Convert CATDrawing to DXF in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read CATDrawing files and write DXF, reading the drawing sheets as visualization data and writing them as DXF 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 DXF
- 2D drawing → 2D drawing
- C++ / C# APIs
CATDrawing to DXF at a glance
Both formats carry 2D drawings. 3D InterOp reads the CATIA drawing sheets as visualization data and writes them as DXF drawing geometry.
| CATIA drawing (source) | DXF (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CATIA V5 Drawing | Drawing Exchange Format |
| Standard / owner | Dassault Systèmes | Autodesk |
| File extensions | .CATDrawing | .dxf |
| 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 DXF.
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Changes
Visualization dataThe CATDrawing drawing is read as visualization data (sheets and their views) and written as DXF drawing geometry.
Why software vendors add CATDrawing to DXF conversion
Share drawings with AutoCAD users
DXF 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 DXF for printing, markup or long-term reference outside the source CAD system.
Reuse 2D content
Drawing views exported to DXF can be reused in layouts, documentation or shop-floor instructions.
Things to check before you ship
- Written DXF 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 DXF (.dxf) file?
DXF is Autodesk’s documented exchange format for AutoCAD drawings, mostly stored as text. Many CAD, CAM and cutting tools import it to exchange 2D geometry.
Frequently asked questions
3D InterOp reads the CATDrawing drawing sheets as visualization data and writes them to DXF as 2D drawing geometry, in versions AC1012 to AC1032 (AutoCAD 1993 to 2027).
Yes. The same 3D InterOp drawing writer writes DXF and DWG, from AC1012 to AC1032 (AutoCAD 1993 to 2027).
No. 3D InterOp writes drawing sheets to DXF; 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 DXF?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read CATIA drawing and write DXF alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.