Hello everyone,
I am totally new to CAD softwares. I am going start learn CAD very soon and wanted to ask you guys which CAD software shall I start learning from, or which is better to learn and would be better for my future engineering careers. Is it SolidWorks or Catia? or if you anyone knows any better software please let me know.
And can please someone explain the difference between them too, i googled CAD and came across these two, not sure which one is better and why. Will appreciate your help

 

Which car is better, BMW or Mercedes? You have asked a similar question.

You need to learn one CAD package first, you will have a chance to learn others later.

Look around at the industries where you might be getting a job. Learn the package that most of them seem to be using.

Once you know how to use one of them, you can pick up the others through on the job training.

 

I tried to ask the same question when I starting out and I discovered there is no correct answer, and it is very difficult to find out the pros and cons of each program. Also, as I understand it they all now operate in a similar way therefore if you have learnt how to use one you can very quickly learn how to use a second or third program (however I am only familiar with one program so this is just what I have been told by others). The only fundamental question is, are you looking for 2D or 3D design? The two packages you have listed are 3D so I assume that’s what you are looking for.

The way I made the decision was carry out a job search (over at least a few months) and see what CAD package is most commonly requested for the jobs you want to apply for. Most will say something like ‘3D CAD experience essential – program A? preferred’

The ones that came up most frequently during my search were Solidworks, Inventor, Catia, ProE and they were all used across most industries.

Another thing you might find interesting is that both Solidworks and Catia are both produced by the same company Dassault Systems. Also AutoCAD and Inventor are both produced by AutoDesk.

 

Thanks for response guys,I was just looking for some advice, i'll start learning for solidworks and probably will do catia later on, or see what job requirement is later on and learn that one.

 

both softwares are mandatory as solid works is essential for solid modelling ........... while catia is the perfect software for surface modelling u need both the hands to produce a sweet sound.............. got it............. it creates an great oppurtunity to works with different concerns......................

 

Well Nura... not sure

SW is way more easy and intuitive to model surfaces

But Catia can handle way more easily large complex surfaces (large dots matrices)

 

If you want to work for Boeing, learn Catia. If you want to work for a smaller company that makes simpler things learn solidworks.

 

Tesla polled their engineering team on what software to get and they chose Solidworks. After a few years they realized they needed more power and were upsold to Catia. that mistake cost them almost two years.

 

Was the mistake allowing themselves to be upsold to Catia?

 

Actually, for learning purposes, Dassault Systemès offer DraftSight2 for free. A good, entry level tool for getting to know the Solidworks/Catia family...