CATIA vs IRONCAD
CATIA
3ds.comIRONCAD
ironcad.comSide by side
| Figure | CATIA | IRONCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $544.75/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.5 (#10) | 8.2 (#24) |
| Spec score · Engineering CAD Software | 8.4 (#6) | 8.2 (#10) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.4 (#39) | 8.2 (#55) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.4 (#11) | 8.0 (#19) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | No |
| File import and export | STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products. | ACIS SAT, Parasolid X_T, STEP, IGES, Catia V4, 3D Studio, STL, DXF, OBJ, POV-Ray, Raw Triangles, VRML, HSF, 3D PDF; additional translators for CATIA V5, Creo, UG/NX, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, JT, Inventor, IFC |
| 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. | The 2024 product update describes lock mechanisms for parts and assemblies designed to prevent unintended alterations and safeguard design data against unauthorized edits. |
| 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. | Paid Armor Advantage and Subscription support plans run for 12 months and include product updates; Armor Advantage also includes telephone and screen-sharing support when required. |
| Supported platforms | Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software. | Windows desktop |
| 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.