Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Autodesk VS SolveSpace

Compare Autodesk VS SolveSpace and see what are their differences

Autodesk logo Autodesk

Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, with expertise across architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, and entertainment.

SolveSpace logo SolveSpace

SOLVESPACE is a parametric 3D CAD program with extrude, revolve, union and difference functions.
  • Autodesk Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-23
  • SolveSpace Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-07-20

Autodesk features and specs

  • Comprehensive Suite of Tools
    Autodesk offers a wide range of software for 3D design, engineering, and entertainment, including AutoCAD, Revit, Maya, and more, providing solutions across various industries such as architecture, construction, manufacturing, and media.
  • Industry Standard
    Many Autodesk products are considered industry standard, especially in fields like architecture, engineering, and digital media. This status ensures compatibility and ease of collaboration with other professionals using similar tools.
  • Cloud-Based Features
    Autodesk provides cloud-based services, allowing users to store and share files easily, collaborate with team members in real-time, and access projects from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Regular Updates and Innovations
    Autodesk frequently updates its software with new features and tools, ensuring that users have access to the latest technologies and improvements in their design processes.
  • Educational Access
    Autodesk offers free educational licenses for students and educators, providing opportunities for learning and teaching the software without the financial burden.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk

  • High Cost
    The subscription fees for Autodesk software can be significant, which may be a burden for small businesses or individual users compared to other more affordable alternatives.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to the complexity and vast array of features available in Autodesk products, new users may find it challenging to learn and fully utilize the software without considerable training.
  • Resource Intensive
    Many Autodesk applications require powerful hardware to run efficiently, which might necessitate investments in high-performance workstations, particularly for rendering and simulation tasks.
  • Subscription Model
    Autodesk's transition to a subscription-based model has frustrated some users who prefer the option of a one-time purchase. This model can lead to ongoing costs instead of a single upfront expense.
  • Customer Support Experience
    Some users have reported issues with the responsiveness and availability of Autodesk's customer support, which can be problematic when dealing with complex software issues.

SolveSpace features and specs

  • Open Source
    SolveSpace is open-source software, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This encourages community contributions and allows users to customize the software to their needs.
  • Lightweight
    The software is relatively lightweight compared to other CAD programs, making it suitable for older systems or for users who prefer a minimal footprint.
  • Parametric Modeling
    SolveSpace offers parametric modeling, allowing users to define geometric constraints and dimensions that can easily be adjusted to alter the design.
  • Cross-Platform
    SolveSpace is available on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS, enhancing accessibility for users on different operating systems.
  • 2D and 3D Design
    The software supports both 2D and 3D design capabilities, making it versatile for various design projects ranging from basic sketches to complex 3D models.

Possible disadvantages of SolveSpace

  • Limited Features
    Compared to more advanced and commercial CAD software, SolveSpace has limited features that might be insufficient for complex engineering projects.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of SolveSpace might seem outdated or less intuitive to users accustomed to more modern design environments.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a steep learning curve due to the program's unconventional approach and lack of comprehensive documentation or tutorials.
  • Performance
    While lightweight, SolveSpace can struggle with performance issues when handling complex or large 3D models, which may affect users working on detailed projects.
  • Limited Community Support
    As a lesser-known tool, the community around SolveSpace is smaller, which could lead to challenges in finding help or resources for troubleshooting.

Autodesk videos

Introduction to Autodesk Design Review

More videos:

  • Review - 21+ Autodesk Software Explained
  • Review - Autodesk Sketchbook REVIEW

SolveSpace videos

Solvespace Tutorial 0: Basics and User Interface

More videos:

  • Demo - SOLVESPACE 2.0 demo
  • Tutorial - Solvespace Tutorial 1 - a Simple Plate

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Autodesk and SolveSpace)
3D
32 32%
68% 68
Architecture
33 33%
67% 67
CAD
45 45%
55% 55
Design Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Autodesk and SolveSpace

Autodesk Reviews

Trending 10 BEST Video Game Design & Development Software 2021
Autodesk offers a suite of programs for making the most stunning visuals, immersive environments, and 3D models. Unsurprisingly, Autodesk is at the heart of many blockbuster AAA games.

SolveSpace Reviews

We have no reviews of SolveSpace yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SolveSpace should be more popular than Autodesk. It has been mentiond 25 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Autodesk mentions (6)

  • Anyone else unable to sign into their AutoDesk account?
    Check with your team now, I'm able to sign into autodesk.com now at least. Source: over 3 years ago
  • How do I force all devices to sign out?
    I believe that we're using NAMED USER license. When I sign in to autodesk.com I need to attach a product (Civil 3D in my case) to a specific user. I can remove that product from any user at any time and give it to another user. I do not believe that any of my staff is using their own devices. They say that they are not, and I believe them, but that's sort of the mystery at this point. I only have so many... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Autodesk wants to audit me when I'm not a current subscriber.
    Sorry if the image wasn't clear. The gmail address is mine and the person I was talking to came from an @ autodesk.com email. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Can the Fusion360 slicer do anything Cura can't?
    I think my question title may be autodesk.com that reads,. Source: over 4 years ago
  • My fridge was kind enough to justify the existence of my 3d printer yesterday
    Sign up for fusion 360 on autodesk.com It's free. Watch some youtube videos to get you started, and start playing around. Doesn't take long to start doing small things, and being a real design program, you can edit a build to make adjustments, and not have to rebuild the entire things. Source: over 4 years ago
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SolveSpace mentions (25)

  • Ask HN: What are your top open source apps/software?
    Love OBS and Blender. Recently started using Kdenlive and it is awesome. Big fan of OpenSCAD[1] and solvespace[2] for making functional 3D prints. I'm going to branch out a bit here and say GrapheneOS is my favorite thing going on right now. [1] https://openscad.org/ [2] https://solvespace.com/index.pl. - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler
    Just checked it out [1] but it appears the last version released was in 2022? Makes me wonder if it is still active. [1] https://solvespace.com/index.pl. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Ink and Switch Constraint System (2023)
    The comment on constraints which still blows me away is the footnote on the readme for Dune 3D: https://github.com/dune3d/dune3d Probably a bit more approachable for folks is: https://www.cadsketcher.com/ which adds the Solvespace constraint solver to Blender. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Show HN: A playable game of Tetris inside a PDF
    >> I do wish I did pay some attention to CAD now. I want a 3D printer and have no idea how to design objects for it. Get Solvespace: https://solvespace.com/index.pl Do the tutorials. If/when you outgrow it, the concepts will carry over to FreeCAD which otherwise has a steeper learning curve but has more capabilities. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • I Revived 3-Axis CNC Mill G-Code Simulator
    > - Solvespace --- limited to 2D last I checked According to https://solvespace.com/index.pl "SOLVESPACE -- parametric 2d/3d CAD" "SOLVESPACE is a free (GPLv3) parametric 3d CAD tool. Applications include: - modeling 3d parts โ€” draw with extrudes, revolves, helixes and Boolean (union / difference / intersection) operations [...] - 3d-printed parts โ€” export the STL or other triangle mesh expected by most 3d printers". - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Autodesk and SolveSpace, you can also consider the following products

Onshape - Onshape is the first full-cloud 3D CAD system. It runs in a web browser and on any mobile device.

OpenSCAD - OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.

Autodesk Fusion 360 - Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE featuring collaborative editing and cloud-based computation.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

DraftSight - Discover Dassault Systรจmesยฎ' DRAFTSIGHTโ„ข Professional CAD software that lets you create, edit, view and markup any kind of 2D drawing. Learn more here.

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.