build123d vs CATIA
build123d
build123d.readthedocs.io
CATIA
3ds.comSide by side
| Figure | build123d | 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 | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.3 (#20) | 8.5 (#10) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.4 (#43) | 8.4 (#39) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | No | Yes |
| File import and export | Import: STEP, STL, 3MF; export: BREP, DXF, glTF, OBJ, STL, STEP, SVG, 3MF | STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products. |
| Modeling method | parametric | parametric |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The documentation points users to a Discord server shared with CadQuery for help in the build123d channel. | Online AEC purchasers can use a support community, ask product experts questions, and receive an onboarding meeting with a platform expert. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux (Python package) | Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software. |
| Surface modeling | Yes | Yes |
Plans
CATIA
- CATIA for Architecture, Engineering & Construction — Yearly Subscription$6,537 a year
In their own words
build123d
build123d has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.