CATIA Imagine & Shape | Subdivision surface modeling Learning Class

 

 

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to announce a new video series on car modeling with subdivision surfaces using CATIA 

For this series, I intentionally chose a simple car design so the focus stays on mastering the commands and workflows in Imagine and Shape — helping you confidently apply them in your own concept modeling projects.

In this series, I use:

  • Natural Sketch – for placing reference images
  • Imagine & Shape – for subdivision surface modeling

The complete modeling workflow is broken down into 12 short, focused videos🎥 (2–3 minutes each).

Step by step, I’ll guide you through:

  • Setting up references
  • Creating the first subdivision surfaces
  • Refining proportions
  • Adding surface details
  • Finalizing the model

Throughout the videos:

 Hotkeys and commands are clearly highlighted
 Key functions are annotated
 Each session ends with a short recap

Some sections may move quickly — especially if you’re new to CATIA and subdivision modeling — but feel free to pause and replay at your own pace.

 

Blueprints/Reference Images: 

 

 


#1 Reference Images 

This short tutorial is about how to import images into viewport with CATIA Natural Sketch.

Application: Natural Sketch (NTS)

Key points of this video:

  • Image import into viewport

  • Positioning and moving the image in the 3D Space

  • Image Sizing according parameters

  • Locking images for more convenient modeling - disabling "pickable" for preventing accidental adjustment of images while modeling

     

 

Step1: Wheel Arc 

This short tutorial is about how to create wheel arch surfaces of the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Creating subdivision shape primitives

  • Modifying the base mesh of the shape primitives - translating, scaling elements of the base mesh -

  • Erasing faces of the bas mesh

  • Copy and Paste subdivision surfaces and scene tree management

 

 

Step2: Sidewall part1 

This short tutorial is about how to create the side wall surfaces of the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Merging subdivision surfaces 

  • Increasing segmentation of base mesh 

  • Modifying the base mesh of the shape primitives - translating, scaling

 

 

Step3: Front Bumper

This short tutorial is about how to create the front bumper surfaces of the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Creating front bumper surface

  • Increasing segmentation of base mesh

  • Moving vertices to shape surface geometry

 

 

Step4: Hood 

This short tutorial is about how to create the hood surfaces of the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Creating hood surface 

  • Increasing segmentation of base mesh

  • Moving vertices to shape surface geometry

  • Merging separate subdivision surface together

 

Step5: Roof Line

This short tutorial is about how to create the roof line surfaces of the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Creating roof line surface

  • Increasing segmentation of base mesh

  • Moving vertices to shape surface geometry

 

 

Step6: Greenhouse and Belt Line 

This short tutorial is about how to create the greenhouse and belt line surfaces of the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Creating greenhouse and belt line surfaces

  • Increasing segmentation of base mesh

  • Adding faces to the base mesh

  • Moving vertices to shape surface geometry

 

 

Step7: Rear Bumper 

This short tutorial is about how to create the rear bumper surfaces of the car model with CATIA Imagine and Shape.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Creating rear bumper surfaces

  • Increasing segmentation of base mesh

  • Adding faces to the base mesh

  • Moving vertices to shape surface geometry

 

Step8: Sidewall part2 

This short tutorial is about how to create the sidewall surfaces of the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Closing side wall surfaces

  • Increasing segmentation of base mesh

  • Adding faces to the base mesh

 

 

Step9: Detailing – CATIA Imagine and Shape

This short tutorial is about how to add surface details to the car model.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Creating details on the side wall and front bumper

  • Adjustment of base mesh layout

  • Moving vertices to shape surface geometry

 

 

Step10: Attraction – CATIA Imagine and Shape

This short tutorial is about how to add sharp or soft edges to the surfaces.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Highlighting character lines

  • Switching between "Sharp Edge and Soft Edge"

 

 

Step11: Symmetry – CATIA Imagine and Shape

This short tutorial is about how to symmetrize the car model with CATIA Imagine and Shape.

Application: Imagine and Shape (IMA)

Key points of this video:

  • Adding symmetry to the subdivision surface

  • Aligning the center points of the base mesh to the symmetry plane