CATIA vs Hexagon VISI
CATIA
3ds.comHexagon VISI
hexagon.comSide by side
| Figure | CATIA | Hexagon VISI |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $544.75/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.5 (#10) | 7.7 (#50) |
| Spec score · Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software | 8.4 (#4) | 7.5 (#15) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| File import and export | STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products. | Import: ACIS, CATIA V4/V5, STL, PLY, DXF/DWG, IGES, STEP, VDA, Inventor, NX, JT Open, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Parasolid and Creo. Export: 3D PDF, ACIS, CATIA V5, DXF/DWG, STL, IGES, JT Open, Parasolid, STEP and VDA. |
| Modeling method | parametric | hybrid |
| Security | Dassault Systèmes says it uses encryption, network monitoring, access controls, and threat detection, and follows security frameworks including ISO 27001. | Hexagon’s trust page lists ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for specified operations and products; it does not state that VISI is in the certification scope. |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Online AEC purchasers can use a support community, ask product experts questions, and receive an onboarding meeting with a platform expert. | Hexagon offers technical support through an online contact form and provides product documentation, a knowledge base, FAQs, and training options. |
| Supported platforms | Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software. | Windows 11 Professional 64-bit |
| Surface modeling | Yes | Yes |
Plans
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.
Hexagon VISI
Hexagon VISI is paid CAD/CAE/CAM software for designing, analysing and validating moulds and dies, especially plastic injection tooling. Its suite covers complex 3D modelling, electrode design, progressive die development, 3D data repair and sheet-metal unfolding. VISI Mold creates 3D moulds with parametric controls and standard libraries, while VISI Flow analyses injection-moulding flow. VISI Machining creates toolpaths for complex 3D parts and generates NC code using high-speed milling and smoothing algorithms. The software uses hybrid modelling and includes assembly design, sheet-metal tools, surface modelling, multiresolution and voxel sculpting, and texture painting. It runs on 64-bit Windows 11 Professional and specifies 4 GB RAM minimum. Imports include ACIS, CATIA, STL, DXF/DWG, IGES, STEP, Inventor, NX, SolidWorks, Parasolid and Creo; exports include 3D PDF, ACIS, CATIA V5, STL, IGES, JT Open, Parasolid, STEP and VDA. Pricing is on request.