This hub collects CADProps workflows for CATIA V5 CATPart parts, plus what to do with a CATProduct assembly.
Open CATPart files
Use the CATPart viewer. CADProps reads the part in-house and shows the display geometry CATIA saved with it. When the part's B-Rep is reconstructed completely and matches that display, the result is exact; otherwise dimensions and properties are approximate. A part saved without display geometry shows only its saved thumbnail.
Convert CATPart to STEP
Use the CATPart to STEP converter. You get an exact STEP when the B-Rep is complete, and a mesh STEP built from the display triangles otherwise. Verify the output rather than relying only on a conversion-success message.
CATProduct assemblies
A CATProduct references its parts instead of holding their geometry. CADProps shows only the thumbnail saved in a CATProduct; it does not assemble or convert it. Ask for a STEP export of the assembly from CATIA, or upload the CATPart files one at a time.
CATPart guides
- How to open CATPart without CATIA
- CAD conversion checklist
- Why STEP does not preserve the original feature tree
Version and scope checks
CATIA native compatibility can depend on the source release and the data saved in the file. When a part fails or shows only a thumbnail, confirm:
- CATIA V5 source identity;
- saved release/version;
- whether display geometry was saved with the part;
- units and known dimensions.
CATShape, CGR and CATIA V4 MODEL/SESSION are not supported.
3DXML meshes and CATDrawing images
Use the 3DXML viewer for exports with XML or CATIA V5 binary (UVR) .3DRep tessellations, including product documents and saved placements within the same package. This is approximate triangle geometry with unverified units, not the exact CATPart path. Other binary representations and textures are unsupported; missing geometry marks the scene incomplete.
CATDrawing files show only the preview image saved in the drawing. Drawing views, dimensions and title blocks are not read, and no 3D geometry, measurement or conversion is available. The CATIA viewer explains when to request PDF, DXF, DWG or the 3D model instead.
Neutral exchange versus native editing
STEP is useful for cross-CAD geometry transfer. It does not recreate CATIA's original sketches, product links or feature history as native editable data. Keep the original CATIA package when future native work matters.
Related resources
See the format compatibility matrix and CAD sample library for broader format and test-file references.
Original article: CADProps · https://www.cadprops.com/catia/