# Autodesk Fusion vs Inventor Nastran Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Autodesk Fusion excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to Inventor Nastran. Users appreciate features like customizable toolbars and shortcuts that enhance productivity and streamline the design process.
- **Users say** that Autodesk Fusion's advanced modeling tools allow for precise and detailed designs, making it a favorite among small businesses. In contrast, Inventor Nastran, while effective for enterprise users, has received mixed feedback regarding its adaptability to smaller workflows.
- **Reviewers mention** that Autodesk Fusion's ease of use is a standout feature, with a score reflecting its intuitive interface. Users highlight the software's surface and mesh modeling capabilities, which facilitate quick adjustments and imports of scans, enhancing the design experience.
- **According to verified reviews** , Inventor Nastran is praised for its seamless integration with Autodesk Inventor, making it a practical choice for users familiar with that ecosystem. However, some users find it less user-friendly, especially for those new to the software.
- **Users highlight** that Autodesk Fusion's strong support and documentation contribute to a smoother onboarding experience, with many noting the effectiveness of its tutorials. In contrast, Inventor Nastran's support quality has been rated lower, indicating potential challenges for users seeking assistance.
- **Reviewers appreciate** that Autodesk Fusion has a larger user base, reflected in its total number of reviews, which suggests a more robust community for support and shared knowledge. Meanwhile, Inventor Nastran, with fewer reviews, may not offer the same level of community engagement and resource availability.



| | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.0 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 520 | 23 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (68.5% of reviews) | Enterprise (40.9% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $680.00 1 Subscription Per Year | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Autodesk Fusion

Pros:
- Ease of Use (33 reviews)
- Features (23 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Learning (12 reviews)
- Learning Curve (12 reviews)

### Inventor Nastran

Pros:
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- Setup Ease (1 reviews)

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

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (447 reviews) | 7.5 (22 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (452 reviews) | 7.1 (22 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.8 (121 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.5 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.4 (394 reviews) | 6.6 (22 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.8 (55 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.0 (442 reviews) | 7.3 (22 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Autodesk Fusion

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Autodesk Fusion 

Price: $680.00 1 Subscription Per Year

Description: Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for professional product design and manufacturing.

Key Features:
- Design and engineer products how you want to ensure aesthetics, form, fit, and function.
- Engineer, design, and create anything with comprehensive electronics and PCB design tools.
- Save time and money and get quality parts out the door faster.

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

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Inventor Nastran

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.7/10 | 181 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | 8.9 (152 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | 8.8 (138 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | 8.8 (149 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | 8.7 (138 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | 8.4 (130 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Programming Control** | 8.4 (130 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Machining

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | 8.5 (135 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Operations** | 8.7 (133 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | 8.7 (135 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.6/10 | 102 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.1 (100 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling** | 9.2 (100 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Visualize ** | 9.1 (99 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 8.8 (97 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.4 (96 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.7 (92 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | 8.8 (94 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grips ** | 8.7 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.1 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.1 (94 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.3 (90 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.6/10 | 31 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### Library

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | 9.1 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Search** | 8.3 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Deduplication** | 8.3 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Feedback** | 8.5 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CAD

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Types** | 8.6 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Models** | 8.9 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compatibility** | 9.1 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | 8.6 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD & PLM** | 8.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **ERP** | 8.3 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.7/10 | 28 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | 9.0 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Quality** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Extra Information** | 8.4 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Standard Format** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Translate** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Validation** | 8.8 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | 8.5 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.1/10 | 191 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | 9.0 (178 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3MF Compatible** | 8.7 (100 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | 8.7 (142 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | 7.8 (144 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Editing** | 8.6 (171 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | 7.8 (127 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | 9.1 (167 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | 8.5 (173 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Downloadable Application** | 8.9 (170 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.0 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.1 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.7/10 | 117 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 9.1 (111 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Export files** | 8.7 (109 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 2D files** | 8.3 (105 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 3D files** | 9.3 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch convert files** | 7.9 (73 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.4 (101 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 8.3 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Change units** | 8.8 (109 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 9.2 (109 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.8 (111 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.5/10 | 36 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 8.5 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Schematic editor** | 8.4 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 9.1 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Component placement** | 8.8 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Library

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.3 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 8.6 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | 8.5 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | 7.8 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom interface** | 8.2 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.4/10 | 127 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.1 (116 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.8 (117 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 9.0 (116 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering tools** | 8.6 (108 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | 7.2 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Finite element analysis** | 8.4 (81 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | 8.1 (73 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Work

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 8.0 (66 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 8.2 (67 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | 8.4 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 8.4 (76 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrate** | 8.2 (72 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.6 (97 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task** | 8.6 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.4 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 9.1 (102 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.9/10 | 22 |
| **Inventor Nastran** | N/A | N/A |

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.8 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.7 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.1 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 9.1 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 8.7 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 9.2 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 9.1 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.9 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 9.3 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.7 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | 8.5 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 8.8 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 8.4 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 8.9 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.8 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 9.0 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.5 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 9.3 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)

**Unique to Autodesk Fusion (9):** [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Autodesk Fusion | Inventor Nastran | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 68.5% | 22.7% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 21.7% | 36.4% | 
| **Enterprise** | 9.8% | 40.9% | 

### By Industry

#### Autodesk Fusion

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 16.1%
- **Design:** 13.9%
- **Automotive:** 8.1%
- **Higher Education:** 5.0%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 4.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 3.6%
- **Construction:** 2.8%
- **Machinery:** 2.4%
- **Medical Devices:** 2.4%
- **Manufacturing:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 39.7%

#### Inventor Nastran

- **Automotive:** 31.8%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 13.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 13.6%
- **Staffing and Recruiting:** 9.1%
- **Oil & Energy:** 9.1%
- **Research:** 4.5%
- **Mining & Metals:** 4.5%
- **Machinery:** 4.5%
- **Entertainment:** 4.5%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Autodesk Fusion

- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (696 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (613 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1037 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1327 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (628 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews)
- [NX CAM](https://www.g2.com/products/nx-cam/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (331 reviews)

### Alternatives to Inventor Nastran

- [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (122 reviews)
- [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (92 reviews)
- [SolidWorks Simulation](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-solidworks-simulation/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (60 reviews)
- [Abaqus](https://www.g2.com/products/abaqus/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (54 reviews)
- [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [Altair OptiStruct](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-optistruct/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (34 reviews)
- [Simcenter Femap](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-femap/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (17 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews)
- [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (283 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Autodesk Fusion

- Title: [Does Fusion 360 require cloud credits?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/cloud-credits) — 2 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Each annual subscription comes with 100 cloud credits. Cloud credits are needed for advanced simulation, generative design, and cloud-rendering."
- Title: [What do I need to run Fusion 360?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/system-requirements-7d07ee73-2cf0-420d-bb26-c8985e5c3cc8) — 2 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Operating System	Apple® macOS™ Mojave v10.14;Apple® macOS™ High Sierra v10.13; Apple® macOS™ Sierra v10.12
Note: Support for Mac® OS® X v10.11.x (El..."
- Title: [What is Fusion 360 used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-fusion-360-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Fusion 360 is a start-to-finish product design and development tool.
Fusion's core product offerings include CAD/CAM/CAE and PCB design capabilities. With..."
- Title: [Is Fusion 360 still free for hobbyists?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/fusion-360-is-fusion-360-still-free-for-hobbyists) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, you just have to use the Educational Version. And you can only have 10 editable/active projects. If you want more than 10 projects, you have to make..."
- Title: [Is Fusion 360 a CAD software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-fusion-360-a-cad-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, and so much more."

### Inventor Nastran

No discussions available for this product.

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