Compatible with AutoCAD, other 3D programs

Flush with success from its iOS product line, Autodesk is expanding its presence on the Mac platform by releasing a "technology preview" version of Inventor Fusion, its first 3D direct modeling software for the Mac. Users can open and edit 3D models from other programs and incorporate them into new or existing designs, including those from AutoCAD and other Autodesk programs.

The program offers a set of tools specifically aimed at 3D mechanical design, product simulation, routed systems and mold design. 3D data and 2D drawings can be incorporated in a single model to create a virtual representation for checking form, fit and function. Design changes can be incorporated more easily and base, orthographic, section and broken views can be created. The program also supports associative symbols and annotation.

The technology preview is free of charge and is available from the company's Facebook page for Inventor Fusion for Mac. The company has said through that page that while this early version does yet have full feature parity with the Windows version, developers will be working over the year to get the Mac version "up to speed."

by MacNN Staff