What is the difference between Solidworks and Inventor?

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Concept about SolidWorks 2026

The SolidWorks 2026 software enables the integration of CAM tools. These CAM tools can make use of touch screen devices in the design procedure. The incorporation of AR/VR applications in the design process through the SolidWorks 2026 software enables users to explore the design models virtually.

The latest version of the SolidWorks software adds automation in the design process, which enables users to produce more precise drawings. In addition, the users are also able to design, build and modify the complex design structures.

Concept about Inventor 2026

The Inventor 2026 is widely used in the mechanical engineering industry. The Inventor 2026 has its own 3D parametric tool, which can evolve into a mechanical desktop design tool. The Inventor 2026 software has one of the first design tools, which helps to implement a unique method to make geometric edits.

The Inventor 2026 software has the ability to load complex assemblies by segmenting the graphical data from the model data. In addition, the Inventor software also focuses on the parametric modelling process, which enables users to create solid design models. The Inventor software also offers direct editing and freeform modelling tools. A wide range of simulation tools has been offered by the Inventor software, like other CAD software.

Comparison between SolidWorks 2026 and Inventor 2026

On the basis of the system requirements

Both SolidWorks and Inventor software work on a heavy set of graphics and mathematical information. The SolidWorks 2026 software runs on Windows 10 and 11. At least 22 GB of free disk space is required to install the SolidWorks 2026 software, and to run successfully, it requires at least 12 GB of RAM. The SolidWorks 2026 version can run on a CPU, and in this case, powerful graphics cards are not necessary.

On the other hand, the Inventor 2026 software requires at least 40 GB of free disk space to install. To run this CAD program, at least 16 GB of RAM is required. In less space, the Inventor 2026 version can also run, but there is a greater risk of crashing. The Inventor installation file can be downloaded from the Autodesk website, but during the installation procedure, the user has to log in to the Autodesk account to confirm their license.

On the basis of the pricing and licensing

Both SolidWorks 2026 version and Inventor 2026 offer a free trial option, as well as different pricing options for users. In the case of SolidWorks 2026, the standard license cost comes under $4,000 for a perpetual license, and the annual subscription option costs $1,300. For the students, the educational version of SolidWorks 2026 costs $100 per year.

On the other hand, Inventor 2026 offers $290 monthly, $2,300 annually, or $6,555 triennially subscription options for users. A flex option has been offered by this CAD program, which gives users a license for this software for a limited period of time.

On the basis of the User Interface and layout

The SolidWorks 2026 version and Inventor 2026 version have very similar design layouts, along with the design workspace that occupies the centre of the screen. In the case of SolidWorks 2026, three main design environments are required, including part, assembly and drawing. The part environment is used to model design parts, the assembly environment is used to put the design parts together, and the drawing environment helps to create designs for manufacturing and creating user manuals.

In the case of the Inventor 2026 software version, six environments are required, including part, sheet metal part, assembly, welding assembly, drawing and presentation. In this case, the part environment has been used for traditional modelling, whereas the sheet metal part has been used for creating design models for the sheet metal construction process. The assembly environment of Inventor 2026 helps to put the parts together into a complete machine, and the welding assembly helps to create assemblies along with the welding-specific design features. The plant layout has been configured by the drawing environment, and the presentation environment helps to visualise the design model.

Based on the collaborative feature

Numerous dedicated tools for collaboration have been offered by both the SolidWorks 2026 version and the Inventor 2026 version. The eDrawings tool offered by SolidWorks 2026 enables the design professionals to communicate, collaborate and share their designs with accuracy and precision. The AR and VR design review options of this software enhance the interaction among the customers.

On the other hand, the Autodesk Shared View has been supported by the Inventor 2026 software, which enables users to share design models with the help of a secure web link which can be accessed from any device. Thus, the users are able to view and review the designs and add their comments related to the designs.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Too Tall Toby

Download Solidworks 2026

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