Native CAD interfaces
Direct support for the CAD formats listed here.
CATIA Viewer
Open CATPart and CATProduct files
intuitive & practical 3D without CAD expertise
affordable & universal many 3D/2D interfaces
Modern, easy-to-use CAD viewer
Cost-effective CAD converter for all formats
The 3D-Tool Viewer opens CATPart, CATProduct, 3DXML, CGR, and model files without CATIA software.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter converts CATIA models to exchange formats such as STEP, IGES, JT, SAT, and Parasolid X_T. It also supports visualization formats such as STL, OBJ, 3D-PDF, 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF.
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Stable, precise CAD data processing.
Windows support
Compatible with current Windows versions.
Check CATIA Models From Customers and Suppliers
Automotive and aerospace suppliers often receive CATPart and CATProduct files straight from an OEM customer, without owning a CATIA seat themselves. The 3D-Tool Viewer still opens these files, so geometry, dimensions, and assembly structure can be reviewed directly on the delivered model.
For sharing with colleagues who have no CATIA access, or handing a model to another CAD system, the 3D-NativeCAD Converter turns CATPart and CATProduct files into STEP and other common exchange formats - ahead of a manufacturing release or quote.
What are CATPart and CATProduct files?
- Files with the CATPart and CATProduct file extensions are native 3D files from CATIA V5 CAD/CAM software.
- CATPart is the part file format and contains 3D geometry and, in some cases, Product Manufacturing Information (PMI).
- CATProduct is the assembly file format. A CATProduct file is linked to at least one, but usually several, CATParts and often other CATProducts.
- CATParts and CATProducts either come directly from CATIA V5, were exported from CATIA V6 (3DEXPERIENCE), or were created with converters such as 3D_Evolution.
- For data exchange, CATProducts with all parts are sometimes exported to a single CATPart. These files usually include the term AllCatPart in the file name.
CATPart and CATProduct versions
New CATIA V5 and V6 releases appear regularly. Releases are designated V5R1 through V5R21. Since 2013, with the introduction of CATIA V6, they have used the designation V5-6R followed by the release year, for example V5-6R2026.
Older releases generally cannot open files created with newer releases. Files explicitly exported for an older CATIA release are an exception.
CATIA was one of the world's first CAD/CAM programs in 1977, but CATParts and CATProducts have existed only since CATIA V5 in 1999. Its predecessor, CATIA V4, used model files, which are still occasionally in circulation.
Additional native CATIA file formats
- cgr (CATIA Graphical Representation) CATIA file format containing purely graphical 3D data for lightweight design visualization
- 3dxml Originally 3D visualization data, for example for the free 3DXML Player. Since CATIA V6, 3dxml has been a complex archive for data exchange as a native 3DEXPERIENCE file. It contains visualization and exact CAD data, materials, assemblies, parts, macros, etc.
- CATDrawing Native 2D drawing from CATIA, derived from CATParts or CATProducts
- model File format of CATIA V4, released in 1993. Model files are used only occasionally today and can contain 3D models and 2D drawings.
How do I open CATIA CATProduct and CATPart files?
Open CATIA CATProduct and CATPart files with CATIA, other CAD/CAM software with a CATIA interface, or a CAD viewer. CATIA CAD/CAM software from Dassault Systèmes is the usual choice. Compared to a CAD system, CAD viewers are an affordable alternative. The 3D-Tool CAD Viewer opens CATPart, CATProduct, 3DXML, CGR, and model files. You can try it free of charge for 14 days.
How do I convert CATIA CATPart and CATProduct files?
Without CAD software with a CATIA interface, the design must be exported from CATIA to a common 3D exchange format, such as STEP.
Converting CATProduct and CATPart to STEP is also possible with a 3D converter.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium converts native CATIA models and models from many other CAD systems reliably into the standard 3D exchange formats STEP, IGES, SAT, and Parasolid X_T.
Test the CATIA viewer and CATIA converter for free
3D-Tool is a CAD Viewer with many native CAD interfaces, including CATIA V4 and V5-6, as well as professional measurement tools, draft analysis, and wall thickness analysis.
- Open CATProduct, CATPart, model, cgr, and 3dxml files; add dimensions and comments; and publish them for the 3D-Tool Free Viewer or as 3D PDF
- Open CATProduct, CATPart, model, cgr, and 3dxml files and save them as STL, 3DS, PLY, WRL, or OBJ
- Convert CATProduct, CATPart, and model files to STEP, IGES, SAT, X_T, and JT
- Convert CATIA models to 3D product visualizations such as 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF
Free, no-obligation 14-day trial with all features, the CATIA interfaces, and the 3D-NativeCAD Converter. The trial key activates all 3D interfaces, including Designcenter (Siemens NX), SolidWorks, Inventor, STEP, SAT, and Parasolid.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What file formats does the CATIA viewer open?
3D-Tool opens CATPart, CATProduct, 3DXML, CGR, and model files from CATIA V4, V5, and V6 (3DEXPERIENCE) without a CATIA license. The viewer also provides tools for measuring and analyzing the imported models. This allows recipients to inspect CATIA design data without working in the CAD system that created it.
How can I open CATPart and CATProduct files without CATIA?
3D-Tool opens CATPart and CATProduct files without a CATIA installation. The viewer includes measurement tools, annotations, wall thickness analysis, and draft analysis. This makes it possible to inspect supplied CATIA models and discuss design details without using the original CAD application. A free 14-day trial is available.
What is the difference between CATPart, CATProduct, and CGR files?
CATPart is the CATIA part format and CATProduct the linked assembly format. CGR, in contrast, is a purely graphical format for lightweight visualization only. When sharing a CATProduct assembly, include the referenced part files and any subassemblies. A CGR file is intended for viewing and does not provide the same exact geometry as a native CAD part.
Can a newer CATIA file be opened with an older CATIA release?
Generally not. Older releases can only open files from a newer release such as V5-6R2026 if the files were explicitly exported for that older release. Agree on a compatible version with the recipient before exchanging data. Alternatively, provide the model in a common exchange format such as STEP, provided the target software supports it.
Which formats can CATIA files be converted to?
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium converts CATPart, CATProduct, and model files to STEP, IGES, JT, SAT, and Parasolid X_T. It also supports visualization formats such as STL, OBJ, 3DS, PLY, 3D-PDF, 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF.