Autodesk Drops a Bombshell --Inventor LT Available and It's Free!

In a move that is bound to send shockwaves through the entire MCAD community, Autodesk announced a "lite" version of its popular Inventor program, called "Inventor LT Technology Preview" (see press release). Though the product is expected to sell for $999, it is currently available as a free download on the Autodesk Lab site. The software is limited to work only until May 1, 2008, however, but that should give you time to make a few parts. Autodesk promises that when that time rolls around, users of Inventor LT will be given "special purchase incentives."

What's the Catch?

If you're like me, you're wondering if this is too good to be true. After all, Autodesk Inventor sells for around $5,000. Well, Inventor LT cannot do assemblies, only parts. Not all CAD formats are supported. For example, it does not directly read or write SolidWorks file formats. It can read but not write UGS and Pro/E formats (with free add-ins). It will read/write neutral file formats (STEP, IGES, etc.). It cannot do the fancier stuff like sheet metal, FEA and cable/wire harness. It doesn't have Vault. And like it does with AutoCAD LT, Autodesk has chosen to deny Inventor LT 3rd party add-ins and customization via API.

That's a short list. A full list of difference betwee full and paid versions is here.

Model Parts to Your Heart's Delight

What's more important is what it can do. Most importantly, Inventor LT claims to have the full 3D part modeling of its big brother. That should mean that you can model absolutely anything with Inventor LT that you could model in Inventor. Parts created with Inventor are fully interchangeable with Inventor LT. Plus, you can save native DWG files.

I expect a stampede for the free version. I would download Inventor LT immediately before Autodesk comes to its senses. Get it here: http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/inventor_lt/ . You have to fill out a short form but be warned -- it is quite a hefty file (934MB).

Comments

[Sanjeev Ghosh]

I am from India. How do i get it?

[Robert Gonzalez]

What Serial Number do you use to register?

[Alex. T.]

Great Idea to give away the light version for free!

Problem: Due to the fact that i work in good old europe, i cant make use of this giveaway, just like Robin.

Seems Europe isn´t an atractive market.

[David]

If I read the license agreement correctly, the free version can't be used for commercial work, just evaluation. Also, it has you agreeing that Autodesk can embed a code that will allow them to track the files made back to the creator. Maybe "free" is still too expensive.

[Neil]

You don't have to fill out their silly form. Here is the direct link:
http://download.autodesk.com/akdlm/esd/en/inventorlt/ailt.exe

[RobiNZ]

Sadly it's already only for USA/Canada