Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.CATPART
File Type
CATIA Part Document
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .catpart file format
The CATPART file format is a proprietary 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file format developed by Dassault Systèmes for use with their CATIA software suite. It serves as the primary format for storing individual mechanical parts and solid models. Within the CATIA environment, a CATPART file contains…
File extension
.CATPART
File type
CATIA Part Document
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .catpart file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .catpart.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .catpart file?
File extension details and usage information
The CATPART file format is a proprietary 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file format developed by Dassault Systèmes for use with their CATIA software suite. It serves as the primary format for storing individual mechanical parts and solid models. Within the CATIA environment, a CATPART file contains the geometric data, feature history, parameters, and material properties required to define a single component. Unlike assembly files (CATPRODUCT), which link multiple parts together, the CATPART file is the fundamental building block of complex engineering designs. It is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery, where high-precision modeling and complex surface design are critical. The format is highly sophisticated, supporting both parametric modeling, where dimensions can be modified to update the geometry automatically, and non-parametric 'dumb' solids. Because of its complexity and proprietary nature, it is often converted into neutral formats like STEP or IGES for interoperability with other CAD/CAM/CAE software packages.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .catpart files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .catpart files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .catpart file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .catpart file.
Why can't I open a .catpart file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .catpart format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .catpart files
To open a .catpart file, use software that supports this file format.
- Dassault Systèmes CATIA
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- SolidWorks
- Siemens NX
- Dassault Systèmes CATIA (via virtualization/WINE)
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .catpart file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.