiments
User Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions

Our Summary

Inventor

4.5

(277)

Pros:

3D model capabilities
User-friendly interface

Cons:

Limited functionality
Frequent crashes

Pricing

Starting at $310.00 per month

What is Inventor:

Autodesk Inventor is computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating and validating 3D mechanical designs. It combines parametric modeling, direct editing, and freeform tools for designing parts and assemblies while enabling technical documentation and design simulations.

Why we like Inventor:

Users highlight Inventor's powerful 3D modeling, 2D drawing, and data import/export capabilities. The software's iLogic feature enables design automation through built-in programming, and its parametric design tools and simulation features are good for validating designs. It also integrates with other Autodesk tools.

Who should use Inventor:

Inventor serves mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing professionals needing specialized 3D design tools. Nearly 35% and 15% of reviewers come from companies with 2-50 and 501-1000 employees, respectively. Educational institutions can access the software for free.

Inventor Screenshots

Inventor Overview

Inventor is a solution that provides engineers and designers with professional-grade design and engineering solutions. It assists with 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization and documentation.

With Inventor software, engineers can create a virtual representation of the final product to validate the form, fit and function before it’s ever built. Inventor includes powerful modeling tools as well as multi-CAD translation capabilities and native DWG drawings—helping users to reduce development costs, get to market faster, and make great products.

Inventor Pricing and Plans

Starting price: $300.00

Free Trial

Free Version

Subscription

$310.00

flat rate, per month

Plan includes:

Assembly Modeling
Automated Frame Design
BIM Interoperability
Content Center
Design Configurations
Drawing Creation
Model-Based Definition
Parametric Modeling
Shape Generator
Shared View Collaboration

Flex

$300.00

usage based

No plan information available

Confused about pricing? We've got you covered.

Get a personalized pricing breakdown tailored to your specific needs—no guesswork, no generic estimates.

Our Analysis of Inventor's Pricing Plans

Autodesk Inventor offers a range of pricing plans to suit different budgets and usage requirements. We've analyzed each plan in detail to help you determine which one best aligns with your needs. Whether you're a freelancer working on short-term projects or a large enterprise requiring a long-term commitment, Autodesk Inventor has a plan that fits the bill. Let's dive into the specifics of the plans and explore their advantages and limitatio...

ns. **Annual Subscription Plan** The Annual Subscription Plan is a cost-effective option for businesses and individuals requiring consistent access to Autodesk Inventor throughout the year. At $2,500 per year for one user, this plan offers a significant 33% savings compared to the monthly subscription cost. Users can also enjoy peace of mind with a 30-day money-back guarantee. **Pros:** - **Substantial cost savings:** The annual plan provides a 33% discount compared to the monthly subscription, making it an economical choice for regular users. - **Price stability:** Users can budget effectively and avoid unexpected price increases by locking in the price for a year. - **Money-back guarantee:** The 30-day money-back guarantee offers users the confidence to commit to the annual plan, knowing they can receive a refund if unsatisfied. **Cons:** - **Upfront investment:** The annual plan requires a larger initial payment, which may be challenging for some users with limited budgets. - **Long-term commitment:** Users are committed to the software for a full year, which may not be ideal for those with short-term or sporadic needs. **Monthly Subscription Plan** The Monthly Subscription Plan is designed for users who require Autodesk Inventor for short-term projects or only need the software intermittently. At $310 per month for one user, this plan offers the flexibility to use the software as needed without a long-term commitment. **Pros:** - **Flexibility:** Users can subscribe to Autodesk Inventor on a month-to-month basis, allowing them to use the software only when needed. - **No long-term commitment:** The monthly plan is ideal for users with project-based needs or unsure about their long-term software requirements. **Cons:** - **Higher overall cost:** The monthly plan is more expensive in the long run than the annual subscription, as users do not benefit from the discounted annual rate. - **Lack of price stability:** Monthly prices are subject to change, which can make budgeting more challenging for users. **Flex Plan** The Flex Plan is a pay-as-you-go option that allows users to purchase tokens to access Autodesk Inventor. The minimum purchase is 100 tokens for $300, and users consume eight tokens per day for this product. This plan is ideal for infrequent users who only need the software for sporadic tasks or projects. **Pros:** - **Pay-as-you-go:** Users only pay for what they use, making it a cost-effective option for those with minimal software requirements. - **No recurring charges:** Unlike subscription plans, the Flex Plan does not involve ongoing monthly or annual charges, giving users more control over their spending. **Cons:** - **Higher cost for frequent use:** If users require Autodesk Inventor frequently, the Flex Plan can become more expensive than the subscription options. - **Token management:** Users need to monitor their token usage and ensure sufficient tokens are available when needed, which can be an additional administrative task. **3-Year Subscription Plan** The 3-Year Subscription Plan is a long-term commitment that offers users access to Autodesk Inventor for an extended period at a discounted rate. At $7,505 for three years for one user, this plan suits businesses and individuals confident in their ongoing need for the software. **Pros:** - **Long-term cost savings:** By committing to a three-year subscription, users can potentially save money compared to annual or monthly plans over the same period. - **Predictable budgeting:** With a fixed cost for three years, users can easily plan and allocate their software budget. **Cons:** - **Significant upfront cost:** The 3-Year Subscription Plan requires annual upfront payments, which may not be feasible for all users. - **Reduced flexibility:** Users are locked into the software for three years, which may not be suitable for those with changing needs or uncertainty about their long-term requirements. **Free Trial** Autodesk Inventor offers a 30-day free trial, allowing potential users to explore the full range of features before committing to a paid plan. During the trial period, users have access to all the software’s functionalities, allowing them to evaluate its suitability for their needs. After the trial, users can convert to a paid subscription plan that best fits their requirements. **Conclusion** After analyzing the pricing plans for Autodesk Inventor, it's evident that the software offers a range of options to cater to different business needs and budgets. - **For startups and small businesses:** The Monthly Subscription or Flex Plan may be the most appropriate choice. The Monthly Subscription provides access to the full feature set without a long-term commitment, making it ideal for short-term projects or businesses with fluctuating needs. The Flex Plan, with its pay-as-you-go model, offers even greater flexibility for infrequent users or those with sporadic design requirements. - **For established businesses and enterprises:** The Annual Subscription and 3-Year Subscription plans offer the best value for money. These plans provide a cost-effective solution for businesses with consistent design needs and a stable workforce. The longer commitment allows for better budget planning and ensures uninterrupted access to the software's powerful features. When selecting a pricing plan, businesses should consider factors such as the size of their design team, the frequency and complexity of their design projects, and their long-term growth projections. By aligning these factors with the appropriate pricing plan, businesses can optimize their investment in Autodesk Inventor and unlock its full potential to drive innovation and success. Regardless of the chosen plan, Autodesk's 30-day free trial provides an opportunity to explore the software's capabilities before making a financial commitment.

Inventor Features

Drawn from insights across 277 verified reviews, we've outlined Inventor's best and worst rated features and how they stack up against the average rating.

Inventor's score

Category average

Inventor's Best Rated Features

Drag & Drop

4.89

4.20 category average

Animation

4.67

3.87 category average

3D Design & Modeling

4.65

4.35 category average

Inventor's Worst Rated Features

API

3.50

3.49 category average

Design Analysis

3.82

4.35 category average

Version Control

3.86

3.91 category average

Popular features found in 3D CAD
2D Drawing
Animation
Bill of Materials Management
Data Import/Export
For 3D Printing
For Architects
For Manufacturers
More features of Inventor
3D Design & Modeling
3D Imaging
Annotations
API
Bills of Material
BOM Creation
CAD Tools
Civil
Collaboration Tools
Component Library
Configuration Management
Content Library
Design Analysis
Document Management
Drag & Drop
Electrical
Item Management
Manufacturing Design Data
Mechanical
Modeling & Simulation
Multiple Projects
Reporting/Analytics
Rules-Based Workflow
Secure Data Storage
Version Control

Inventor Integrations

Based on 277 verified reviews, we've identified products most frequently integrated with Inventor.

Microsoft Excel

Integration rated 5.0 from 2 reviews

Revit

Integration rated 5.0 from 1 review

SketchUp

Integration rated 4.0 from 1 review

Civil 3D

Integration rated 5.0 from 1 review

FortiClient

Integration rated 4.0 from 1 review

UltraVNC

Integration rated 4.0 from 1 review

See all 10 integrations

Inventor Key Sentiments

We analyzed 277 verified reviews for Inventor to find out what actual users really think.

Most Positive Sentiments

CAD design

73% Positive

18% Neutral

9% Negative

Users praise Autodesk Inventor for its ease of use and affordability, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced CAD users. They find the software's similarity to other CAD programs beneficial for transitioning between tools. Reviewers also appreciate the software’s availability to students, which makes it a valuable educational resource.

3D modeling

69% Positive

21% Neutral

9% Negative

Users find Autodesk Inventor's 3D modeling capabilities impressive, allowing them to create complex models efficiently. They appreciate the software's support for 3D printing and its ability to handle both 2D and 3D designs seamlessly. Reviewers also highlight Autodesk Inventor's suitability for beginners, noting that it offers a good starting point for learning 3D modeling.

Design tools

60% Positive

30% Neutral

10% Negative

Reviewers appreciate Autodesk Inventor's design tools for their ability to facilitate mechanical engineering projects and implement design changes easily. They find the software intuitive for beginners and efficient for improving and evaluating designs. Users also enjoy the flexibility to design various objects, including complex mechanical parts.

Least Positive Sentiments

Software crashes

10% Positive

20% Neutral

70% Negative

Although reviewers appreciate Autodesk Inventor's integration with other Autodesk products, which enhances data management and project switching, they experience frequent crashes, bugs, and high memory usage. This can disrupt their workflow. Users also mention that the software demands a powerful computer to run smoothly, leading to occasional instability.

Assembly design

45% Positive

25% Neutral

30% Negative

Users value Autodesk Inventor's flexibility in assembly design and the automation capabilities provided by the software’s iLogic functionality. They find the drawing capabilities for assemblies to be superb. However, reviewers report difficulties in changing constraints, setting up mates, and mirroring assemblies, which can hinder the design process.

Drawing and sketching

53% Positive

18% Neutral

29% Negative

Reviewers find Inventor's drawing and sketching tools easy to use and intuitive, allowing them to create and adjust sketches effortlessly. They appreciate features like quick dimensioning and the ability to produce high-quality drawings. However, users note difficulties with referencing midpoints, a steep learning curve, and challenges in creating drawings compared to other software.

Inventor User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5

Ratings Breakdown

59%

36%

Secondary Ratings

Ease of Use

4.2

Value for money

4.1

Customer support

4.1

Functionality

4.5

Ayub K.

Verified reviewer

Construction

11-50 employees

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed March 2025

Inventor: A powerful 3D modeling system

We primarily use Autodesk Inventor for parametric modeling, and it is very powerful

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

powerful iLogic feature that simplies repetitive tasks

Cons:

Inventor doesn't allow real-time collaboration

Reasons for switching to Inventor

We needed 3D modeling software, and Inventor was a perfect solution

Chantal G.

Verified reviewer

Higher Education

1001-5000 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2024

Inventor for Excellence in Services.

Inventor is dependable, and has made every process in a firm successful.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

Inventor has proper procurement guides and all costs are well established.

Cons:

Inventor has a powerful way of managing all inventories.

Reasons for switching to Inventor

The complexity of running the programs is something that made us shift.

Robert D.

Verified reviewer

Plastics

11-50 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed September 2019

A very good solid modeling and simulation choice

Previously 3

The annual subscription is a good value for the money

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Previously 3

Value for money

Customer support

Previously 4

Functionality

Previously 3

Pros:

The subscription-based price model and great customer support. Much better than Solidworks in this regard.

Cons:

Hole feature does not have the robustness of SolidWorks. It is not possible to mate to planes and other non-model features.

Reasons for choosing Inventor

Cost and features, like built-in cam programming.

Reasons for switching to Inventor

Cost of ownership

Kuca S.

Verified reviewer

Packaging and Containers

10000+ employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2024

Inventor PRO : your fully product development journey

This tool grant to the company the possibility to develop and manage evey kind of engeeniring product development, providing all the feautes needed and at the same time provide a huge flexibility for collaboration

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

Possibility to manage every kind of Company's product development, managing every kind of possible customization.

Cons:

Even skilled engeeniring having difficulties at the begging to manage the software. Tool Learning curve is quite heavy.

Reasons for switching to Inventor

Inventor provided better tools for Product development and simplify integration and collaboration in a worldwide company

Marc-André M.

Verified reviewer

Civil Engineering

501-1000 employees

Used monthly for less than 12 months

Review source

Reviewed January 2025

autodesk inventor

very good, ease or use, lots of automations availables, and good autodesk market

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

3d modeling, good integration to vault, and bom management

Cons:

cost is high, invegrated with autodesk vauld is costly for small business, bet essential for engineering

Reasons for choosing Inventor

cost and poularyty of software un our environement

Verified

Reviewer

Higher Education

501-1000 employees

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed June 2023

Autodesk Inventor in-depth review

Autodesk Inventor is a great 3D parametric modelling CAD software for Mechanical engineers. It is possible to use parametric, freeform, direct and conditions / rules-based design.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

3D Tools & simulation capabilities to design and optimize the performance. Simple and easy to use.They provide free trial.Collaboration within the team members is possible to a totally different level.

Cons:

Requires computers with high end configurations and graphics card.CAM and CAE features are not available.

Reasons for choosing Inventor

Cost effective, easy to use.

Reasons for switching to Inventor

It is free to qualified educational institutions.Hence it is cost effective. Easy to learn and use.

Alejandro S.

Verified reviewer

Oil & Energy

51-200 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed September 2021

Why I use Inventor in my daily work

I started using inventor 15 years ago at university and although the software has grown a lot, its use is still just as easy, of course with certain improvements and additions that must be learned with each new version. Although inventor generates high-quality blueprints, many times the drawing standards of each country or region are not met, so I usually edit the drawings in AutoCAD before presenting them

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

It is very easy to learn, it is a very intuitive software and you can start designing pieces from the first time you use it. Being Autodesk software, it is compatible with other important software such as AutoCAD or Fusion 360. It has a large number of libraries, so it is not necessary to draw standardized parts

Cons:

This is very powerful software, so it requires a high-end computer, so the initial investment is somewhat expensive and the more elements an assembly has, the more RAM memory it will need, which can easily reach 64 or 128 GB.

Reasons for switching to Inventor

Because the drawing of parts in 3D and the assemblies are made much easier and faster than in AutoCAD

Upendra D.

Verified reviewer

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

11-50 employees

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed July 2019

Best modelling sodtware

Inventor is very helpful for my business as I want to create the solid models of my new product ideas. Inventor allowa me to modell those ideas with perfect finishing. I can use these modells to express my ideas to my workers and customers. Though there are many modelling softwares, surface finishing in Inventor is exceptional. The modells look very attractive, colourful and realistic. I recommend Inventor for any solid modelling purpose.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

Finishing Tools User interface Reliability

Cons:

Nothing. This is the best modelling software with best finished look of the models.

Reasons for switching to Inventor

The realistic nature of the modells is low in Solidworks Premium.

Marcos Alberto U.

Verified reviewer

Computer Software

2-10 employees

Used weekly for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2024

High-level CAD design

Through this program I have been able to make three-dimensional models for real products, thanks to its CAD tools, it has been possible to create parts easily, you start sketching and end up creating complex parts with great detail and accurate measurements. Although at first it may seem a little difficult to understand because of the complexity of its tools, with practice it becomes easy to use, certainly a software that is very useful.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

I like that it has a wide range of tools for computer aided design, plus it has simulation tools that allow you to test your designs before producing them, one of my favorite features is the ability to automatically create blueprints based on your three-dimensional design, automatically creating views from different angles.

Cons:

Being a specialized software it has a relatively high cost, this together with its high requirements plus its high learning curve is a high barrier to access it, so it tends to have certain features that could make it very complex for some users.

Swaroop B.

Verified reviewer

Mining & Metals

201-500 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed August 2024

Autodesk inventor user advantage

I am using inventor since 4 years and a user friendly tool to designing and drafting. I logic programming was the greatest advantage by using inventor.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

I like I logic programming & inventor has a huge content center library.

Cons:

Static analysis results need to be precised & reported errors need to be resolved.

Showing 1 - 10 of 277 Reviews

See All Reviews

Inventor FAQs

What is Autodesk Inventor used for?
Inventor is a 3D mechanical design solution enabling engineers to create comprehensive digital prototypes before manufacturing. The software provides tools for designing individual parts, assembling complete products, running performance simulations, creating technical documentation, and generating photorealistic renderings. Users can validate designs through virtual testing, reducing costly physical prototypes and streamlining the product development workflow.
Can you get Inventor for personal use?
Autodesk offers multiple access options for Inventor's personal use. Students and educators qualify for free educational licenses, while hobbyists and professionals can choose between monthly, annual, or three-year subscription plans. A free 30-day trial allows users to explore all features before purchasing. The software requires a powerful computer with dedicated graphics for optimal performance and sufficient RAM.
What is the cost of Inventor?
Inventor's subscription pricing starts at $310 monthly for one user, while the annual subscription costs $2,500, offering better value for consistent users. The three-year subscription at $7,505 allows long-term users to lock in their price. Educational institutions can access free licenses; volume discounts are available for multiple seats. Additional modules may incur extra costs.
Is Inventor good for 3D modeling?
Reviewers highlight 3D design and modeling as one of Inventor’s top features. The software offers comprehensive parametric design tools, direct editing capabilities, and freeform modeling features. It excels at assembly modeling, simulation, and complex surface geometry creation. Plus, its integration with other Autodesk products, extensive part libraries, and powerful visualization tools can make it particularly effective for mechanical design projects and manufacturing workflows.