Autodesk Inventor vs ZW3D
| Autodesk Inventor | ZW3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Paid from | — | $3,000/mo |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Windows |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Modeling method | hybrid | hybrid |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | Yes |
| Surface modeling | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11; browser-based viewing and collaboration are documented. |
| 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. | Import/export converter formats include IGES, Parasolid, STEP, DWG/DXF, VDA, and STL; direct open/save/edit is listed for CATIA, Inventor, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, Creo/ProE, and ACIS. |
Both are listed in Best 3D CAD Software. On Bettesworth Construction, Autodesk Inventor scores higher on our published basis.