Learn CATIA-SCRIPTS with Real Code Examples

CATIA Scripts enable engineers and designers to automate modeling, drafting, and assembly operations.

They reduce manual effort in repetitive design tasks and improve productivity.

Scripts can access CATIA’s API to manipulate geometries, parts, assemblies, and drawings programmatically.

They support batch processing, parameterization, and customization of the CATIA environment.

Facilitate integration with PLM systems, databases, and external applications for enhanced workflow.

Automated geometry creation and modification

Parametric and associative modeling support

Assembly constraint automation

Drawing and annotation generation

Data import/export automation

Part Documents - 3D geometries and parametric features

Product Documents - assemblies of multiple parts

Drawing Documents - 2D representations of parts/assemblies

Parameters - driving dimensions and variables for automation

CATIA API - object-oriented interface for script automation

Scripts folder with categorized macros

Parameter input files (Excel, CSV, database) if needed

Project documentation for script usage

Version control for scripts across CATIA releases

Optional GUI buttons or menu integrations for scripts

Identify repetitive tasks or operations to automate

Choose scripting language (VBScript, CATScript, Python)

Record macro if starting from GUI actions

Edit or extend script to meet workflow requirements

Test, debug, and deploy script in CATIA environment

Beginner: Automate simple feature creation on parts

Intermediate: Batch process multiple parts or drawings

Advanced: Automate assembly constraints and complex modeling

Expert: Integrate CATIA with PLM or ERP systems

Architect: Develop custom parametric and workflow automation frameworks

CATIA Scripts vs Manual Modeling: Scripts save time and reduce errors

CATIA Scripts vs CAD Plugins: Scripts are lightweight and flexible, plugins require compilation

CATIA Scripts vs External Automation Tools: Scripts directly control CATIA objects without intermediate layers

Python vs VBScript for CATIA: Python offers more modern language features; VBScript is native and widely used

Macro Recording vs Full Scripting: Macro recording is easier for beginners; scripting allows full automation and logic

1990s - Macro recording introduced in CATIA V4

2000 - CATIA V5 supports VBScript and CATScript automation

2005 - Expanded API for assembly and drawing automation

2010 - Integration with PLM and data management systems

2015 - Python scripting support via V6 scripting environment

2020 - Advanced automation and batch processing enhancements

2025 - Continuous updates for API access, scripting stability, and PLM integration

CATIA - Dassault Systèmes CAD/CAM/CAE software

Script - Program or macro to automate tasks

Macro - Recorded sequence of actions to generate script

Assembly - Collection of multiple parts

PLM - Product Lifecycle Management integration