Choose the best Autodesk software for your project in 2023

We will take a closer look at different products from Autodesk. Autodesk has software for everyone, no matter if you have no idea about 3D modeling or you’re a professional searching improvement for your workflow. We organized this list by the level of skills required to operate the software, so make sure you stick with us till the end of our list and you will see a wide path for our future 3D modeling skills!

TinkerCAD

We recently wrote about TinkerCAD as it also made our list of the easiest 3D software to use. TinkerCAD is a free, web-based app that allows you to build models starting with simple shapes. It is known to be intuitive and easy to learn.

AutoCAD

As its name suggests, it is a CAD software. It is widely used by professionals in many industries. 3D models are based on 2D geometries, all with assigned dimensions. Autodesk AutoCAD is a very powerful software with a wide set of tools and plugins dedicated to specific industries, such as architecture, or mechanical. It is fairly easy to learn with online tutorials, however, keep in mind that is it very technical.

Maya

Maya can be considered the opposite software of AutoCAD. It provides artists, modelers, and animators with pretty impressive tools for 3D modeling, simulation, 3D animation with rigging, texturing and rendering. It allows for the creation of HD visual effects, photorealistic environments, design visualization, and characters. It is also capable of handling heavy and complex projects thanks to dedicated tools and support workflows.

3Ds Max

3Ds Max, from our experience, seems to be a mix between Maya and AutoCAD. It is capable of creating product designs for 3D printing, however, they might not be as precise as designed in Autodesk AutoCAD. But if you’re not an engineer, 3Ds Max might be easier to adapt to than AutoCAD.

This 3D modeling software is also capable of high quality renders, content creation for games, environments, and effects for movies, 3D animations or simulating fluid behavior.

Fusion 360

This CAD software is also a mix of different tools. It brings together industrial and mechanical design, simulation, collaboration and machining in one place. The creation of your 3D model starts with a technical drawing, however, Fusion 360 also gives you a choice of different modes, therefore also giving you powerful tools for different design variations.

In Autodesk Fusion 360 you can simulate different types of stress on the parts, digital prototyping, test fit, and motion, but also photorealistic renders and 3D animation if needed. Additionally, it has a set of tools dedicated to 3D printing your models.

We have used Fusion 360 on several occasions, for example in our 3D printed thread tutorial and pipe fitting tutorial, and you can see that Autodesk Fusion 360 is pretty straight forward. This software is getting more and more popular not only thanks to a wide range of tools, but also because of its user-friendly UI.

Mudbox

Mudbox is a 3D modeling software clearly designed for game designers, animators, filmmakers. This software allows for creating 3D characters and environments, highly detailed natural and organic shapes with great texturing. It is a great alternative to Maya and 3Ds Max when it comes to the price of the license.

Arnold

If your 3D models require high quality, super realistic renders in complex environments, Arnold is the answer to your needs. This Autodesk software was designed just for that. It supports plugins for Maya, 3Ds Max and other 3D software to allow you to render highly detailed images thanks to advanced ray-tracing tools.

Revit

This is a very powerful software for architecture engineering which involves planning, designing, construction, building solutions, and infrastructure. Clearly aimed for architects and construction designers, Revit is capable of conceptual design; its 3D parametric modeling allows for detailed documentation, and can also provide high-quality 3D visualizations.

Inventor

Another product from Autodesk is well known in the CAD software world. Inventor is designed especially for the production of mechanical parts. It is capable of both 2D and 3D design, as well as photorealistic renders. Autodesk Inventor has a great set of tools, some of which are aimed to decrease the weight of your design, which is crucial in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.

Powermill

Autodesk is a leader for a reason. It keeps up with the latest 3D innovations and realizes it’s not only about 3D models staying in virtual reality. 3D technologies are constantly evolving and allow your 3D model to become a solid reality with 3D printing. This is exactly why Powermill was developed.

Dedicated to a growing industry of Additive Manufacturing, this 3D software allows you to apply strategies for 3- and 5- axis subtractive and additive manufacturing. Powermill claims to be an expert in CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) programming, allowing for the creation of molds, controlling 5-axis machining and programming CNC machine tools.

An overview

• TinkerCAD
  • Type: 3D modeling
  • Used for: Simple creations
  • Price: Free
  • Platform: Doesn’t apply
• AutoCAD
  • Type: CAD
  • Used for: 2D drawings, documentation, complex and large 3D models, mechanical parts
  • Price: $1,610/ year
  • Platform: Windows and iOS
• Maya
  • Type: 3D modeling
  • Used for: High quality renders, animations, simulations, texturing
  • Price: $1,545/ year
  • Platform: Widows, iOS and Linux
• 3Ds Max
  • Type: 3D modeling
  • Used for: Detailed 3D content for games, product visualizations, environments, and effects for films
  • Price: $1,545/ year
  • Platform: Windows
• Fusion 360
  • Type: CAD
  • Used for: Product design, engineering and simulating tests, CAM
  • Price: $495/ year
  • Platform: Windows and iOS
• Mudbox
  • Type: 3D modeling     
  • Used for: 3D design of characters, concepts, environments, content creation
  • Price: $80/ year
  • Platform: Windows, iOS and Linux
• Arnold
  • Type: Rendering   
  • Used for: Renders of highly complex scenes, lightning
  • Price: $630/ year (pack licenses available)
  • Platform: Windows, iOS and Linux
• Revit
  • Type: CAD
  • Used for: Architectural designs, MEP engineering, structural and reconstruction design
  • Price: $2,310/ year
  • Platform: Windows
• Inventor
  • Type: CAD
  • Used for: 3D mechanical designs, sheet metal, electrical, tube and pipe designs, assemblies
  • Price: $1,985/ year
  • Platform: Windows
• Powermill
  • Type: CAD
  • Used for: CAM programming, CNC machine optimization, 3- and 5- axis programming
  • Price: Contact Autodesk for pricing
  • Platform: Windows