Autodesk Inventor vs CATIA
| Autodesk Inventor | CATIA | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Paid from | — | — |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Windows |
| Free plan | No | — |
| Modeling method | hybrid | parametric |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | Yes |
| Surface modeling | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software. |
| File import and export | 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. | STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products. |
Both are listed in Best 3D CAD Software, Best CAD Software. On Bettesworth Construction, Autodesk Inventor scores higher on our published basis.