# Inventor vs SketchUp Comparison

| | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 440 | 1,324 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (42.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (75.7% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $2085 1 year | $129.00 1 Seats Per Year | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Inventor

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

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

### SketchUp

Pros:
- Ease of Use (15 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (10 reviews)

Cons:
- Poor Rendering Quality (6 reviews)
- Expensive (5 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (376 reviews) | 8.5 (1133 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.4 (377 reviews) | 8.9 (1151 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.9 (107 reviews) | 9.0 (269 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.7 (99 reviews) | 8.3 (104 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.1 (346 reviews) | 8.1 (902 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.2 (94 reviews) | 8.5 (101 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.3 (371 reviews) | 8.2 (1120 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### 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

### SketchUp

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Go Subscription

Price: $129.00 1 Seats Per Year

Description: Design & collaborate anywhere.

Key Features:
- Web & iPad based 3D Modeling Platform
- Unlimited Cloud Storage on Trimble Connect
- Community Support and SketchUp Help Center Access

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Inventor** | N/A | N/A |
| **SketchUp** | 7.3/10 | 317 |

#### Design

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | Not enough data | 8.9 (298 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.8 (296 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 8.7 (297 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Sequence Steps** | Not enough data | 7.9 (271 reviews) | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | Not enough data | 7.6 (221 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | Not enough data | 6.8 (222 reviews) | 
| **File Import/Export** | Not enough data | 8.3 (293 reviews) | 
| **Annotating ** | Not enough data | 7.1 (269 reviews) | 
| **Document Storage** | Not enough data | 7.5 (259 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | Not enough data | 7.5 (239 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Clash Detection ** | Not enough data | 6.6 (216 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | Not enough data | 6.8 (201 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | Not enough data | 6.5 (190 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | 6.2 (118 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 6.1 (118 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.4 (119 reviews) | 

#### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### 3D Modeling

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Inventor** | N/A | N/A |
| **SketchUp** | 7.1/10 | 290 |

#### Design

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sculpting** | Not enough data | 7.0 (274 reviews) | 
| **Topology** | Not enough data | 6.9 (268 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 8.2 (272 reviews) | 
| **Brush Variety ** | Not enough data | 6.4 (265 reviews) | 
| **Effects** | Not enough data | 7.0 (265 reviews) | 

#### Move

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Animate** | Not enough data | 6.6 (264 reviews) | 
| **Render** | Not enough data | 7.5 (270 reviews) | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | 8.4 (272 reviews) | 

#### Store & Manage

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Pipeline ** | Not enough data | 6.7 (253 reviews) | 
| **Controls** | Not enough data | 7.6 (260 reviews) | 
| **Template library ** | Not enough data | 7.7 (261 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.1 (248 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.2 (246 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Inventor** | 8.2/10 | 38 |
| **SketchUp** | 8.2/10 | 329 |

#### Design

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 8.7 (305 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 8.9 (37 reviews) | 8.9 (308 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.5 (38 reviews) | 8.9 (308 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 7.6 (35 reviews) | 7.7 (294 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.2 (37 reviews) | 8.1 (297 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 7.4 (36 reviews) | 9.1 (305 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 8.0 (37 reviews) | 8.8 (304 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 7.7 (36 reviews) | 8.3 (290 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.1 (36 reviews) | 7.4 (265 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 7.5 (264 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.2 (36 reviews) | 7.3 (244 reviews) | 

### Simulation & CAE

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

#### Design

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

#### Tools

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

#### Work

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

#### Environment

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

### Urban Planning and Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Inventor** | N/A | N/A |
| **SketchUp** | 7.5/10 | 166 |

#### Plan

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Documentation** | Not enough data | 7.3 (144 reviews) | 
| **Sequence** | Not enough data | 7.4 (141 reviews) | 
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | 6.6 (138 reviews) | 
| **Collaborate** | Not enough data | 6.9 (133 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | 9.0 (158 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.9 (158 reviews) | 
| **2D Modeling** | Not enough data | 7.5 (147 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | Not enough data | 8.0 (156 reviews) | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sustainability** | Not enough data | 7.2 (132 reviews) | 
| **Liveability** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Movement** | Not enough data | 7.3 (133 reviews) | 

### Architectural Rendering

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Inventor** | N/A | N/A |
| **SketchUp** | 7.2/10 | 477 |

#### Library

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Objects** | Not enough data | 8.1 (460 reviews) | 
| **Materials** | Not enough data | 7.4 (464 reviews) | 

#### Rendering

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Textures** | Not enough data | 7.3 (453 reviews) | 
| **Shading** | Not enough data | 7.7 (448 reviews) | 
| **Lighting** | Not enough data | 6.9 (444 reviews) | 
| **Exterior Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.4 (435 reviews) | 
| **Aerial Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.3 (411 reviews) | 
| **Atmospheric rendering** | Not enough data | 6.5 (394 reviews) | 

#### Integrations

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **BIM Integration** | Not enough data | 6.5 (368 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering Integration** | Not enough data | 7.9 (419 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.2 (238 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Inventor** | 9.0/10 | 6 |
| **SketchUp** | N/A | N/A |

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

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

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

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

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

| Feature | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

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

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)

**Unique to Inventor (2):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)

**Unique to SketchUp (5):** [Urban Planning and Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/urban-planning-and-design), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim), [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling), [Architectural Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/architectural-rendering)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Inventor | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 35.0% | 75.7% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 42.7% | 18.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 22.3% | 6.3% | 

### By Industry

#### 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%

#### SketchUp

- **Architecture & Planning:** 47.1%
- **Design:** 16.6%
- **Construction:** 11.1%
- **Civil Engineering:** 2.4%
- **Higher Education:** 1.3%
- **Graphic Design:** 1.1%
- **Retail:** 1.0%
- **Furniture:** 0.9%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 0.9%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 0.9%
- **Other:** 16.8%

---
## Alternatives

### 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 (599 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 (255 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 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)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)

### Alternatives to SketchUp

- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (291 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1933 reviews)
- [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (947 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)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (316 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (236 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### 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 ..."

### SketchUp

- Title: [What is SketchUp used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-sketchup-used-for) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "What I primarily use SketchUp for is extremely quick concept ideas for the construction of a project or the explaining of a project. The programs easy..."
- Title: [Ye](https://www.g2.com/discussions/ye) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi!"
- Title: [When is the Sketchup for IPAD going to be released. I joined the beta back in September 2021 and have been waiting eagerly.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/when-is-the-sketchup-for-ipad-going-to-be-released-i-joined-the-beta-back-in-september-2021-and-have-been-waiting-eagerly) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hey there! SketchUp for iPad has been released. Check out our website for more information: https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-for-ipad"
- Title: [Building the site is a pain but is critical. This needs to be easier.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/building-the-site-is-a-pain-but-is-critical-this-needs-to-be-easier) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Try the 2DXY_SiteSurvey add-on.  The precise survey lines are very easy to set.  The become familiar with the integrated site location and sand box tools for..."
- Title: [What is next?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-next-d4049eff-b5d6-487f-b730-0c3f2631ae44) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "#iPad!!!"

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