Convert FBX to CGR in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read FBX files and write CGR, carrying the mesh data across without re-tessellating it.
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 FBX · Writes CGR
- Triangle mesh → triangle mesh
- C++ / C# APIs
FBX to CGR at a glance
Both formats store triangles, so the facets carry over without re-tessellation. The differences are in structure, appearance and metadata.
| FBX (source) | CGR (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Filmbox | CATIA Graphical Representation |
| Standard / owner | Autodesk | Dassault Systèmes |
| File extensions | .fbx | .cgr |
| Geometry | Triangle mesh | Tessellated geometry |
| Assemblies / structure | Yes: scene hierarchy | Single part |
| 3D InterOp support | Read and write | Read and write |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from FBX to CGR.
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Preserved
Mesh dataThe FBX facets are read and written to CGR without being re-tessellated.
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Changes
Assembly structureCGR has no native assembly hierarchy. Decide in your application how FBX product structure is grouped or flattened before writing.
Why software vendors add FBX to CGR conversion
Lightweight review
CGR carries tessellated geometry that opens much faster than the full CAD model, so design reviews and digital mockups stay responsive.
Sharing outside engineering
Marketing, training and sales teams rarely have CAD software. A CGR file gives them the shape in a format their tools can open.
Easier handling of large assemblies
Without exact surfaces and feature data, CGR files are easier to transfer and display, even for large assemblies.
Things to check before you ship
- Written CGR versions: CATIA V5 R15 to V5-6 R2026, with the CATIA V5 writer.
- Supported FBX input: FBX 2.0 to 7.7 (mesh nodes).
- Test tessellation settings on your heaviest parts: finer meshes mean larger files.
- 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 an FBX (.fbx) file?
FBX is Autodesk’s format for exchanging 3D scenes between content-creation, game and real-time tools. It stores meshes, materials and the scene hierarchy.
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Target format
What is a CGR (.cgr) file?
CGR is CATIA’s lightweight graphical representation format. It stores a tessellated version of a part for fast display in large assemblies.
Frequently asked questions
No re-tessellation is needed. 3D InterOp reads the FBX facets as visualization data and writes them to CGR.
CGR has no assembly hierarchy, so your application decides how the FBX structure is grouped or flattened before writing.
Yes, when the folder of the FBX file is writable. 3D InterOp also reads the visual material properties.
3D InterOp reads FBX 2.0 to 7.7 (mesh nodes), as visualization data.
3D InterOp writes CGR files with its CATIA V5 writer, for CATIA V5 R15 to V5-6 R2026.
Yes. 3D InterOp reads and writes both formats, so CGR to FBX is supported too.
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Building software that needs to convert FBX to CGR?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read FBX and write CGR alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.