CATIA Creative Design & Styling - User Community
What’s been happening recently? Best of 🤩
Hey CATIA folks, let’s rewind! Here’s the best of what happened during September. Catch up on what you missed and get ready for what’s next! CATIA Design Talk📣🚗 Ready for a deep dive into cutting-edge design ? Don’t miss the upcoming CATIA Design Talk with Angel Guerra on October 14th, where the stunning Garagisti GP1 sports car takes center stage. From Class-A surfacing in ICEM Surf to immersive Virtual Reality reviews, Angel will showcase his solo design journey in real time. Check our post to
ICEM Surf learning edition 2025.2 // Shading issue
Hallo Zusammen, ich brauche bitte eure Hilfe. Zuerst einmal möchte ich sagen, wie toll es ist, eine offizielle Icem Version für Zuhause zu haben. Wirklich gut, das man zuhause üben und probieren kann - legal! Leider habe ich ein Problem mit dem Material und/oder Shading. Ich wollte von Nick McFerran sein Learning Project durcharbeiten, hierbei ist mir ein Problem entstanden. Es liegt nicht am Projekt, das Problem besteht auch wenn man eine DB öffnet und einfach ein paar Flächen erstellt. Öffnet
CATIA Design Talk: The Garagisti GP1 – A Designer's Journey on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Title: From Sculpting to Immersion: Designing the GP1 with ICEM Surf & CATIA on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform Date: October 14 Time: 10:00 AM Topic to be Presented: Join us for a captivating CATIA Design Talk with Angel Guerra, who will pull back the curtain on the design of the stunning Garagisti GP1 sports car. He will walk us through his end-to-end, solo design process, showcasing how he seamlessly transitions his model from precision Class-A surfacing in ICEM Surf to photorealistic real-time
Baby Falcon & Baby Blue Falcon
Buongiorno 🙂 First images of the Baby Falcon and Baby Blue Falcon. CATIA 3Dexperience LiveRenderin CATIAChampion
Is it possible to export from icem to alias/catia and not die trying?
Hello everyone! We're having a little problem exporting files. We need to export files from Surf so they can be opened in Alias, but without losing editing capabilities. So far, the only format that's worked for us has been EDF, but the problem is that the names of the different lists that group the surfaces are modified (it shortens them). A colleague suggested using the option to export as Catia v5, but when I try to do so, oops! This window appears. Any help is appreciated, thanks in
Now ready for CFD analysis...
ICEM Surf Self-Learning
Hi Folks, Today I’d like to share a personal milestone with you. I’ve been diving into ICEM Surf and learning it entirely on my own — and here’s my very first attempt! It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey so far, and I’m excited to keep exploring what this powerful tool can do. Hope you enjoy it — and feel free to share your thoughts or tips!
icem design experience issue
when I modify control point, only move mouse a bit but the control point move a lot. Is anywhere have a tool or setting to fix this out? thanks.
DEMO Tokamak CATIA Files
Hi, I am a physicist working with my company www.generalphysicscorp.com. I want the DEMO CATIA files for all the parts of the tokamak. Heat exchange, cryogenics, steam cycle generation, breeding blanket, magnets, NBI, ECRF, and the building. I need the part files and the assemblies. I need to start manufacturing. I do CNC, G code, additive manufacturing, and then I plan to simulate neutron flux in a CATIA MOOSE program. I appreciate anyone who knows the CATIA designs.
The Press is Talking about the TA.TAMU Chair!🌍
✨ On June 24, 2025, we unveiled the TA.TAMU chair: lightweight, foldable, and designed for maximum efficiency and performance. Developed as part of a research topic within a long-standing collaboration —active since 2018— between the DESIGNStudio at Dassault Systèmes and Patrick Jouin iD, the chair merges design, science, and simulation to explore the dynamics of diverse ecosystems. It's now making headlines all around the world! Dive into the coverage with full articles!
📓 ICEM Surf | Basic tutorials
Please find 5 basic tutorials to start learning ICEM Surf English Tutorials: Title Tutorial Link to video Production Date Basic GUI GUI16.12.2021 Basic Utilities Utilities16.12.2021 Basic Curves Basic Curves 14.02.2022 Basic Surfaces Basic Surfaces 19.10.2022 Basic Analysis Basic Analysis03.11.2022 German Tutorials: Titel Tutorial Link zum Video Produktions-Datum Basic GUI GUI 16.12.2021 Basic Utilities Utilities16.12.2021 Basic Curves Basic Curves16.12.2021 Basic Surfaces
💡 ICEM Surf | Tips & Tricks
Here you can find a collection of tips & tricks for ICEM Surf: ICEM Surf ICEM Surf
📦 PRODUCT - PORTFOLIO (2)
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ICEM Surf Learning Edition
ICEM Surf Personal Learning Edition was introduced in CATIA Portfolio. PURPOSE ICEM Surf is a complete version to learn and raise skills on 3D surface modeling. Personnal learning and use only (Storage only in watermarked IcemDB and 3DXML) ACCESS Free Download link: https://software.3ds.com/ >> No license to purchase Install Process from Nick McFerran: https://youtu.be/bmHi1vPgvuA?si=CgjFPK6mCa38N_XN ExerciseTutorial link: https://lnkd.in/eeFF8RKA FUNCTIONNALITIES All functionalities
SCENE MANAGER (NEW)
New Scene Manager is available on the of Display Option Panel. The Scene Manager is a global system of variants taking into account all variants as Environment, View, Lighting, BG Image, Material and Turn table. It is possible to create, store, delete and rename many scenes of variants. Therefore the user can totally switch between global scene in a few second. Checking the box means the corresponding current variant will be embedded in the scene to be stored. To ease the use of scenes between
HEAD MOUNTED DISPLAY Improved Z-Axis rotation setup
Picking the ground If the Rotation Point shall be changed, an invisible ground surface is created on the fly. On this surface an arbitrary point can be selected. No Re-center effect of the view Keep the same position when selecting the rotation point. No recenter effect = NO Jump effect.
📈 PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE node
K28 - Import/Export New format STEP
In ICEM Surf 2025.0, the Import/Export of STP / STEP format is available. This capability is available with the license K28 to be purchased. ACCESS Based on CATIA V5-6_R2025 and 3DEXPERIENCE R2025x Also supported by Reference Manager Batch mode with icutility supported Take care of new directive files LIST OF PROTOCOLS A STEP Application Protocol for the desired application area can be selected here.
💎 VISUALIZATION (8)
VISUALIZATION node
OBJECT MANAGER Assign
In Object Manager, additionally to the drag and drop, it is now possible to assign selected objects to an existing Part/Molecule from a current selection through a contextual menu for easier Surface management. After selecting objects in the Object Manager table or in the 3D, use the RMB contextual menu and choose New Part from selection to proceed. NBa volatile window will open to select the targetted Part/Molecule.Filter searches in parts and molecules (looks only for molecules)
ENVIRONMENT > BACKPLATE Better positioning
New options to make the backplate fit to graphic area.
LIGHTING Highlight active 3D-GUI
3D-GUI of active light source is highlighted allowing a better understanding between the 3D and Lighting Dialog.
MATERIAL Detail from Material selection
Now a Detail list can be created within the Material table. Detail creation processSelect one ore more material entry or a material set in the material table via contextual menu access the new entry called "Detail“ when button is pressed content shown on screen will change to entities, that have the selected materials in case there is no object with the selected material, no detail list will be created & a hint will be thrown
MATERIAL Coupling Colors
As Diffuse and Ambient colors are often identical, the possibility to couple both is provided. Change is possible simultaneous now. If the link button is pressed after changing Diffuse, the equivalent Ambient color will be applied.
VARIANT SETS Save Discard modifications
Added Discard choice after changing parameters of a Variant set. Possibility to switch between variants in the display menus without saving previous changes. This behavior is available for the followings functions: Scene Views Lighting BG image Materials Turn Table
GRAPHIC PROPERTIES Brush tool
New Brush Tool available in the toolbar. Use Brush Tool to quickly apply the same formatting, such as color, width, or material, to multiple pieces graphics. With Brush Tool, you can copy all of the formatting from one object and apply it to another one - think of it as copying and pasting for formatting. NB > Capabilities & limitations
CLIPPING PLANE Storage in new DB / Rework
New Variant capabilities New UI/UX of the panelDirect colors assignment the current naming several offset distances applied incl. capabilities offered via contextual menu (Rename, Delete..to come) differentiation of symbols Stored in icemDB - Support of latest table
REFERENCE MANAGER Dimming option
Switch on Dimming for a dimmed display of the reference geometry so that is easier to recognize compared to the real geometry in the database. It is possible to specify the dimming factor and the default setting (Dimming On/Off) in Windows > Preferences > RefMan tab.
LIGHTING SHADOW PLANE Warning information
As material properties are not part of the Lighting menu, a warning message was added if no material is in use that casts shadows. Then it is needed to activate cast shadows to one material at least.
LIGHTING - Safer deletion
New Delete tableto prevent user from undesired deletion Allows also multi-deletion in one step New contextual menu (RMB)For duplicating an existing light keeping the settings For deleting an existing light.
🔀 INFRA & DATA WORKFLOW (2)
INFRA & DATA WORKFLOW node
LIST Shortcut for detail
[Alt] +[D] is the new shorcut for Detail List. The user can use it for:creating a detail list switching back to source list
VIEW MOUSE MENU Shortcut deactivation (LA)
This option is available under the following variable: ICEMSURF_VIEW_MOUSE_MENU_SUPPRESS_OPTION In Preferences > View tab it is possible to deactivate the shortcut [SHIFT] + [ALT] for View Mouse Menu By default, the option is switched off, so that the Shortcut for View Mouse Menu is activate.
OBJECT MANAGER > New Molecule from Selection
In Object Manager, it is now possible to create a Part or Molecule from a current selection through a contextual menu for easier Surface management. After selecting objects in the Object Manager table or in the 3D, use the RMB contextual menu and choose New Molecule from selection to proceed.
PLANE Starting plane per default
Y0-Plane is now active when starting ICEMSurf from scratch 2 ways to start:Without Starting DB: Parallel view / Y direction = Screen normal / View and plane highlighted accordingly With Starting DB: Perspective view / Y0 plane / only plane highlighted accordingly NB > When saving an icemdb file, View and Plane settings are saved in Starting Database for next opening.
LIGHTING No 3D GUI´s without shading
If no geometry is displayed in shaded mode, the light source symbols will not be displayed. NB > Exception : 3D GUI remain displayed while:Menu Display Options is activeMenu Lighting is activeScan data Facets are switched ON TIPS: In the case of using Scan Data, it is advised to check the option Shading With Scan .
MODIFY > PATCH > REFIT Duplicate capability
A Duplicate button can help now to copy & paste the Patch geometry before executing the Refit.
SCAN CHECK - Small Components
Introduce new functionality Small Components to scan checker (Diagnosis ->Check -> Scan) On check a scan is divided into topological components. The user can rate a number of facets to define a small component value in order to identify small components On Repair these small topological components could be deleted in one step afterward. This helps for example to remove irregularities which disturb the function "Fill Holes”.
SELECTION > HIGHLIGHT Keep shading option
A new option Shading lets now the user specify that the selection color should be retained or not after the selection of shaded surfaces or scans. Shading On (default): The Selection Highlight color for selected shaded surfaces is applied. Shading Off: The material color applied for selected shaded surfaces get back after validating the selection. Working on Surfaces Working on Scan Data
MODIFY / CTRLP > Symmetry option
It is now possible to sculpt a geometry in a mid-symmetric way directly in CtrlP function. Activating the symmetry option allows the user to sculpt symmetrically to th Y0-plane or the current plane. This new option is available from Modify > Curve > CtrlPModify > Patch > CtrlP
🎮 ERGONOMICS & UI (15)
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SELECTION Scan position filters extended (K72)
4 modes are available for selecting a position on a scan: Scan Point: Selects the nearest facet point within the snap radius. Scan Edge: Selects the position on the nearest facet edge within the snap radius. Scan Facet: Selects the exact selection position. Scan Auto: Automatically selects the nearest point within the snap radius or the position on the edge or facet. Those modes give a better precision while creating geometries on top of a Scan Data. NB: No need K72 Scan Modeling to get this
CENTRELINE SYMMETRY New Two-Sided type
In Centreline Symmetry, a new type Two-sided is now available. Choosing the type One-sided behavior, the geometries will be matched to the Y0-plane or to the current plane, like previously. Choosing the type Two-sided, the geometries will be symmetrically continous from the Y0-plane or to the current plane Note: The right side is taken as reference. The symmetry plane was also moved to the top for being better identified. Parameters and setting are unchanged.
MOVE > DYNAMIC Contextual menu refresh
In the contextual menu of Dynamic (Move) the entry for Angle Snap from the Scale option has been removed An additional contextual menu is now made available for rotation, as there Angle Snap provides value
PATCH > MATCH Variants shortcuts through Menus
MATCH Variants are available through the Menus. It can be assigned to QFA or Function keys as shortcuts.
MODIFY CURVE / MODIFY SURFACE Convert - Auto Arc
When converting surfaces or curves, the user can now use the Auto Arc method for the parameterization.
CURVE > MATCH New Both Shape type
In Curve Match, the type Both Shape is now available. Choosing the type Both shape behavior, Both curves are matched with mean values of the shapes. NB: The option is the equivalent of Modify > Patch > Match.
MOVE > MIRROR Plane selection
The user can directly choose whether to mirror via Y0 plane or the current active plane. Workflow problematic, aswhen entering the command, the user should have decided for the right plane already as the preview is immediately shown if the plane is not the right one, user can choose several options from related context menu, to change the plane, but even using another, the preview is not updated, but should (workaround: switch off and back on preview icon to get the expected update)
SELECTION [+] BUTTON More supported functions
Using the button [+] , you can select / deselect objects without having to cancel the previous selection. This new capability is available in:Objects – Objects Diagnoses – Check – Surface Create – Surface – Fillet Flange Modify Scan / all functions (K72 Scan Modeling) Delete Divide Refine Filter Invert Facet Modifications
ADVANCED FILLET - Introducing Variant Shortcuts
ADVANCED FILLET gets now variant shortcuts : Allows quick access to first 6 variants Balloon-Help displays the variant name. Can be directly accessible from QFA and Keuboard Table
SAFETY ANALYSIS Grille - Picking on Measure Point
The Grille mode gets now the capability to place a sphere either onto a Geometry or a Measure Point.
SECTIONS Curvature Inspect tool
New Inspect button is available in Sections Panel. Curvature needs to be checked ON to get access to Inspect Inspect allows to examine the curvature diagnosis at individual positions on the section lines in more detail by moving the cursor over the curvature plot. A context menu is available to temporarily save the results of the inspection.
SAFETY ANALYSIS New Knee mode (UN-R21)
New Mode Knee Instead of sphere a special test block is used Test block can be rotated to +/- 30 degree
ADVANCED FILLET - Autospine error message
An error message informs the user if no spine curve can be generated. Problems could come from: Input pre-topologization Incomplete intersection; NEW: now already visible after auto spine validation No intersection curve found; NEW: now already visible after auto spine validation Spine selection with overlapping curves
🩺 DIAGNOSES (4)
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💡 Tips & Tricks - ICEM Design Experience
You will find some tips & tricks from our experts in this section Position and Scaling Trace Images Create Isoline snapping to a point Design & Styling Tips & Tricks Class A
ICEM Surf
ICEM Surf
📓 Tutorials - CATIA Icem
CATIA ICEM Advanced Surface Modeling Class A Here you can find webinars and tutorials for CATIA ICEM. CATIA ICEM feature based webinars and tutorials
📓 Tutorials - ICEM Design Experience
CATIA Icem
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📺 Demos & Webinars - ICEM Design Experience
CATIA TV / Webinars CATIA ICEM Design Experience - Class A Surfacing ICEM Design Experience ICEM Design Experience | The New Generation of Surface Modelling CATIA TALKS How to Innovate in Class A Modeling with CATIA The New Art of Class A Modeling - ICEM Design Experience DEMOS New App - ICEM Design Experience ICEM Design Experience - User Interface Introduction
🧑‍🎓ICEM Surf | Learning Project
🧑‍🎓 ICEM Surf Learning Project Guide:Enjoy following the steps in this guide, with the associated videos, to create your own ICEM Surf City Car! PS If you are new to ICEM Surf we recommend you to go through the Basic Training Videos here: ICEM Surf Learning Project ICEM Surf Models Within this zip you will find: Start Model End Model Square Back Model End More Details Model ICEM Surf Learning Videos - Project - Step by Step Follow the real-time red-wire through the project construction
🎬 ICEM Surf | What's New
ICEM SURF 2025 ICEM SURF 2024 ICEM SURF 2022 ICEM SURF 2021 ICEM SURF 2020 ICEM SURF 2019
ICEM Surf 2025
Here is the node related to ICEM Surf 2025 What's New.
TRIM & FACES - Aligning UI & option
FACEExtrapolate available for trimmed patch. NB: Works only in View direction 2024 2025 TRIMMultiple removed as trim with multiple curves is possible in one step now Limitation Extrapolation for cutting elements was provided. Deviation check has been moved to the bottom. 2024 2025
🔨 MODELING (8)
CORNER BLEND Min radius Check option
CORNER BLEND function can now check the Min Radius during creation of surface:Can be activate or deactivate Capability to set the Minimum value to be checked The check is shaded displayed in 3D graphical window
ICEM Surf 2025 Highlights
📢 ICEM Surf Learning Edition is available for free!
What is ICEM Surf Learning Edition ?ICEM Surf is the leading software that has been defining the industry standard for Class A surface modeling for over 30 years. Trusted by most major T&M OEMs and their suppliers worldwide, ICEM Surf delivers the best-in-class surface quality to create outstanding products and consumer experiences. To improve your knowledge, we are finally releasing the long-awaited ICEM Surf Learning Edition – for free to everyone! Why you should choose ICEM Surf Learning
3-1. Creating Surfaces
Course Exercise Creating Surfaces (3dxml) Creating Surfaces (PDF)
🎓 III. Working with Surfaces
Creating Surfaces Modifying Surfaces Analyzing & Managing Surfaces
4-3. Quick Select
You can rapidly access sub-elements in the geometry without scrolling in the tree and while already being in a command using the Quick Select command. You simply identify the generating element of the final element, without necessary trace the parents, especially if the generating element is not visible. Before you begin: Create a 3D shape containing geometric elements. Let's take an example with the Offset command. From the Transform section of the action bar, click Offset .The Offset
🎓 IV. Additional Topics
Organize Panel Compare Quick selectSoft parametricKeyboard Shortcuts
4-1. Organize
Computer Mouse | Creating the first curves
Training Pre-requisite : Working with Curves From Sketching to Curves Creation Before watching the video "Curves creation", please download the Curves step by step document and the following Starting 3DData. At the end of the exercise, you can compare your work with this available Ending 3DData below: Let's start to create the first curves of the computer mouse by following this video and the attached document.
4-5. Keyboard Shorcuts
coming soon...
4-4. Softparametric
Case Study | Computer Mouse
4-2. Compare
From the Surfacing section of the action bar, click Compare . Select Display Lists.You can select any combination of: The defined display lists appear on the source side (left). Bodies Geometrical Sets Basic Features Frames Display Lists Selection Sets Select four display lists and click >.Tip: Use Find to quickly find the required items. The selected items are added to the view side (right). Click Apply Views.The work area switches to the tiled view. Optional: To reorder the view
🎬 What's New - ICEM Design Experience
Find here the links to the official What's New ICEM Design Experience CATIA Application. ICEM DESIGN EXPERIENCE R2024x ICEM DESIGN EXPERIENCE R2023x ICEM DESIGN EXPERIENCE R2022x
3-3. Analyzing & Managing Surfaces
Course Analyzing/Managing Surfaces Course (PDF) Exercise Coming soon...
Computer Mouse | Creating the fillets
Coming soon...
Computer Mouse | Creating the Master Surfaces
Training Pre-requisite : Working with Surfaces Creating the 3D Surfaces Before watching the videos for Surfaces creation, please download the Starting 3DData below: At the end of the exercise, you can compare your work with this available Ending 3DData below: It's up to you! Continue the Story and create the Surfaces of the computer mouse by following the following videos. Enjoy ! Cutting the top surface Creating the bottom Cover interface curve
3-2. Modifying Surfaces
Course Modifying Surfaces Course (PDF) Exercise Coming soon...
IDX Selection - Objects & Sub-Objects
In Icem Design Experience, 3D elements selection are divided between two categories: Object as points, planes, Curves, Surfaces, Meshes Sub-Object which define the Object intrinsic structure as Control Points, Greville Global Points, Segments points, Torque Handles.
3. Customization for IDX
6. Navigation & Display
Course Navigation & Display (PDF) 3DData to use bleu Car for Nav & Display (3dxml)
2. Recommended Preferences - IDX
Here are CATSettings to upload on your local Installation. Download and unzip the file Desktop_Cloud.zip below Rename the unzipped folder as "Desktop" Replace the folder on your local machine under this path: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\DassaultSystemes\CATSettings\R42X NB: administrator rights are requestet to proceed R424 CATSettings (Preferences) ZIP
5. User interface
Overview Course User Interface (PDF file) 3DData to use bleu Car Buck (3dxml)
🎓 I. Getting Started - IDX
Guide Introduction Recommended Preferences Customization for IDX Data Management User interfaceNavigation & DisplayModeling Concept Keyboard Shortcuts
2-2. Modifying Curves
Course Modifying Curves (pdf) Exercise Modifying Curves Exercise (pdf) IDX-Curve-Modification-Start (3dxml) IDX-Curve-Modification-End (3dxml)
7. Modeling Concept
Course Exercise 3DData to be used IDX-Introduction Start IDX-Introduction End
4. Data Management
Here are 2 3D Data to download and import on 3DEXPRIENCE Platform afterward: bleu front area (stl) bleu - exter body (icemDB)
8. Keyboard Shortcuts
Here the document related to the Keyboard Shortcuts and Accelerators in IDX. Key Modifiers Basic Functionality Shortcuts - help online
2-1. Creating Curves
Course Creating Curves (PDF) IDX Basics for Curves (3dxml) Exercise Creating Curves Exercise (PDF) IDX-Curve-Creation-Start IDX-Curve-Creation-End
🎓 II. Working with Curves - IDX
Creating Curves Modifying Curves Managing Curves
Nurbs VS Bézier
Nurbs In CAD 3D Design, NURBS (Non Uniform Rational B-Splines) curves and surfaces allow rapid and global modeling. They are mainly used in the exploration of aesthetic form, most often in the upstream stages of a project. Due to their multi-segmented structure, the intrinsic continuities cannot be managed from one segment to another. This makes it difficult to apply in the details of shapes. Bézier Most of the time, bezier curves are the step that allows you to go deeper into the
1. Guide Introduction - IDX
2-3. Analyzing & Managing Curves
Course Exercise Analyzing - Managing Curve Exercise (pdf) IDX-Curve-Analysis-Start IDX-Curve-Analysis-End
🎓 IDX Training Material
What is the section content ? This IDX Wiki section includes the full training documentation + 3Dxml + step by step / redwire exercises. Why is the section Private? This section is private by default. It means that only people who are listed in the dedicated Wiki Section are able to see it. The goal is to gradually invite people and / or customers on demand. From the moment some people are involved in a project with DASSAULT SYSTEMES we can decide to give the privilege to give access to this