Cheat Sheet of Autodesk Products by Industry

[Editor's note: This is a repost of an article from 07/22/2019 with an update for the Autodesk Construction Cloud and Innovyze.]

Autodesk serves three industries:

• Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC)
• Product Design and Manufacturing (PD&M)
• Media and Entertainment (M&E)

Not surprising to Autodesk, these three industries (M&E, PD&M, and AEC) have parallel workflows:

More and more, we find that these industries are converging:

• Autodesk customers who make buildings (AEC) are starting to behave more like customers who make things (PD&M). Whereas buildings used to be one-offs, more and more, parts of buildings (e.g., trusses) are being constructed offsite in environmentally-controlled warehouses, brought to the construction site, and assembled into position. AEC customers are suddenly concerned with mass production and quality control.
• Autodesk customers who make things (PD&M) are starting to make more bespoke items. Instead of setting up huge factories to make thousands of identical items, manufacturers are becoming more agile, configuring microfactories to make small runs of personalized items, much like the traditional one-offs of AEC buildings.
• Both AEC and PD&M customers see the benefit in showcasing what they make via Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality that has been a mainstay of the M&E industry for years. To make the M&E experience more real, game companies are starting to use the same reality capture technology used for scanning construction as-builts — just like AEC general contractors.

So with this in mind, I was reluctant to sort the cheat sheet of products by industry. Recall that one of our summer interns from years back, Courtney Yu, created a cheat sheet, a sort of Cliff's Notes, of Autodesk products. Although any customer from any industry may be able to reap the benefits from any product (which is even more likely due to convergence), I sorted Courtney's list by primary industry.

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AEC

"As an architect you are a builder. You are of course more than a builder. You need to be a militant, you have to be a poet, you have to be a visionary, you have to be an artist. But certainly you have to be a builder. Everything starts from there."
— Renzo Piano, architect

• 3ds Max: 3D modeling/rendering for design visualization and animation
• A360: view/share files (including 2D and 3D designs) anywhere, cloud
• Advance Steel: 3D modeling for steel detailing, design, fabrication, and construction
• AEC Collection: set of integrated tools for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and CAD workflows
• AutoCAD: create 3D and 2D drawings; used by architects, engineers, construction professionals; can be used desktop (PC and Mac), mobile, or web
  • Architecture: design and draft architectural designs (renovations, walls/doors/windows, design/documentation, room documentation)
  • Electrical: create, modify, and document electrical controls systems with an industry-specific toolset for electrical design
  • LT: limited technology version of AutoCAD for 2D-only without ability to add plug-ins
  • LT for Mac: limited technology version of AutoCAD for MacOS
  • Map 3D: incorporates geographic information system and CAD data with industry-specific toolset for GIS and 3D mapping; has topographical data, analysis tools, can convert data to intelligent industry models, surfaces and point cloud tools
  • MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing): draft, design, and document building systems
  • Mobile app (formerly AutoCAD 360): can create, edit, view CAD drawings from non-desktop devices
  • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): exclusively for those who develop (or want to develop) customized applications based on AutoCAD; Partner Program (Build, Bundle, and Integrate partnership agreements for third party solution developers or independent software vendors)
  • P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram): create and edit P&IDs, 3D models, and extract piping orthographics and isometrics with industry-specific toolset for plant design
  • Plant 3D: design, model, and document process plants with the comprehensive AutoCAD plant design and layout toolset; 3d plant design for designers and engineers
  • Raster Design: raster design tools in specialized toolset to edit scanned drawings and convert raster images to DWG objects; image editing/cleanup, vectorization tools, image transformation functionality
  • Revit LT BIM (Building Information Modeling) Suite: helps produce high-quality 3D architectural designs and documentation; helps transition to BIM
• BIM (Building Information Modeling) 360: collaborative/cloud software, now part of Autodesk Construction Cloud
• Civil 3D: civil infrastructure design and documentation, improve drafting, design, and construction documentation
• Construction Cloud: construction management software for field execution and project management to seamlessly collaborate and deliver construction projects on time, on budget
  • Assemble: query and connect BIM data to design reviews, takeoffs, estimating, change management, and value engineering to reduce risk and improve efficiency
  • BIM Collaborate: connect decision-makers and construction teams to manage design reviews and automate model coordination with trades
  • BIM Collaborate Pro: co-author designs, perform design reviews, and automate model coordination with trades
  • Build: comprehensive field and project management software that delivers a broad, deep, and connected set of tools for builders
  • Building Connected: largest real-time, construction network with an easy-to-use platform that streamlines the bid and risk management process
  • Connect: create powerful custom integrations easily and build unique workflows that automatically move critical project data between Autodesk Construction Cloud and over 200 business-critical systems
  • Docs: centralized document management solution that acts as a single source of truth across the project lifecycle for all project teams
  • Pype: create and review submittal logs, collect closeout documentation, and create dynamic document turnover packages while reducing risk and increasing accuracy
  • Takeoff: perform accurate 2D takeoffs and generate automated quantities from 3D models in a single online solution
• Design Review: non-CAD users can view, mark up, print, and track changes to 2D and 3D DWF files for free without original design software
• Drive: CAD-aware storage for individuals and small teams
• DWG TrueView: view AutoCAD drawings (DWG files) and convert DWG file versions
• Fabrication: create Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) models, generate estimates, and drive fabrication; more accurate estimates for MEP building system projects through detailing, fabrication, and installation
  • CADmep: detailing software for MEP contractors
  • CAMduct: duct fabrication software for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractors
  • ESTmep: estimation software for MEP contractors
• Forge: cloud-based developer tools; connect teams, workflows, and build new services to address today's connected customer; helps companies build applications that tap into their design and engineering data
• FormIt Pro: architectural modeling; enables them to sketch, collaborate, analyze, and share early-stage design concepts
• InfraWorks: supports BIM processes; conceptualizes, optimizes, and visualizes infrastructure projects
• Innovyze: end-to-end water infrastructure solutions from design to operations, digital twin capabilities, and a path to a more sustainable and digitized water industry
  • ICM Live: live modeling that integrates with hydraulic models, SCADA historians, and weather forecast databases to provide a near-real-time view of network performance and alerts teams to adverse events
  • Info360: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for water utilities that delivers next generation water lifecycle management through the power of the cloud
  • InfoAsset Manager: centralizes asset information for daily management of assets via a consolidated view of historical and current asset data
  • InfoAsset Mobile: capture assets, create work orders, and design workflows to connect colleagues in the office and the field
  • InfoAsset Online: share information about assets with anyone with a browser to access asset, incident, and work order information
  • InfoAsset Planner: a renewal and replacement roadmap for allocating budget to prioritized projects
  • InfoDrainage: create detailed designs of both traditional and sustainable drainage, plus customizable reports for local regulatory compliance
  • InfoSewer: 1D sewer modeling software used for capacity analysis and planning of gravity sewer systems to pinpoint cost-effective ways to reduce overall system flows to restore or increase capacity
  • InfoSWMM: ArcGIS-centric hydraulic, hydrologic, and water quality simulation model for urban drainage and sewer networks that provides analysis for the planning and management of stormwater, sanitary sewer, and combined sewer networks
  • InfoWater: get answers to "what happens when" questions to make decisions with confidence
  • InfoWater Pro: next-generation software and visualization, empowering the best decisions about water supply networks
  • InfoWorks ICM: accurate digital representations of the natural and constructed elements impacting sanitary sewer, stormwater, or combined sewer networks
  • InfoWorks ICM SE: 1D dynamic sewer system modeling for analysis of stormwater, sanitary, and combined sewer systems
  • InfoWorks WS Pro: advanced hydraulic modeling software for faster, more robust analysis and management of water supply networks
  • IWLive Pro : operational modeling for water supply networks, offering both hydraulic and water quality simulations that predicts demand and optimizes pump schedules
  • MicroDrainage: advanced drainage design that optimizes the performance and effectiveness of drainage systems, including SuDS – both greenfield and retrofit
  • XPSite3D: address roads, roundabouts, residential sites with conceptual layouts, fully engineered models, and drawings in an intuitive 3D interface
  • XPStorm: dynamic urban stormwater and river systems modeling that clearly conveys results to engineers, planners, and the general public
  • XPSWMM: holistic 1D/2D modeling package for stormwater and wastewater problems that helps engineers and watershed managers to simulate hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and surface flooding
• Insight: architects and engineers can design more energy-efficient buildings with simulation engines and building performance analysis data integrated in Revit
• Navisworks: 3D model review for architecture, engineering, and construction
  • Freedom: viewer that allows integration and coordinate alignment of various file formats
  • Manage: 3D clash detection and advanced coordination, 5D (3D plus time and cost) analysis, and simulation tools
  • Simulate: review and communicate project details through 5D analysis and simulation
• ObjectARX: provides object-oriented C++, C#, and VB .NET application programming interfaces for developers to use, customize, and extend AutoCAD software and products
• Plangrid Build: mobile-first, field collaboration app, now part of Autodesk Build
• Point Layout: point placement and construction site layout
• ReCap Pro: create 3D models with reality capture, convert reality into 3D models or 2D drawing that's ready for further design
• Rendering as a Service: fast, high-resolution cloud rendering that takes advantage of virtually infinite computing power to create photorealistic and high-resolution images in less time
• Revit: multidisciplinary BIM for higher quality, coordinated designs; produce model-based building designs and documentation
• Revit LT: limited technology version of Revit
• Robot Structural Analysis Professional: BIM structural analysis for engineers
• Structural Bridge Design: integrated bridge analysis for architecture, engineering, and construction
• Tandem: cloud-based digital twin technology platform that enables projects to start digital and stay digital, transforming rich data into business intelligence by harnessing BIM (Building Information Modeling) data throughout the design-build-operate process
• Vehicle Tracking: transportation analysis and design built for vehicle swept path analysis for architecture, engineering, and construction
• Viewer: view 50+ file formats in browser, no download or plug-in needed, use shared views to collaborate online with teammates

PD&M

"Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent."
— Joe Sparano, designer

• 3ds Max: 3D modeling/rendering for product design visualization and animation
• Alias: industrial design and Class-A surfacing, includes sketching, concept modeling, surfacing, and visualization tools for industrial, product, and automotive design
  • AutoStudio: automotive fast design and styling; concept modeling, analysis, technical surfacing, visualization
  • Concept: automotive conceptual design; sketching, fast concept modeling, visualization tools
  • Design: develop/communicate 3D product designs from concept to final surfaces
  • SpeedForm: 2D sketches and curves to 3D design concepts
  • Surface: refine concept models into class-A surfaces for consumer and automotive designs
• AutoCAD: create 3D and 2D drawings; used by architects, engineers, construction professionals; can be used desktop (PC and Mac), mobile, or web
  • Inventor LT Suite: part-level 3D mechanical CAD, introduces 3D mechanical CAD into 2D workflows
  • Mechanical: mechanical engineering, 700,000+ intelligent parts and features (layer management, hidden lines, machinery generators and calculators, document 3D CAD models, detailing tools, etc.)
• CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics): computational fluid dynamics and thermal simulation tools to help predict product performance, optimize designs, and validate product behavior before manufacturing
• Configurator 360: cloud-based, enables engineers using Inventor to provide colleagues, sales reps, and end customers with web and mobile access to a 3D configuration of their products
• Drive: CAD-aware storage for individuals and small teams
• EAGLE: electronic design automation (EDA); enables printed circuit board (PCB) designers to seamlessly connect schematic diagrams, component placement, PCB routing, and comprehensive library content
• Fabrication: create Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) models, generate estimates, and drive fabrication; more accurate estimates for MEP building system projects through detailing, fabrication, and installation
  • CADmep: detailing software for MEP contractors
  • CAMduct: duct fabrication software for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractors
  • ESTmep: estimation software for MEP contractors
• Factory Design Utilities: plan, design, and install efficient factory layout; visualize and optimize factory designs; features: industrial machinery, facilities layout, engineering services, process analysis
• FeatureCAM: automates workflow from design to NC code; reduces programming time, and produces consistent results for CNC milling, turning, and wire applications
• Forge: cloud-based developer tools; connect teams, workflows, and build new services to address today's connected customer; helps companies build applications that tap into their design and engineering data
• Fusion: Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE; entire workflow with one unified platform — including 3D Design and Modeling, Simulation, Generative Design, Documentation, Collaboration, Manufacturing
  • 360: cloud-based parametric and direct modeling
  • Lifecycle: Product Life Management (PLM), cloud operated
  • Team: collaboration for product design and manufacturing
• Helius: tools for working with composite materials
  • Composite: detailed info on composite material behavior without finite element analysis (FEA), integrate materials into designs
  • PFA: tools for enhanced FEA of composite structures, including progressive failure analysis
• Instructables: community of makers, typically amateurs and hobbyists, who share how-to documentation
• Inventor: 3D CAD for product design and engineering; mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools
  • CAM: integrated CAM for Inventor that simplifies CNC programming process
  • LT: a limited technology version of Inventor
  • Nastran: CAD-enabled finite element analysis for product design and manufacturing; simulation covers multiple analysis types including linear/nonlinear stress, dynamics, heat transfer
  • Nesting: CAD-embedded, true-shape nesting helps optimize yield from flat raw material for product design and manufacturing
  • Tolerance Analysis: CAD-embedded tolerance stackup analysis for product design and manufacturing
• Meshmixer: tool for working with triangle meshes (3D scanning, printing, design object, etc.)
• Moldflow: plastic injection and compression mold simulation
  • Adviser: plastic simulation tools for engineers and analysts to optimize part and mold designs to ensure molded part quality and manufacturability
  • Communicator: viewer to improve collaboration with an extended design team as well as stakeholders
  • Insight: complete set of advanced plastics engineering simulation tools for analysts to simulate the most advanced molding processes to avoid production delays
• Navisworks Manage: 3D clash detection and advanced coordination, 5D (3D plus time and cost) analysis, and simulation tools
• Netfabb: connected solution for additive manufacturing, design, and simulation
• PowerInspect: 3D measurement for range of hardware, inspecting complex-free surfaces
• PowerMill: expert high-speed and 5-axis machining, provides strategies for 3- and 5-axis subtractive and additive manufacturing
• PowerShape: prepares complex models for manufacture, combines surface, solid, and mesh modeling to help engineers prepare molds, dies, and other complex parts for manufacture
• PD&M Collection: complete set of tools to design, simulate, and make anything by integrating professional-grade CAD, CAM, and CAE technology
• ReCap and ReCap Pro: create 3D models with reality capture, convert reality into 3D models or 2D drawing that's ready for further design
• Rendering as a Service: fast, high-resolution cloud rendering that takes advantage of virtually infinite computing power to create photorealistic and high-resolution images in less time
• Tinkercad: free online collection of tools for students of all ages; introduction to Autodesk
• TruComposites: composite design, analysis, and manufacturing solution; provides comprehensive workflow for hand layup and automated fiber placement
• TruNest: fully integrated, automated nesting for various materials and machines; creates, optimizes, and manufactures nests on all standard machines
• Vault: manage data, track revisions, collaborate with PDM (product data management)
  • Basic: organize, manage, and track data creation and documentation for product design and manufacturing
  • Workgroup: integrate advanced functionality and features with business applications
  • Office: PDM for non-CAD users; works with Workgroup or Professional
  • Professional: scale multi-site business system integration
• Viewer: view 50+ file formats in browser, no download or plug-in needed, use shared views to collaborate online with teammates
• VRED: 3D visualization; helps create product presentations, design reviews, and virtual prototypes
  • Design: review and evaluate automotive design ideas in real time
  • Professional: create high-end visualizations and virtual prototypes
  • Presenter: present product configurations in an interactive 3D environment
  • Server: render and stream 3D data on demand
• Within Medical: medical 3D printing and orthopedic implant design; create medical implants that are optimized for 3D printing

M&E

"Whoever controls the media — the images — controls the culture."
— Allen Ginsberg, American poet, philosopher, and writer

• 3ds Max: 3D modeling/rendering for games and animation
• Arnold: global illumination rendering, helps artists render complex scenes (3D visual effects)
• Character Generator: create custom and ready-to-animate 3D characters; control character's body, face, clothes, hair, etc.
• Creative Market: ready-to-use design assets from independent creators such as graphics, fonts, themes, photos, and more
• FBX: adaptable file format for 3D animation; data exchange technology; facilitates higher-fidelity data exchange between 3ds Max, Maya, MotionBuilder, Mudbox, etc.
• FBX Review and mobile app: cross-platform 3D model viewer
• Flame: 3D visual effects, finishing, and color grading; compositing, visual effects, and editorial finishing; faster composting, advanced graphics, color correction, etc.
• Flame Assist: timeline-centric, fully compatible assistant station for Flame
• Flare: compatible creative assistant station in collaborative VFX workflows
• Lustre: real-time color grading for creative look development
• Forge: cloud-based developer tools; connect teams, workflows, and build new services to address today's connected customer; helps companies build applications that tap into their design and engineering data
• Maya: computer animation; 3D animation modeling, simulation, and rendering
• Maya LT: limited technology version of Maya
• Entertainment and Media (M&E) Collection: complete set of tools to take 3D assets and environments from first draft to final frames by creating incredible animations, designing rich environments with flexible procedural modeling, and rendering beautiful final results
• Motion FX: create real-time video effects with computer camera
• MotionBuilder: capture, edit, and playback character animation
• Mudbox: 3D digital painting and sculpting
• ReCap and ReCap Pro: create 3D models with reality capture, convert reality into 3D models or 2D drawing that's ready for further design
• Rendering as a Service: fast, high-resolution cloud rendering that takes advantage of virtually infinite computing power to create photorealistic and high-resolution images in less time
• Screencast: screen recording, capture recordings that allows anyone to capture, share and learn from software workflows
• ShotGrid: simplifies creative project management and unifies visual effects, animation, and games teams
• SketchBook: digital drawing and painting apps
• Smoke: video effects links editing and FX tools; combines editing workflows with node-based compositing tools in timeline-based environment, helping production studios increase productivity
• Viewer: view 50+ file formats in browser, no download or plug-in needed, use shared views to collaborate online with teammates

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At Autodesk, we are inspired by a better world designed and made for all. Our mission is to empower innovators with design and make technology so they can achieve the new possible. We deliver customers intuitive, powerful, and accessible technology that provides automation and insight for their design and make processes, enabling them to achieve better outcomes for their products, their businesses, and the world. These products are enabling the new possible.

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