You can open a readable CATIA V5 .CATPart in a compatible viewer without installing CATIA. CADProps supports tested CATPart inputs by converting their geometry for browser viewing and measurement. This does not reproduce CATIA's original sketches, constraints or feature history, and it is not a guarantee that every saved version will open.
For visual inspection, start with the CATIA viewer. If you need to edit the original design, ask for a compatible CATIA workflow instead. If a native file is unreadable, ask the sender for STEP exported from the intended revision; renaming the extension does not convert it.
Check the file before uploading
A CATPart describes a part. A .CATProduct is an assembly document that can reference separate parts. For an assembly, request the CATProduct and its referenced CATPart files together, preserving their relative folders in one ZIP. Uploading only the root document does not supply the missing geometry.
CATShape, CGR and 3DXML are different inputs and are not enabled in CADProps. Ask which application and release saved the file if its origin is unclear. See the current formats and limits before trying a large or confidential model. Uploading sends the file to the server; use only files you are permitted to upload.
Open a CATPart step by step
- Open the CATIA viewer. Check the size limit shown beside the upload controls; the deployed limit can change.
- Select Choose file and choose the original
.CATPart, or drop it into the upload area. Processing starts immediately. - Wait for the workspace to display the geometry. Use Fit if the model is outside the current view, then drag to rotate it and inspect both sides.
- Open Properties and check the overall X, Y and Z dimensions and units. Use Measure to investigate a known dimension. Do not infer units from the apparent size on screen.
- If you need a neutral deliverable, use Convert, select STEP from the available outputs and download the result. Reopen that output in the receiving application before relying on it.
Try a known CATPart plate
Use the public SS_PL_8x6x0.5_B.CATPart sample from BatchProcess and download the raw file. This is a third-party sample, not a CADProps-authored model; the project provides it under the MIT license. Keep its license with any redistributed copy. The viewer's Try a real sample button loads a separate STEP bearing example, so use Choose file for this CATPart exercise.
The plate was independently read back as one solid with dimensions 203.2 × 152.4 × 12.7 mm and volume 393,289.536 mm³. Those dimensions correspond to 8 × 6 × 0.5 inches. Compare all three extents and the solid count, not just the thumbnail. Matching these values is a useful check for this simple plate, not proof that every CATIA model will translate correctly.
Actual CADProps workspace capture using the linked public plate. Volume comes from loaded geometry. Any displayed mass uses the selected material density and does not establish the source material.
When the file does not open as expected
| Symptom | What to check next |
|---|---|
| Extension is rejected | Confirm that the input is CATPart or a supported CATProduct ZIP, not a drawing, CGR or renamed file. |
| File is too large | Read the current upload limit. Ask for just the required part or a smaller agreed exchange file; do not omit necessary assembly components. |
| Conversion or geometry validation fails | Ask for the CATIA save version and a fresh export. A file can produce an intermediate STEP yet still fail independent geometry read-back. |
| Assembly shows a missing-component warning | Obtain the referenced files, keep relative paths and upload the corrected ZIP. A partial result describes only loaded parts. |
| Several roots are offered | Select the intended top-level assembly rather than a child component. Ask the sender if the correct root is unclear. |
| Size or volume looks wrong | Confirm units, revision, expected bodies and assembly completeness before measuring further. |
Missing components can leave a viewable partial assembly. They do not make its volume or mass a total for the complete product. A file with no readable geometry cannot be shown.
Request a useful alternative
A useful message to the sender is: “Please export the intended revision as STEP, confirm the units, and include every component needed for this assembly. Please retain the native CATPart/CATProduct files for design edits.” Keep the drawing or other controlling specification with the handoff. Read the conversion checklist for the checks after export.
Ready to inspect your file? Open a CATPart file.
