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Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

CATIA vs Creo

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score CATIA #2 in 3D CAD Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit CATIA
Creo #5 in 3D CAD Software 9.1/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit PTC Creo

CATIA leads on 0 checks, Creo on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCATIA · 9.3/10
  • Free trialonly Creo
  • Most featuresCATIA · 4 of 4

CATIA scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

CATIA is the better fit for enterprise engineering and advanced product design. Creo is the better fit for manufacturing teams needing integrated engineering tools.

  • CATIA fits best

    Enterprise engineering and advanced product design

  • Creo fits best

    Manufacturing teams needing integrated engineering tools

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Side by side

Feature CATIA 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Creo 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #2 in 3D CAD Software #5 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Enterprise engineering and advanced product design Manufacturing teams needing integrated engineering tools
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request —
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows Windows
Support Community Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CATIA 4/4 · Creo 0/4
Assembly design ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Sheet-metal tools ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Surface modeling ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cloud collaboration ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Modeling method Parametric Not checked yet
Supported platforms Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software. Not checked yet
File import and export STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products. Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Generative, parametric, direct, solid, and surface modeling
  • Sheet-metal, assembly, motion, drawings, simulation, and PLM integration
  • 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration with broad format support
  • Combines parametric and direct modeling with assemblies and simulation
  • Covers additive, CNC, rendering, drawings, and model-based definition
  • Supports Windchill, ANSYS, multi-CAD migration, and AI-assisted design
Cons
  • Commercial subscriptions start at $1,961 per user per quarter
  • There is no free plan
  • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrow CAD projects
  • Core Creo is a desktop product for Windows systems
  • There is no free plan
  • Locked and floating licenses impose different access constraints
Our verdict

CATIA is 3D CAD and product-engineering software from Dassault Systèmes for designers and engineers developing complex products, assemblies, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary projects. Its capabilities span parametric and generative…

Read the review →

Creo is PTC’s parametric 3D CAD platform for engineers, designers, and manufacturers. It brings parametric and direct modeling together with part and assembly design, model animation, integrated simulation, rendering, 2D drawings, and…

Read the review →
  1. CATIA3D CAD Software 9.3Pricing on request
  2. Creo3D CAD Software 9.130-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CATIA — where it wins

    • Generative, parametric, direct, solid, and surface modeling
    • Sheet-metal, assembly, motion, drawings, simulation, and PLM integration
    • 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration with broad format support

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial subscriptions start at $1,961 per user per quarter
    • There is no free plan
    • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrow CAD projects
  • Creo — where it wins

    • Combines parametric and direct modeling with assemblies and simulation
    • Covers additive, CNC, rendering, drawings, and model-based definition
    • Supports Windchill, ANSYS, multi-CAD migration, and AI-assisted design

    Where it doesn't

    • Core Creo is a desktop product for Windows systems
    • There is no free plan
    • Locked and floating licenses impose different access constraints

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update