Autodesk 3ds Max vs. Autodesk Inventor

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Autodesk 3ds Max
Score 8.2 out of 10
N/A
Autodesk offers 3ds Max, 3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization, games, and animation. The vendor states that users can produce professional-quality 3D animations, renders, and models with an efficient and flexible toolset to help create better 3D content in less time.
$235
per month per user
Autodesk Inventor
Score 8.0 out of 10
N/A
Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD software offers professional-grade 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools. These blend parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design capabilities. Inventor includes integrated tools for sheet metal, frame design, tube and pipe, cable & harness, presentations, rendering, simulation, and machine design. It also features TrustedDWG® compatibility and Model-Based Definition capabilities for embedding manufacturing information directly in…
$305
per month per user
Pricing
Autodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Inventor
Editions & Modules
Monthly Subscription
$235
per month per user
Yearly Subscription
$1875
per year per user
3-Year Subscription
$5625
3 years per user
Subscription - Monthly
$305
per month per user
Subscription - Yearly
$2440
per year per user
Subscription - 3 Years
$7320
3 years per user
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Autodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Inventor
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsFlex pricing available for limited usage. Minimum plan $300 for 100 tokens. 3ds Max costs 6 tokens per day.Also available for limited use through tokens on a Flex plan.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Autodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Inventor
Considered Both Products
Autodesk 3ds Max
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
I use Blender, Maya is expensive learned it once but about the same as 3ds Max, just more expensive. Blender is great, open source and hard to learn, but work it. But since I have so much experience in 3ds Max it is my go to software.
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
Back when 3d programs were becoming more powerful and stable, 3d Studio (yes, it was 3d Studio before it was 3ds Max, more on that later) and Maya were owned by different companies. At that time, you had to
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
In Autodesk 3ds Max you can do camera animation with ease, its complex in Cinema 4d. Even I think same with light setup. Setting up light is quite easy in Autodesk 3ds Max as compare to Cinema 4d. Overall Autodesk 3ds Max is less complex in compare to other 3D softwares.
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
Maya is an overall better rendering program.
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
[Most] people like to use Maya for modeling but Maya is only good for soft surface modeling not for hard surface. The [Autodesk 3ds] Max has no limitations in this field, it is open to [making] hard or soft surface modeling. [It] even has great command on fx effects [made] by …
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
3ds Max provides me with good animations, as well as rendering images and stability for my gaming models. Therefore, I prefer it over Maya software
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
Blender is a very small and quite easy-to-use software but it lacks some of the things and for that, you need a lot of addons. So that's not a good thing. 3ds Max on the other hand is big in size but it can do pretty much all the tasks by itself.
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
Best for rendering and geometry flexibility. Interphase is also superior. The stacking of modifiers is unique and allows for combining, and turning on and of which makes presenting options very agile, and clear without destroying the geometry. It's easily reversible. All others …
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
Complex models are very easy to make in 3ds Max compared to other software, as Autodesk provides safety and security for your data and there are always there to serve you better. My experience with Autodesk was remarkable and Upmarket integration with other plugins makes 3ds …
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
Sketch-up week to be vertically integrated to produce concept all the way to high-end render, an animation (effects, particles, soft-body, etc..) All 3 other softwares are fully capable, it just comes down to what software an operator is most familiar with and if it works in …
Chose Autodesk 3ds Max
Some functionalities are not available on the other software we use.
Autodesk Inventor
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Fusion works very similarly to Inventor as it is from the same company. SolidWorks is also fairly similar, with only small features/functions and user interface differences. Onshape functions similarly to Inventor, but is web-based, so it requires no download to use. It is …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Very similar products. In my opinion, Autodesk Inventor is better at sheet metal and that is why we are not using SolidWorks. It has been a while since we have used SolidWorks so beyond that the comparison is difficult.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
I have no current experience with Solidworks
Chose Autodesk Inventor
I used to work on Solidworks CAD modeling software. but now, I am working with Autodesk Inventor. Inventor in budget software for new start-up companies. and Inventor provide a product bundle in one. So, you will get the other beneficial software also. and we can also design …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk seems more detailed and easier to use when it comes to the 3D side and the compatibility is easier to convert when needed.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
We chose Inventor because the team had some historic experience with older versions of AutoCAD. Our market services primarily building engineers, so to export directly to a REVIT file was critical.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
I definitely prefer SOLIDWORKS to Inventor. For part modeling, SOLIDWORKS is second to none. Because Inventor is part of the Autodesk suite, if you are wrapped up in AutoCAD information and data, it's possible that Inventor may be the part modeling tool you would naturally use. …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
In my opinion, Autodesk Inventor is easier to set up and use. It also has iLogic that has added many more design options over what I have been able to accomplish in SOLIDWORKS.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Solidworks: Better with surfaces and weld
Catia: Works well with complex assemblies with 1000+ components
Chose Autodesk Inventor
When it comes to solid modeling, the bad choices died out years ago. So we looked at the total ecosystem and chose Autodesk Inventor because of the integration with Nastran, HSM (machining), Autodesk CFD, MoldFlow, and AutoCAD. This means our legacy data (2D) is still a valid …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
As previously mentioned in an earlier question, Autodesk Inventor has found the happy middle ground for my 3D CAD needs. Autodesk is easy to pick up but complex enough to allow for all our CAD needs to be filled. I personally didn't select Autodesk Inventor (it was what the …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Some of the features are more intuitive in Inventor. For example, there is an auto mid-plane function in Inventor that doesn't exist in Solidworks. Also, the mouse controls are easier to use in Inventor. It is easier to spin and rotate the part in Inventor, this action is a …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk inventor has a free trial, and CATIA doesn’t.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Inventor and SolidWorks compare nicely with it coming down to user preference. Both are great modeling tools, with Autodesk providing more flexibility through its subscription add-ons. Although AutoCAD exists in a different environment it is still used for design although less …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
We selected Inventor since we were deeply invested in AutoCAD for previous 2D designs and this was smoother integration with existing design practices.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
AutoCAD is difficult to use and adapt to while Inventor is easier to use. AutoCAD works based on designing and discovering new items while Inventor targets users who want to test something in motion.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Inventor is more intuitive and directional when it comes to the creation of parts and assemblies. The commands are also simpler and easier to understand than Solidworks. Inventor also has the support and presence in the market that allows for it to be utilized for different …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Audesk Inventor is better than Solidworks in all ways, better than OnShape in important ways, but not as good on collaboration tools, and more professional than Fusion 360.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
I've listed Solidworks, SDRC Ideas and Pro/Engineer as alternative and comparable applications. SDRC Ideas is an extinct product, and Pro/E is available as it's descendent, PTC CREO, I think. Of the two alternatives, Solidworks is easier for me to use and I can do more with it, …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Inventor is a more detailed modeling software then Revit or Fabrication. AutoCAD of course has been around for many years and will continue to have a place because it seems to be the base for all of the modeling software using .dwg file types. Inventor has the ability using the …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
I believe Autodesk Inventor is the easiest 3D modeling software to use, but it might not be the most cost effective though. The best thing about Inventor is the learning curve. It makes bringing new people up to speed much easier.

I do believe that Solidworks has better …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
ANSYS is far more expensive and has a steeper learning curve. Autodesk has many flexible and scale-able licensing options that adapt to our institutional needs and IT infrastructure. Furthermore, it allows our students to have free educational software running in their own …
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Inventor is a very similar design platform as SolidWorks. I have used both over the last 19 years. Functionality is very similar. In my own experiences, SolidWorks has proven to be easier for new users to learn but Inventor has improved in that area over the last few years.
Chose Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor has the same underlying features as both SolidWorks and Fusion 360. Being made by the same company, Autodesk Inventor and Fusion 360 are pretty much the same product, except Fusion 360 is an online version. SolidWorks is much more advanced than the other …
Features
Autodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Inventor
Computer-Aided Design Software
Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk 3ds Max
-
Ratings
Autodesk Inventor
6.8
Ratings
5% below category average
3D Modeling00 Ratings8.50 Ratings
2D Drafting00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Rendering and Visualization00 Ratings6.50 Ratings
Parametric Design00 Ratings7.50 Ratings
Collaboration and Sharing00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Compatibility with other software and formats00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Assembly Design00 Ratings6.50 Ratings
Simulation and Analysis00 Ratings5.50 Ratings
Documentation and Annotation00 Ratings6.50 Ratings
Customization and Extensions00 Ratings7.50 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Autodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Inventor
Small Businesses
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Enterprises
Navisworks
Navisworks
Score 9.4 out of 10
Rhino
Rhino
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Autodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Inventor
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.0
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
8.1
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
6.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Autodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Inventor
Likelihood to Recommend
Scenarios where Autodesk 3ds Max is well suited: 1. Modeling less complex geometries. 2. For beginners it is good, meshes, poly's, vertexes etc can be easily understood. 3. Easy UI and interoperability. Scenarios where it is less appropriate: 1. Inbuild Rendering (Scanline) can be made better. 2. Performance over low end/Old Pc's need refinement. 3. Bulky Size on disk. 4. Animation is the area which can be made better also.
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Autodesk Inventor is well-suited for situations where you are creating 3D models of small, simple parts and assemblies. It is hands-down the fastest and most reliable way to get this done. When you are looking for a software that has many advanced features and controls to create an assembly of 20+ parts, you need to look for other software.
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Pros
  • V-Ray 3ds Max is an awesome third-party plugin for architecture renders in 3ds Max.
  • Complicated models can be made in a simple way in 3ds Max also P-particles, M flow works better then before.
  • Interface is very easy to use. Very open, attractive, and very much ease of use for new users.
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  • You can make designs (CAD) and you can also manufacture them (CAM) and do not need an interface like Solidworks to recognize it in a CNC.
  • Inventor is very easy to use to create realistic, solid designs.
  • The software allows you to design and see where problems are in real-time.
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Cons
  • working in 2d is very frustrating and unreliable. It just lacks the precision
  • How scaling affects units (or doesn't) There needs to be a way for modifiers to address a change of scale in the object.
  • Booleans are not intuitive. Especially for architecture, creating an opening and putting a door or a window is an incredibly cumbersome process.
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  • Inventor demonstrates a lack of fluidity in the process of transferring data between programs.
  • Inventor shows some lack of sophistication that certain features that are readily available in other design software packages are limited in use in Inventor.
  • Inventor can often have difficulty in creating models that show true color, as in blacks can come out as dark grays in certain renders, even when the material and appearance settings are the same from part to part.
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Likelihood to Renew
It satisfies 95% of my 3d visualization need. The left over 5% is handled by a few other programs. If Max just can't perform a specific task I can do that elsewhere and then bring it back to Max to finish up. But, it's rare that this occurs in my work
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Inventor continues to meet our enterprise needs. I don't see a need to change unless we change our business model significantly.
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Usability
It is a very difficult program to learn to use and even harder to use well. But once you get to using it it is a great software package to know how to use. Getting to be good at using it takes lots of use.
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It is quite user-friendly as long as you have the computing power to download and use it. However, this makes it quite inconvenient if you are trying to access files on different devices, as Inventor has to be loaded on all of those devices. While the program itself works just fine, it would be much better for my application if it, or a version, were web-based and allowed users to access and modify projects from anywhere.
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Support Rating
I have contacted support many times and have had a good experience. They have always been helpful
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I'm giving the overall support rating a 5 only because I rarely have to use it. Trying to find the answer on the help pages hardly ever helps me because any problem I have is usually too deep for what the help offers. Given the popularity of Autodesk, I have always been able to find an answer online after doing enough looking!
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In-Person Training
No answers on this topic
I got the training during college, so mostly i learned on my own
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Alternatives Considered
I use Blender, Maya is expensive learned it once but about the same as 3ds Max, just more expensive. Blender is great, open source and hard to learn, but work it. But since I have so much experience in 3ds Max it is my go to software.
Read full review
ANSYS is far more expensive and has a steeper learning curve. Autodesk has many flexible and scale-able licensing options that adapt to our institutional needs and IT infrastructure. Furthermore, it allows our students to have free educational software running in their own personal computers, allowing them to work at home and be more productive with it.
Read full review
Return on Investment
  • Having to take comments on and re-render a set of single multi-camera shots wastes a lot of time, as there is also an error "batch render." Slows down my completion of a job, even for the most minor image updates.
  • Not being able to offer my freelance/contractor services period in-house on studios that are exclusively Mac. They don't even offer Autodesk 3ds Max as an option because they have never been able to see it in action. Huge loss of potential hires, with my 33year 3DStudio/Autodesk 3ds Max experience
  • When most current version is needed I jump onto the subscription temporarily and this eats severely into my profits. As clients want lower and lower prices with international and AI competition. Especially when I know many International houses for a fact use pirated 3D software.
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  • We are working toward full engineering integration with Autodesk Inventor. This will remove most of the human error in our current processes.
  • Production team is moving away from physical samples to using Autodesk Inventor models. This is a cost savings and helps us manage change better.
  • Autodesk Inventor iLogic is allowing us to automate some of our engineering. This is proving to make one job 20% faster to complete with fewer errors.
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ScreenShots