Image courtesy of Astro Studios Inc.
What is industrial design software?
Industrial design software helps users create, analyze, visualize, and communicate design intent and aesthetics before building a physical prototype. Many of the everyday products we use have been designed through industrial design software, from tablets to headphones to cars.
Types of 3D modeling used in industrial design
Polygonal modeling
Polygonal modeling software is used in industrial design for concept modeling and is useful for quick ideation.
Surface modeling
Surface modeling software is used widely across industrial design and lets designers create and adjust freeform 3D surfaces with high precision.
Solid modeling
Solid modeling software is used to create 3D models, assemblies, and drawings.
Parametric modeling
With parametric modeling, you can change parameters in the software, altering the shape of the design based on those values.
Featured industrial design software
Professional-grade product design and engineering tools for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation.
Industrial design software to sketch, concept model, surface, and visualize. Available as Alias Concept, Surface, and AutoStudio.
3D virtual prototyping software for automotive design—available as VRED Design, VRED Professional, and VRED Presenter
How is industrial design software used?
Astro Studios
See how San Francisco–based industrial design company Astro Studios designed its Minus 8 watches and even its packaging with Alias.
Radical Transport
See how Dallas startup Radical Transport developed its electrical rideable, the Moov, with the help of Inventor.
Scriba customer video
A different type of stylus for the sketcher/designer/artist of today. Follow the journey of Scriba from an idea to a viable product, thanks to Fusion 360.
Product Design & Manufacturing Collection
Make anything with our best Inventor, with integrated tools for advanced simulation and 5-axis CAM. Collection also includes access to Fusion 360, helping you get on the path to the future of making things with our cloud-based product innovation platform.
Free industrial design software
Free software for students and educators
We offer free Autodesk software for students and educators. Use the same industrial design software as top professionals around the world.
Free software for startups and hobbyists
Fusion 360 offers free use to qualifying startup and hobbyist makers through a simple 3-step activation process.
Industrial design resources
Use these foundation tutorials to explore the world of industrial and car design using the powerful set of tools in Alias.
Whether you’re just getting to know Inventor or are a seasoned 3D CAD user, check out these tutorials to see how you can put Inventor to work for you.
Experience the power of cloud-based 3D CAD. Learn 3D modeling and 3D printing with beginning and advanced tutorials.