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CATIA description
CATIA is advanced 3D design software used by companies to create detailed models of products before they're built. It's particularly helpful for industries like aerospace and automotive that design complex products. CATIA allows teams to work together on designs, simulate how products will perform, and even experience their creations virtually.
Who is CATIA best for
CATIA excels at empowering design teams in medium to large enterprises, especially within manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. Users praise its precision and power in handling complex shapes and large assemblies, particularly for surface modeling. However, some find the cost high and the interface challenging for beginners.
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Best fit for medium to large enterprises.
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Ideal for manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries.
CATIA features
| Supported CATIA supports CAM toolpaths generation via its dedicated CAM module. |
| Supported CATIA supports creating 2D technical drawings from 3D models. |
| Supported CATIA supports assembling multiple parts into larger assemblies and defining relationships between them. |
| Supported CATIA supports finite element analysis (FEA) through its integrated Generative Structural Analysis workbench. |
| Supported CATIA offers robust tools for 3D modeling, including extrusions, cuts, revolves, and surface modeling. |
| Supported CATIA supports motion simulation of mechanical systems using its DMU Kinematics workbench. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
Ease of Implementation
CATIA reviews
We've summarised 456 CATIA reviews (CATIA Capterra reviews and CATIA G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- Accurate and precise designs
- User-friendly for experienced users
- Powerful tools for complex shapes and large assemblies
- Parametric modelling capabilities
- Excellent surface modeling tools, especially for automotive and aerospace industries
- Difficult to handle mouse in this software and shows axis every time.
- High cost of modules
- Difficult to export data and view and/or modify in a different software.
- User interface is not friendly, not easy to find commands, tough for beginners
- It is slightly expensive than other similar softwares for CAD TOOLS.
CATIA pricing
The commentary is based on 39 reviews from CATIA Capterra reviews and CATIA G2 reviews.
CATIA is a powerful CAD/CAM/CAE software, especially for complex designs in automotive and aerospace. However, reviews consistently cite its high cost and complex licensing as significant drawbacks, making it less accessible for smaller businesses or individuals. Despite the price, many users find its advanced features justify the investment.
Users sentiment
CATIA alternatives
InventorBetter suited for users across various industries and company sizes. More user-friendly, especially for beginners. Has a more established community with user ratings available.Read more
PIPEPHASEBetter fit for pipeline simulation in the oil and gas industry. Has grown faster in website traffic but slower in employee growth. Higher ratings on G2 and Glassdoor. A CATIA alternative and competitor.Read more
OnshapeCloud-based and better for collaboration. A good CATIA alternative for startups and smaller businesses seeking a user-friendly, collaborative, and affordable CAD solution.Read more
Solid EdgeBetter suited for small and medium businesses seeking affordability and ease of use. A good CATIA alternative, Solid Edge offers synchronous technology for faster modeling and strong sheet metal design capabilities. Rated 4.3/5 stars on G2. However, users note a difficult interface and stability issues.Read more
SimcenterBetter for simulation and analysis. Well-suited for businesses of all sizes. Rated 4.4/5 stars by users on G2. Extensive simulation capabilities, including multiphysics. Strong customer support. Steeper learning curve and higher cost. Resource intensive, requiring powerful hardware.Read more
Simcenter AmesimBetter for simulating complex systems pre-build. Primarily focused on performance prediction and problem identification in designs. Rated 4.4/5 by users on G2. Customer service is a highlight, though it has a steeper learning curve and higher cost.Read more
CATIA FAQ
What is CATIA and what does CATIA do?
CATIA is a powerful 3D design and simulation software used primarily by large enterprises in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. It enables the creation of complex product models, facilitates team collaboration, simulates product performance, and offers virtual product experiences. Its advanced features make it ideal for designing intricate products, but some users find it challenging to learn.
How does CATIA integrate with other tools?
CATIA integrates with other Dassault Systèmes products and various CAD/CAM/CAE software. It supports industry-standard file formats, facilitating collaboration and data exchange across different platforms. However, some users find data export and modification in other software challenging.
What the main competitors of CATIA?
Top CATIA competitors include Solid Edge, Inventor, AutoCAD, and Onshape. These alternatives offer similar 3D modeling and design capabilities, often with different pricing structures and target user experiences.
Is CATIA legit?
CATIA is legitimate and safe software. It's a widely used and trusted 3D design software known for its powerful features, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries. While some users find it complex and expensive, it offers robust design and simulation capabilities.
How much does CATIA cost?
I cannot find pricing details for CATIA. Contact Dassault Systèmes directly for product pricing or a customized quote. Consider exploring alternative CAD software options if budget is a concern.
Is CATIA customer service good?
CATIA customer support receives mixed reviews. Some users mention helpful support, while others report difficulty getting assistance. Several users note that the online support could be improved.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.