Autodesk Inventor 2026 – performance, modelling and interoperability improvements

Inventor, Autodesk’s leading enterprise product for mechanical design, also brings customer-driven enhancements, including those reported by ARKANCE customers. New tools in Inventor make sharing designs with construction counterparts much easier, enhancing the quality of Revit RVT and IFC exports for iterative AEC design workflows.

The most practical new features

Performance - multithreading is now used during the open and save process. A more advanced compression method is employed for packing data, which results in a reduction of file size. Multithreading is also used for computing reused components and previewing Assembly mirroring. This all helps to make Inventor faster, you will also see faster file migration.

Five part-modelling workflows (Pattern, Shell, Sheet Metal Contour Flange, Punch Tools, and Corner Round) have been revamped to deliver a more intuitive, simple, and pleasing experience including previews.

New Translator Framework (ATF) solution enhances translator productivity when importing and exporting foreign file formats.

Inventor Apprentice Server is now a separate application. The simulation module Inventor Nastran 2026 was also released.

Feature Comparison - Top new features in detail

Assembly mirroring

One of the most important new features in modelling is probably the Assembly mirroring. This is a completely new functionality where the mirrored assembly is created as a pattern. It has a new identification in the history tree, supports feature types across Inventor functionality, and is fully supported by Model States.

We've frequently encountered questions about the performance and functionality of assembly mirroring all the time, so we are confident that most users will be very pleased.

Model states

Autodesk recently did an extensive survey of customers on this new functionality. Based on the results, they have decided to significantly develop this functionality, so we have a lot to look forward.

In version 2026, the creation of individual states has been simplified. Support for assembly mirroring (see above) has been extended. To better identify model states, a blue identifier has been added to show in the tree, whether a given occurrence or model element is controlled by a model state.

Parameter groups

For everyone who uses parameters, so for everyone :). You will appreciate the option to group model parameters into custom groups. You will then find it much easier to navigate the table. You can mark key parameters (as in our case "KEY Parameters") - e.g. for iLogic, measured values, irrelevant dimensions, etc.

Irregular patterns

An important and desired feature are the new pattern options within the component. The new functionality is associated with the reworking of this command into the new UI. So now you just make a standard rectangular pattern and nudge with one line, just beautiful. You won't have to make multiple arrays or turn rows off. Along with the borders that were added in the last version you can now make almost any pattern at once. And even with the follow-up elements, such as the placement of the bolt connections based on the pattern.

So with tubulars, sheet metal parts with many holes, drilled plates - that feature fits everywhere. The same applies to the circular patterns - see picture.

Collaboration with Revit

In general, collaboration with AEC design, or building design systems, is coming more and more to the fore. Factory designers, any manufacturer of MEP systems or other building elements encounter requirements for BIM. They need models that have iProperties defined and transferred correctly, categorised correctly, have connectors and proper reference points. And these are the new features that you will find in Inventor 2026. The simplification of assemblies is constantly improving, and you are now able to simplify even a large assembly with a single command, based on a template. In addition, OmniClass (BIM classification) has been replaced by Revit Categories, while a new API for these categories has been added.

Other collaborations: All CAD imports and exports have been updated with the new version of Inventor. In addition to the updated IFC support, there is support for new formats for import: Catia V4, V5, NX, SolidEdge and Solidworks, export to Catia V5.

Additional new features

You'll find new features across Inventor's functionality, from models to assemblies and drawings. We have listed only the highlights in this article. Among other new features, we are sure to please users of frame structures, piping, Content Center users, with new features in drawings, file opening as in Windows Explorer, and much, much more.

Become effective in your new Inventor with ARKANCE

The new Inventor Professional 2026 is now available in all supported language localisations. How to start using it? Download your update or trial from your Autodesk account and install it. ARKANCE can assist you in learning its new and enhanced functions or start cooperation with Fusion designers – choose one of our our online courses and e-learning material. Contact our specialists at ARKANCE for further information.

Remember, before you install a new version of Inventor, you need to check if you have updated any PDM integrations you use (Vault), and of course our add-ons. Many applications that work with older versions may not run in version 2026. We will be updating all of our apps and releasing them for this new version of Inventor over time. The most important one is our Inventor Tools (Be.Smart T4I), which was released March 28th.

With ARKANCE add-on tools, templates and libraries we provide for our customers, you can get even more effective in your new Inventor 2026.