BRL-CAD vs CATIA
BRL-CAD
brlcad.org
CATIA
3ds.comSide by side
| Figure | BRL-CAD | CATIA |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $544.75/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.1 (#29) | 8.5 (#10) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.2 (#58) | 8.4 (#39) |
| File formats | The documentation lists import converters for formats including DXF, IGES, NASTRAN, STL, and Unigraphics. | STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products. |
| Purpose | BRL-CAD is an open source cross-platform solid modeling system with interactive geometry editing, ray tracing, a benchmark suite, and geometry libraries for application developers. | CATIA supports imagining, designing, and simulating new products and systems. |
| Security | The opened maker pages describe OSI-approved open source licensing but do not state a security certification or compliance standard. | Dassault Systèmes says it uses encryption, network monitoring, access controls, and threat detection, and follows security frameworks including ISO 27001. |
| Support | The documentation says all users can access symposia, workshops, a user's group, and mailing lists; the full-service distribution includes technical assistance. | Online AEC purchasers can use a support community, ask product experts questions, and receive an onboarding meeting with a platform expert. |
Plans
BRL-CAD
- Free BRL-CAD distributionFree
- Full-service support distributionPriced on request
CATIA
- CATIA for Architecture, Engineering & Construction — Yearly Subscription$6,537 a year
In their own words
CATIA
CATIA is a parametric modeling and engineering product with tools for assembly design, sheet-metal work, and surface modeling. It supports cloud collaboration. Platform availability depends on the CATIA product: browser applications run on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, while CATIA V5 sheet-metal software is available for Windows. File format support also varies by product. STEP import and export are listed, while DXF, STL, VRML, and IGES are supported by other CATIA V5 products. CATIA is paid, with pricing on request. Buyers should match the intended modeling work, collaboration needs, platform, and file exchange requirements to the specific CATIA product. Its web and Windows listings do not mean that every CATIA capability is offered on both platforms.