3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA
Go beyond 3D CAD design to foster innovation across the extended enterprise.
3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA Overview
3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA is Dassault Systèmes’ leading solution for cloud-based product design, engineering, systems development, and construction. It brings together powerful 3D modeling, simulation, collaboration, and data management tools in a unified environment to support the full product lifecycle. Previously known as CATIA V6, this next-generation solution enables faster innovation, enhanced traceability, and real-time collaboration across disciplines. It is used by companies developing complex and high-performance products to improve decision-making and reduce development cycles.
Key Capabilities
- Creative DesignCollaborate in a unified environment to intuitively explore and visualize 3D concepts, from sketching and freeform sculpting to algorithm-driven parametric design, with virtual human context, real-time rendering, and immersive experiences throughout product development.
- Surface RefinementCreate high-quality Class A surfaces using industry-leading ICEM Surf curve and surface modeling tools, with full design freedom in an intuitive, ergonomically optimized interface.
- V+R Product ExperiencePerform precise, immersive design reviews with realistic rendering and virtual prototyping, leveraging lifelike CATIA visualization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CATIA V5 and 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA?
CATIA V5 is a desktop-based CAD software focused on product design and engineering, widely used for decades across industries like automotive and aerospace. 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA, on the other hand, is the next-generation evolution. It is built on the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform and goes beyond CAD by integrating design, simulation, collaboration, and data management in a unified environment.
Which one should I use: CATIA V5 or 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA?
It depends on your needs: CATIA V5 is generally recommended for customers that already have an established V5 enviornment, require a stable and standalone CAD, and do not have heavily collaboration-driven workflows. Meanwhile, 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA is recommneded if you want a conneted engineering enviornment with PLM, CAD, CAE, and CAM, require collaboration across teams, suppliers, and locations. For new implementations, 3DEXPERIENCE® is generally the recommended direction.
Is 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA only available on cloud?
No, 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA is not limited to the cloud. It allows the flexibility for a completely private setup on the client's own hardware.
When to use 3DEXPERIENCE® SOLIDWORKS or 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA?
The choice depends on product complexity and business requirements as 3DEXPERIENCE® SOLIDWORKS is recommended for designing and handling simple mechanical parts and assembles with less product complexity, while 3DEXPERIENCE® CATIA is more suited for working on highly complex or large scale products with integrated systems and engineering or multidisciplinary design.
Resources
Explore our latest resources and insights
Composites Don't Fail at Random: Your Simulation Should Know Why
A practical look at how CATIA composite design and Abaqus structural simulation work as a unified system on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
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Material Calibration capabilities in Abaqus/CAE vs. in the 3DEXPERIENCE®
A comparison of material calibration in Abaqus/CAE and on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, covering workflow, automation and how results feed the simulation.
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Unified Modeling and Simulation (MODSIM): Why and How?
Instead of treating design and simulation as two separate steps, MODSIM lets teams model, simulate, analyze, and optimize products simultaneously
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Keep your Planning and Scheduling Activities Balanced, on track, and Under Control - DELMIA ORTEMS
How DELMIA ORTEMS balances workloads, keeps production schedules on track and gives planners control when priorities change.
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