Autodesk acquires Instructables
Autodesk has acquired the Instructables online DIY community, expanding further into the hobbyist 3D market.
The company recently launched its free 123D software, which enables home users to create simple 3D models and have them fabricated at a range of partner sites.
The buyout is Autodesk’s second in the past month: on July 19, it completed its acquisition of the basic-but-really-rather-useful online image-editing service Pixlr.
Instructables itself offers a range of left-field DIY projects ranging from ‘ultimate paper airplanes’ to building your own jet engine, making it a great place to kill an hour or two.
PRESS RELEASE (Excerpts)
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced today that it has acquired San Francisco-based Instructables, a popular online community for people who want to discover, share and be inspired by DIY project ideas and how-to information. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Instructables.com is a destination where passionate, creative people come to share their most innovative projects and ideas on everything from technology and home renovation to crafts. Autodesk believes that the acquisition will assist makers of all types by linking Instructables’ vibrant online community to Autodesk software tools and services, such as SketchBook, 123D and Homestyler that allow anyone to explore design ideas and bring them to life.
Millions of Autodesk customers around the world are passionate about making things – whether in their professional lives or their personal lives. Instructables will introduce Autodesk customers to a thriving community of like-minded, smart individuals, with whom they can learn and share their personal inspiration or hobbies. Instructables members will benefit from Autodesk’s scale and powerful design tools, enabling the community to grow and share their ideas with a wider audience.
“Passionate, creative people want communities to support and encourage their endeavors,” said Samir Hanna, vice president of Consumer Products at Autodesk. “As a result of this acquisition, Autodesk will host a unique ecosystem that combines inspiration, accessible 3D software tools and fabrication services so anyone can be empowered to express themselves creatively.”
“Joining Autodesk will help us reach even more smart, engaged individuals and make Instructables an even better place to share projects and ideas,” said Eric Wilhelm, founder and CEO of Instructables. “Autodesk is a great cultural fit for Instructables, and I can’t wait to start changing the world together.”
Instructables members are at the forefront of the Maker Movement. They celebrate designing, personalizing and creating art objects, personal inventions and home ideas. Autodesk intends to retain the Instructables brand and will continue to operate Instructables.com following the acquisition, preserving the elements that make the Instructables community so authentic and successful today. Visit the Instructables blog for more information.