INDUSTRIAL DESIGN SOFTWARE

Headphones created with industrial design

What is industrial design software?

Industrial design software helps users create, analyse, visualise 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 modelling used in industrial design

  • Use polygonal modelling tools for concept modelling

    POLYGONAL MODELLING

    Polygonal modelling software is used in industrial design for concept modelling and is useful for quick ideation.

  • Use surface modelling software to create and adjust precise freeform surfaces

    SURFACE MODELLING

    Surface modelling software is used widely across industrial design and lets designers create and adjust freeform 3D surfaces with high precision.

  • Create 3D models, assemblies and drawings with solid modelling tools

    SOLID MODELLING

    Solid modelling software is used to create 3D models, assemblies and drawings.

  • Change parameters in the software with parametric modelling

    PARAMETRIC MODELLING

    With parametric modelling, you can change parameters in the software, altering the shape of the design based on those values.

How is industrial design software used?

  • Astro Studios customer story

    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 Moov video

    Radical Transport

    See how Dallas startup Radical Transport developed its electrical rideable, the Moov, with the help of Inventor.

  • Scriba customer video

    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

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 to 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