Convert CATDrawing to DWG in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read CATDrawing files and write DWG, reading the drawing sheets as visualization data and writing them as DWG drawings.
Spatial does not offer an online converter or a desktop conversion app. 3D InterOp is a component that software vendors embed in their own products.
- Reads CATIA drawing · Writes DWG
- 2D drawing → 2D drawing
- C++ / C# APIs
CATDrawing to DWG at a glance
Both formats carry 2D drawings. 3D InterOp reads the CATIA drawing sheets as visualization data and writes them as DWG drawing geometry.
| CATIA drawing (source) | DWG (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CATIA V5 Drawing | AutoCAD Drawing |
| Standard / owner | Dassault Systèmes | Autodesk |
| File extensions | .CATDrawing | .dwg |
| Geometry | 2D drawing sheets | 2D drawings and 3D data |
| Assemblies / structure | Drawing sheets | Blocks and layers |
| 3D InterOp support | Read only | Read; write drawings only |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from CATIA drawing to DWG.
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Changes
Visualization dataThe CATDrawing drawing is read as visualization data (sheets and their views) and written as DWG drawing geometry.
Why software vendors add CATDrawing to DWG conversion
Share drawings with AutoCAD users
DWG is the format most 2D CAD tools open. Writing it lets your users pass drawings to partners who work in AutoCAD or compatible software.
Archive and print
Teams often keep released drawings as DWG for printing, markup or long-term reference outside the source CAD system.
Reuse 2D content
Drawing views exported to DWG can be reused in layouts, documentation or shop-floor instructions.
Things to check before you ship
- Written DWG versions: AC1012 to AC1032 (AutoCAD 1993 to 2027).
- Supported CATDrawing input: CATIA V5 R8 to V5-6 R2026.
- Validate a sample of translated files in the target system your users actually work with.
Working with Spatial was a real milestone for us: Thanks to the powerful 3DInterOp library, we were able to successfully bring our complex CAD-based solutions to the cloud while remaining flexible to meet individual customer requirements. For us, Spatial is not just a technology partner, but a true enabler of our product strategy.
Dr. Arno Michelis, Founder, Simus Systems
Read the Case StudyAbout the formats
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Source format
What is a CATDrawing (.CATDrawing) file?
A CATDrawing file is a CATIA V5 drawing: the 2D sheets and views that document CATPart and CATProduct models.
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Target format
What is a DWG (.dwg) file?
DWG is the native file format of Autodesk AutoCAD, used for 2D drawings and 3D models. It is one of the most widespread formats for technical drawings.
Frequently asked questions
3D InterOp reads the CATDrawing drawing sheets as visualization data and writes them to DWG as 2D drawing geometry, in versions AC1012 to AC1032 (AutoCAD 1993 to 2027).
Yes. The same 3D InterOp drawing writer writes DWG and DXF, from AC1012 to AC1032 (AutoCAD 1993 to 2027).
No. 3D InterOp writes drawing sheets to DWG; exporting 3D data to DXF or DWG isn’t supported.
3D InterOp reads CATIA V5 R8 to V5-6 R2026, as visualization data.
No. 3D InterOp reads CATDrawing but doesn’t write it. To send drawings back, write DXF or DWG.
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Building software that needs to convert CATDrawing to DWG?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read CATIA drawing and write DWG alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.