CATIA vs Solid Edge
CATIA
3ds.comSolid Edge
solidedge.siemens.comSide by side
| Figure | CATIA | Solid Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $544.75/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.5 (#10) | 8.6 (#8) |
| Spec score · Engineering CAD Software | 8.4 (#6) | 8.0 (#15) |
| Spec score · Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software | 8.4 (#4) | 8.0 (#12) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.4 (#39) | 8.6 (#26) |
| Spec score · Engineering Design Software | 8.3 (#7) | 7.9 (#12) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.4 (#11) | 8.5 (#9) |
| Spec score · 3D Design Software | 8.4 (#13) | 8.0 (#22) |
| Collaboration | The cloud edition supports real-time concurrent design and collaboration through 3D dashboards and a shared source of truth. | Teamcenter Share supports permission-based project sharing, desktop file syncing, messaging, task management, model markup, and overwrite protection. |
Plans
CATIA
- CATIA for Architecture, Engineering & Construction — Yearly Subscription$6,537 a year
Solid Edge
- Solid Edge ClassicPriced on request
- Solid Edge Design and DraftingPriced on request
- Solid Edge FoundationPriced on request
- Solid Edge PremiumPriced on request
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.
Solid Edge
Solid Edge is a product development portfolio that combines direct modeling with parametric design through synchronous technology. It covers 3D design, simulation, manufacturing, technical publications and data management. Each of its four 3D design packages includes part and assembly design, 2D drafting, common 2D and 3D file import and export, data management and mesh modeling. Capabilities include animation tools, parametric modeling, a built-in render engine and 3D print export. Package features vary: Foundation includes sheet metal, frame and weldments, surface modeling and basic FEA simulation; Classic adds reverse engineering and generative design; Premium adds advanced motion and stress simulation, optimization, point cloud visualization, electrical routing, PCB collaboration, and pipe and tube design. Integrated data management includes Windows Explorer integration, thumbnails, Revision Manager and View and Markup. Solid Edge integrates with Teamcenter and Teamcenter Share for product data management and cloud collaboration. Siemens offers a 30-day PC trial and free editions for students, teachers, qualifying startups, personal community use and 2D Drafting. Solid Edge 2026 is certified for supported 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise or Professional editions.