# FreeCAD, SolidWorks Simulation vs Inventor Comparison

| | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.1 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 61 | 60 | 440 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (67.9% of reviews) | Mid-Market (47.4% of reviews) | Mid-Market (42.7% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | $2085 1 year | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### FreeCAD

**Not enough data**

### SolidWorks Simulation

Pros:
- Ease of Use (3 reviews)
- Accuracy (1 reviews)

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

### Inventor

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

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

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.3 (45 reviews) | 8.3 (43 reviews) | 8.8 (376 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.6 (46 reviews) | 8.4 (43 reviews) | 8.4 (377 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.9 (7 reviews) | 8.3 (7 reviews) | 7.9 (107 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (99 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.7 (37 reviews) | 8.4 (38 reviews) | 8.1 (346 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (94 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (45 reviews) | 8.3 (40 reviews) | 8.3 (371 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### FreeCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### SolidWorks Simulation

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### 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 |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | 7.9/10 | 29 |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Inventor** | 8.2/10 | 38 |

#### Design

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 8.2 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.9 (37 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.0 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.5 (38 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 7.5 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.6 (35 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.4 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.2 (37 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 7.2 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.4 (36 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 8.0 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.0 (37 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 7.5 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.7 (36 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.2 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.1 (36 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 7.7 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.2 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.2 (36 reviews) | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | 7.8/10 | 19 |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Inventor** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 8.3 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Export files** | 8.4 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **View 2D files** | 8.1 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **View 3D files** | 7.9 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Batch convert files** | 6.9 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 7.9 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 7.3 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change units** | 7.5 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 7.8 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.0 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | 8.3/10 | 25 |
| **Inventor** | 7.5/10 | 20 |

#### Design

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.1 (22 reviews) | 9.0 (20 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.0 (21 reviews) | 8.6 (20 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.9 (22 reviews) | 8.7 (20 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | 8.0 (21 reviews) | 7.6 (19 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | 8.0 (20 reviews) | 5.6 (16 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | 8.3 (22 reviews) | 7.5 (19 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | 8.5 (19 reviews) | 7.1 (17 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.5 (19 reviews) | 6.9 (15 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.6 (19 reviews) | 6.8 (15 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | 8.4 (20 reviews) | 7.2 (16 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | 8.1 (18 reviews) | 7.6 (14 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 8.5 (20 reviews) | 7.6 (16 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.2 (19 reviews) | 7.7 (17 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | 8.2 (17 reviews) | 7.7 (18 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 7.8 (16 reviews) | 6.9 (18 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 8.3 (21 reviews) | 8.1 (19 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Inventor** | 9.0/10 | 6 |

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

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (5 reviews) | 

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

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)

**Unique to FreeCAD (2):** [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)

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

**Unique to Inventor (2):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Simulation | Inventor | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 67.9% | 42.1% | 35.0% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 16.1% | 47.4% | 42.7% | 
| **Enterprise** | 16.1% | 10.5% | 22.3% | 

### By Industry

#### FreeCAD

- **Design:** 16.1%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 14.3%
- **Industrial Automation:** 8.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 7.1%
- **Automotive:** 5.4%
- **Machinery:** 5.4%
- **Higher Education:** 5.4%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 3.6%
- **Civil Engineering:** 3.6%
- **Computer Software:** 3.6%
- **Other:** 26.8%

#### SolidWorks Simulation

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 22.8%
- **Design:** 15.8%
- **Higher Education:** 14.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 7.0%
- **Machinery:** 7.0%
- **Airlines/Aviation:** 3.5%
- **Consulting:** 3.5%
- **Industrial Automation:** 3.5%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 1.8%
- **Automotive:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 19.3%

#### 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 FreeCAD

- [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)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (192 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [QCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/qcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1325 reviews)

### Alternatives to SolidWorks Simulation

- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (598 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (92 reviews)
- [Altair HyperWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-hyperworks/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (56 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)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (771 reviews)
- [Inventor Nastran](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (23 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 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)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1325 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (598 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (350 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### FreeCAD

- Title: [Is FreeCAD easy to learn?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-freecad-easy-to-learn) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "its easy, if you are familiar with other CAD software"
- Title: [Is FreeCAD reliable?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-freecad-reliable) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "No, it has all kinds of silly errors that sometimes pop up when you change something that is unrelated to the error.
FreeCAD-pros admit this in their..."
- Title: [new user](https://www.g2.com/discussions/29807-new-user) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Looks impressive. I look forward to getting involved. Interested in Vintage 1930s cars. i'm in Australia"
- Title: [FREECAD FOR PROFESSIONAL](https://www.g2.com/discussions/29803-freecad-for-professional) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "hi.
i just want to know that can i use FreeCAD for professional uses for free or it is open for practice/student only
"
- Title: [CAD Services That Will Bring You to the Future – Cadsourcing](https://www.g2.com/discussions/28081-cad-services-that-will-bring-you-to-the-future-cadsourcing) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You can check here for more details!
https://cadsourcing.com/cad-services-that-will-bring-you-to-the-future/"

### SolidWorks Simulation

- Title: [What is the use of Solidworks software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-use-of-solidworks-software) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Its Computer aided design software, of course you can do lot of things using solidworks package. 
Design 3D CAD Engineering models
2D technical drawing..."
- Title: [Is solidworks simulation free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-solidworks-simulation-free) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "No its based on subscription"

### 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/freecad-vs-solidworks-solidworks-simulation-vs-inventor)