- What is the added value of Ohmycad?
- What is the difference between CATIA V5 and CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE?
- How to get trained on CATIA?
- Is CATIA right for startups and SMEs?
- What are CATIA’s main functions?
- Who is CATIA for?
- What is CATIA?
- How do you go from a test to an optimized price offer (TCO)?
- Compatibility: versions, old files, multi-station work
- SOLIDWORKS certifications: how to get free coupons?
- Who accompanies me after license activation?
- Compatibility: versions, old files, multi-station work
- What unofficial “free” alternatives should I avoid?
- How long is a realistic trial?
- Can I buy directly from Dassault Systèmes?
- How do I install SOLIDWORKS properly (desktop)?
- How much does SOLIDWORKS cost?
- Perpetual licenses vs. subscription: what to choose in 2026?
- Can I work without the cloud with SOLIDWORKS? (local/offline)
- Students/teachers: is there a free or discounted version?
- Does the Startup SOLIDWORKS program provide free access in the 1ʳᵉ year? What are the conditions?
- Is it possible to get SOLIDWORKS legally and free of charge?
- How can I test SOLIDWORKS free of charge (duration, conditions, steps)?
- Where is the data stored?
Buy CATIA V5: everything you need to know about the CAD software
Do you know the different versions of CATIA? CATIA V4, CATIA V5 and CATIA V6?
If you’re looking for cutting-edge computer-aided design (CAD) software, you’ve probably heard of CATIA. It’s the benchmark software used by the world’s leading companies in fields as varied as aeronautics, automotive, architecture and design. CATIA, and by extension the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, are used on the largest industrial projects. But how do I buy Catia, how much does it cost, and which version of Catia should I choose? We’ll answer these questions in this blog post.
What is CATIA?
CATIA is a software package developed by Dassault Systèmes, which enables the creation and modification of high-quality 3D models (increasingly referred to as “Digital Twins”). CATIA offers a multitude of functions and tools for designing innovative, high-performance products. These include 3D and 2D CAD (manufacturing drawings), simulation, product lifecycle management (PLM, PDM), etc. CATIA is also compatible with other CAD software (such as SolidWorks, of course), facilitating collaborative work and data exchange on Industry 4.0-type projects, for example.
Which CATIA versions are available?
CATIA is available in several versions, corresponding to different levels of complexity and functionality. The latest version is CATIA v6, which uses cloud computing and online collaboration via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. CATIA v6 (or CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE) enables you to work on projects in real time, with partners, customers and suppliers located anywhere in the world. Data storage on secure Dassault Système servers guarantees the best protection for your innovations. CATIA v5 is still the most widely used version today, offering great stability and a wide range of applications. CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE is gradually replacing older versions. For example, the Renault group chose to migrate to V6 several years ago ( Article: Renault adopts Dassault Systèmes’ V6 PLM solutions to improve productivity and product quality). CATIA v4 is the oldest version, no longer supported by Dassault Systèmes. Ohmycad is an integrator of the 3DEXPERIENCE CATIAversion .
How to buy CATIA
To purchase Catia, please contact Ohmycad’s CATIA Support team. Ohmycad is a Dassault Systèmes authorized reseller, we will advise you on the best solution for your project. We have many ways for you to get a demonstration, test the product, in short, to help you :)
How much does CATIA cost?
The price of Catia depends on the version you choose, the number of licenses you purchase, and the type of contract you sign. At Ohmycad, we’re committed to providing you with the most flexible solutions for your project. We therefore give priority to subscription solutions (CATIA rental). If the average price of a Catia v5 license is around 10,000 euros, the average price of a Catia v6 license is around 15,000 euros. Ohmycad’s CATIA rental rates are around €500 per month, with no commitment required. Whatever the case, we’ll work together to find the best solution for you. If you don’t know enough about Catia, or if you need help solving a specific problem, you can consult the resources and tutorials available on the official Dassault Systèmes website. You’ll find guides, videos, webinars, forums and blogs dedicated to Catia. You can also join the Catia user community, who share their experiences and tips on social networks.
We look forward to welcoming you to our #OhmyCloudMakers community. Read our CATIA & SOLIDWORKS ohmycad Customer Reviews to find out more :)
How much does CATIA cost?
The price of Catia depends on the version you choose, the number of licenses you purchase, and the type of contract you sign. At Ohmycad, we’re committed to providing you with the most flexible solutions for your project. We therefore give priority to subscription solutions (CATIA rental). If the average price of a Catia v5 license is around 10,000 euros, the average price of a Catia v6 license is around 15,000 euros. Ohmycad’s CATIA rental rates are around €500 per month, with no commitment required. Whatever the case, we’ll work together to find the best solution for you.
How can I benefit from preferential rates when buying CATIA?
If you’re a start-up or small business, you can benefit from preferential rates on Catia. At Ohmycad, we offer special programs for innovative start-ups, giving them access to Catia at reduced prices. You can also take advantage of free or discounted training courses to learn how to use Catia effectively. We encourage you to test your eligibility for the CATIA and Ohmycad startup programs.
Why buy CATIA?
Subscribe or Buy Catia? C nvesting in CATIA means investing in powerful, versatile software that will enable you to realize your 3D design projects with precision and creativity. CATIA will help you optimize your development processes, reduce your costs and improve your competitiveness. CATIA is also scalable, adapting to the needs and requirements of each industry sector. We offer CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE subscriptions on a quarterly (QSC) or annual (YSC) basis. For greater flexibility, we often offer our subscribers the option of mixing subscription types.
How do I learn to use CATIA V5?
To learn how to use Catia, we offer training courses run by Ohmycad experts certified by Dassault Systèmes. These courses will enable you to master Catia‘s functions and tools, and to carry out practical exercises on real-life cases. You can choose between online or face-to-face training, depending on your availability and budget.
Where can I find resources and tutorials on CATIA V4, CATIA V5 and CATIA V6?
If you’d like to learn more about Catia, or if you need help solving a specific problem, you can consult the resources and tutorials available on the official Dassault Systèmes website. You’ll find guides, videos, webinars, forums and blogs dedicated to Catia. You can also join the Catia user community, who share their experiences and tips on social networks.
Conclusion
At Ohmycad, we’re very proud to be a Dassault Systèmes integrator. CATIA is the world’s most widely used CAD software for many industries, enabling you to design high-quality 3D products. To purchase Catia, please contact Ohmycad. As a Dassault Systèmes authorized reseller, we will work with you to find the best solution for your project. CATIA prices vary according to the version you choose, the number of licenses you purchase, and the type of contract you sign. You can also benefit from preferential rates if you’re a start-up or small business. To learn how to use CATIA, you can follow training courses or consult online resources.
We look forward to welcoming you to our #OhmyCloudMakers community. Read our CATIA & SOLIDWORKS ohmycad Customer Reviews to find out more :)
- All
- Buying locally
- Catia
- Cloud
- compatibility
- Free license
- free license
- Free Trial
- Low cost
- Solidworks
- Startup
- startup
- Subscription
- technical support
CATIA V5 is the legacy version, installed locally. CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE is the cloud version, integrated into a collaborative platform that centralizes data, roles, and business processes. It enables digital continuity and greater agility.
Self-learning modules, a resource center & technical knowledge base, certified training, and online courses are available via Dassault Systèmes and its partners such as Ohmycad.
Yes! Contrary to popular belief, CATIA is accessible to small structures, thanks to flexible cloud offers and targeted business roles. Ohmycad supports startups in their adoption of CATIA with training, support and tailored offers.
The CATIA solution enables you to design parts and products with great precision, thanks to advanced parametric and surface modeling, perfectly suited to complex mechanical design projects. It also facilitates the creation and management of complex assemblies, offering powerful tools for structuring, verifying and evolving multi-component assemblies. Kinematic and dynamic simulation functionalities enable the behavior of mechanisms to be analyzed, movements to be validated and performance to be anticipated right from the design phase. The design of sheet metal parts, plastics and industrial molds is supported by dedicated tools designed for industrialization and manufacturing. Native integration with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform connects design, simulation and data management in a single environment. Finally, cloud collaboration combined with centralized product data management (PDM) ensures efficient, secure, real-time collaboration between all teams. Ohmycad experts recommend upgrading from CATIA V5 to CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE to benefit from the full power of the cloud-based tool.
CATIA is designed for engineers, designers, project managers and manufacturers who need a robust, collaborative and scalable design environment. It is used by large corporations as well as SMEs and innovative start-ups. Ohmycad offers a startup program to make industrial software accessible even to cash-poor companies, and provides free access to CATIA for 1 year (with no commitment). Users are often former users of software such as Solidworks who find themselves technically limited when it comes to technical design.
CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) is a 3D CAD software developed by Dassault Systèmes. It is used to design, model and simulate complex products in a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy and architecture. It is renowned for its geometric precision and modeling power. CATIA is the CAD software of choice when your design assemblies are getting too heavy for tools such as Solidworks or Autocad, Fusion or Solidedge.
After theSolidWorks trial, depending on your needs (number of users, modules, offline/cloud constraints, PDM flow) we align a SolidWorks 2026 pricing offer adapted to your structure and usage (subscription vs. perpetual). The aim: to reduce your total cost of ownership and secure your time-to-production.
With Ohmycad, you can install locally, work with older Solidworks versions, multiply workstations (depending on licenses), collaborate via links to share your 3Ds, and add Simulation/PDM/Render as needed. Best practices in the Knowledge Base and blog. Test Solidworks free of charge!
If your company has an active license, you are entitled to certification vouchers (CSWA/CSWP…) twice a year. The Ohmycad tutorial explains how to create accounts, collect vouchers and prepare for exams.
With Ohmycad, you can install locally, work with older versions, multiply workstations (depending on licenses), collaborate via links to share your 3D, and add Simulation/PDM/Render as needed. Best practices in the KB and blog.
Avoid cracks and dubious sites: beyond the legal risks, they expose you to malware, data loss and lack of support. Prefer legal channels: free trial, Solidworks for Startup program, education versions if eligible – you stay compliant and productive. (Reinforce E-E-A-T in the article with this warning).
Start with the 24-hour online test to validate environment and performance, then request an evaluation key if required (longer scenarios, real files, import/export tests, Simulation). Ohmycad offers a quick audit to set objectives and metrics before purchase.
Yes, for individuals/students and corporate customers. For companies (startups, SMEs),solidworks are purchased via certified partners (such as Ohmycad), who provide guidance, configuration and support (licenses, modules, deployment).
Download the official installer from SOLIDWORKS, connect the 3DEXPERIENCE ID, accept the contract, choose the appropriate Service Pack, then follow the wizard (check disk space, serial number(s)). For multiple deployments: admin images via the manager. Step-by-step guide in the Ohmycad Knowledge Base.
Yes, current licenses integrate Dassault Systèmes’ Outscale cloud infrastructure (SecNumCloud/ISO 27001), but you can install locally, work offline, and remain compatible with earlier versions as required. With Ohmycad, you can test Solidworks free of charge for a few days!
Yes, SOLIDWORKS Student (via schools or individual offers) is offered by Dassault Systèmes. For professional or startup use, opt for the free trial and/or the Solidworks for Startup program piloted by Ohmycad. (Please note the target audience on the page to avoid licensing confusion).
Yes: year 1 on SOLIDWORKS free of charge (and -90% on apps), then -70% year 2, -50% year 3, subject to eligibility (start-ups, admission criteria, etc.). The program includes support (CAD/PDM project manager, support, training) and is non-binding. This is the recommended route for early-stage startups.
Yes, in specific cases: via thefree trial (24-hour online access, followed by a temporary key), and via the Solidworks for Startup program (year 1 free under certain conditions), in official partnership with Dassault Systèmes. In all other cases, “free” access does not comply with licensing requirements and may expose you to legal and security risks. To test in good standing: free trial, then personalized evaluation according to your use.
Ohmycad offers a 24-houronline solidworks test (full functionality). Depending on returns, a temporary ~15-day key can be issued. All you have to do is enter your pro details, then access the test environment. It’s the official, fast way to evaluate performance, with no obligation.
All data is stored in Dassault Systèmes datacenters in Yvelines, France.
