# Altium Develop vs Inventor Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Inventor excels in user customization, allowing users to set up shortcuts and adjust text styles, which enhances their overall efficiency. This flexibility is particularly appreciated by those who enjoy personalizing their drawing features.
- **Users say** that Altium Develop stands out for its unified design environment, integrating schematic capture with PCB layout and design verification. This feature facilitates real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together seamlessly.
- **Reviewers mention** that Inventor's user-friendly interface is a significant advantage, especially for beginners. Many users find it robust for creating assemblies with both part and assembly variations, which contributes to a smoother learning curve.
- **According to verified reviews** , Altium Develop's 365 web portal is a game-changer for collaboration, allowing users to share and collaborate on designs effortlessly. This feature helps eliminate confusion over version control, ensuring that teams are always working with the most up-to-date designs.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while Inventor has a strong focus on accuracy in 3D modeling and 2D drafting, it may not be as widely adopted in smaller businesses compared to Altium Develop, which has a larger share of the small-business market.
- **Users report** that Altium Develop's extensive built-in library and modules significantly speed up project development, allowing teams to build projects faster without confusion. This efficiency is a key selling point for users looking to streamline their design processes.



| | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,002 | 440 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (58.2% of reviews) | Mid-Market (42.7% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Starting at $1,990.00 Per Year | $2085 1 year | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Altium Develop

Pros:
- Ease of Use (269 reviews)
- Features (217 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (93 reviews)
- Expensive (88 reviews)

### Inventor

Pros:
- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Assembly Issues (1 reviews)
- Complexity (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (822 reviews) | 8.8 (376 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.1 (840 reviews) | 8.4 (377 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (378 reviews) | 7.9 (107 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.3 (137 reviews) | 7.7 (99 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (736 reviews) | 8.1 (346 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (131 reviews) | 8.2 (94 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.9 (803 reviews) | 8.3 (371 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Altium Develop

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Altium Develop Pricing

Price: Starting at $1,990.00 Per Year

Description: Altium Develop offers subscription-based pricing starting at $1,990 per year per workspace, which includes one ECAD Design Author seat and a shared collaboration workspace for projects, libraries, and design data. Additional ECAD Design Author seats can be added for $995 per user per year, with support for up to four additional authors per workspace. The platform also includes unlimited free collaborator access for review, commenting, task management, and BOM visibility at no extra cost. This pricing model is designed to help teams scale design capacity through a per-seat subscription while enabling broad cross-functional collaboration without increasing overall costs.

Key Features:
- Unified Workspace & Collaboration: Cloud-based platform (Altium 365) for PCB design, schematics, MCAD models, and BOMs with real-time collaboration across teams
- Component & Library Management: Centralized component libraries with traceability, lifecycle management, and part request workflows
- Advanced PCB Design: Support for high-speed PCB design, HDI, rigid-flex, and 3D-MID using Altium Designer

[Learn more about Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Inventor

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: 1 Year

Price: $2085 1 year

Description: Choose online store or reseller or call toll-free 1-844-821-0545.


[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.4/10 | 82 |
| **Inventor** | 8.2/10 | 38 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.5 (75 reviews) | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 8.3 (72 reviews) | 8.9 (37 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.6 (73 reviews) | 8.5 (38 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 8.2 (71 reviews) | 7.6 (35 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.0 (71 reviews) | 8.2 (37 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.1 (65 reviews) | 7.4 (36 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 8.8 (69 reviews) | 8.0 (37 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.0 (63 reviews) | 7.7 (36 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.7 (67 reviews) | 8.1 (36 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.5 (68 reviews) | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.2 (64 reviews) | 8.2 (36 reviews) | 

### Product Data Management (PDM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.5/10 | 44 |
| **Inventor** | N/A | N/A |

#### Metadata

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 8.4 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Taxonomy** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Types** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 8.5 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Alignment** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Workflows** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Lifecycle** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.7/10 | 730 |
| **Inventor** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 9.1 (688 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Schematic editor** | 9.2 (681 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 7.6 (633 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Component placement** | 8.9 (664 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Library

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.3 (681 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 9.1 (664 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | 9.2 (667 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Custom interface** | 7.8 (584 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **Inventor** | 7.5/10 | 20 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.0 (20 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.6 (20 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.7 (20 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | 7.6 (19 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | 5.6 (16 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | 7.5 (19 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | 7.1 (17 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | 6.9 (15 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | 6.8 (15 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | 7.2 (16 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | 7.6 (14 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 7.6 (16 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 7.7 (17 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | 7.7 (18 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 6.9 (18 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 8.1 (19 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.0/10 | 23 |
| **Inventor** | 9.0/10 | 6 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.3 (20 reviews) | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.1 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.7 (17 reviews) | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.4 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 7.7 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.4 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.2 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.0 (17 reviews) | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.5 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 9.2 (16 reviews) | 8.3 (5 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 7.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 7.4 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 7.6 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.3 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 8.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.2 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.8 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (2):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)

**Unique to Altium Develop (2):** [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm)

**Unique to Inventor (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Altium Develop | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 58.2% | 35.0% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 29.6% | 42.7% | 
| **Enterprise** | 12.2% | 22.3% | 

### By Industry

#### Altium Develop

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 22.1%
- **Automotive:** 10.9%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 10.2%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 6.4%
- **Medical Devices:** 6.3%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.1%
- **Research:** 3.4%
- **Higher Education:** 3.2%
- **Computer Hardware:** 3.0%
- **Design:** 2.5%
- **Other:** 28.1%

#### Inventor

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 24.9%
- **Machinery:** 7.8%
- **Design:** 7.1%
- **Construction:** 5.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.8%
- **Utilities:** 3.8%
- **Automotive:** 2.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.6%
- **Industrial Automation:** 2.4%
- **Education Management:** 2.4%
- **Other:** 37.7%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Altium Develop

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (598 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1325 reviews)
- [Autodesk EAGLE](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [KiCad EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (68 reviews)
- [PADS Professional](https://www.g2.com/products/pads-professional/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (65 reviews)

### Alternatives to Inventor

- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (256 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (192 reviews)
- [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews)
- [SolidWorks Simulation](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-solidworks-simulation/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (60 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1325 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Altium Develop

- Title: [Who uses Altium?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/who-uses-altium) — 3 comments *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Altium Designer is used mainly by those who create and work with printed circuit boards or PCBs. All electrical products, computers, toasters, remotes, and..."
- Title: [Is Altium Designer free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-altium-designer-free) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "No, Altium Designer is not free but there is a free viewer that can be downloaded. "
- Title: [What is Altium Designer used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-altium-designer-used-for) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Altium Desinger is a complete PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design software package, which includes Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Libraries, Manufacturing..."
- Title: [Is there a way to modelize in 3D the Pcb designs?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/36429-is-there-a-way-to-modelize-in-3d-the-pcb-designs) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "No or Yes, you can only place 3D bodies for components in PCB and get 3D view of your design. I think by placing components are your will. yes you can..."
- Title: [What is Altium 365 used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-altium-365-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Create circuit design & PCB Design"

### Inventor

- Title: [What are some of the best practices for students working in groups to use Inventor?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-some-of-the-best-practices-for-students-working-in-groups-to-use-inventor) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi, to be honest with you, I would work with a consultant on that. It shouldn't take more than a day for a consultant to help with a report that will answer..."
- Title: [How do you handle the data creation problem?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-you-handle-the-data-creation-problem) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You basically need to create each model from scratch in Inventor. You can copy your AutoCAD in Inventor and extrude the models but the models won't be..."
- Title: [Is integration with other Autodesk products being considered?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15145-is-integration-with-other-autodesk-products-being-considered) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Autodesk published a video on how to export Inventor parts to Revit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7-WtyiUtI"
- Title: [Is there a good place to look for more advanced tutorials/examples for iLogic?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/13895-is-there-a-good-place-to-look-for-more-advanced-tutorials-examples-for-ilogic) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "I'm not aware of a flat out repository for examples, but there is a fantastic thread on the Inventor forum that showcases a ton of different examples. If you..."
- Title: [there is a form to get more realistic renders from inventor?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12147-there-is-a-form-to-get-more-realistic-renders-from-inventor) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Max can load Inventor files natively, so that's certainly one option.

The render engine in Inventor is pretty good, though. There is a great deal of ..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/altium-develop-vs-inventor)