The Complete JT to CATIA Conversion Guide.

August 01, 2025

General Information

This guide is part of the RapidPipeline 3D Formats Knowledge Database. It shows how to convert JT to CATIA, if you'd like to know more about the formats, please check out the following links:

Converting and Optimizing JT Files to CATIA

There are various ways to convert between JT and CATIA. With RapidPipeline, you can easily convert and and optimize JT files, at scale. It supports CATIA, as well as many other file formats (examples: FBX, glTF, OBJ, PLY, STL, USD, USDZ, VRM), at high quality.

Below you can find a video explaining how to convert your files:

What are JT and CATIA files commonly used for?

The JT file is a format mostly used for lightweight 3D visualization and collaboration.
The CATIA file is a format mostly used for Advanced 3D design, engineering and manufacturing applications.

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Comparison of Features Supported by JT and CATIA

FeatureSupported by JTSupported by CATIA
Morph TargetsNoPartial0
Rigid AnimationsPartial1Yes
Skinned AnimationsNoPartial2
AnimationsPartial3Yes
Free-Form SurfacesYesYes
Geometry CompressionYesPartial4
Quad MeshesYesYes
Basic 3D GeometryYesYes
PBR MaterialsNoYes
Transparent MaterialsYesYes
Vertex ColorsYesYes
MaterialsYesYes
Scene CompositionYesYes
Hierarchical Scene GraphYesYes
Scene NodesYesYes
Standardized FormatYesPartial5
Embedded TexturesPartial6Yes
Multiple UV ChannelsPartial7Yes
Normal MappingPartial8Yes
Procedural TexturesNoPartial9
Texture CompressionPartial10Partial11
Texture TransformsPartial12Yes
TexturingYesYes

0 - Basic morphing capabilities available through parametric modeling and feature-based design changes.
1 - Basic rigid body animation for design review
2 - Limited support for skinned animations, mainly through assembly motion simulation rather than character animation.
3 - Simple animation support for assembly operations
4 - CATIA supports various compression techniques for geometry data, particularly in the 3DXML format, though not as extensively as dedicated compression formats.
5 - While CATIA files are proprietary, the software supports many industry standards and has openly published the 3DXML format specification.
6 - Textures can be embedded for self-contained files
7 - Limited multi-texturing capabilities
8 - Basic normal mapping for enhanced visualization
9 - CATIA supports procedural materials and textures through its advanced material system, though primarily focused on engineering applications.
10 - Efficient compression for visualization
11 - Basic texture compression is supported, mainly for visualization and lightweight formats like 3DXML.
12 - Basic texture transformation support

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Limitations of JT Files to CATIA Conversion Workflow

The following limitations should be taken into account when converting JT files to CATIA format:

JT Feature (not supported by CATIA)Limitation Details
Geometry Compression

Geometry Compression Support:

JT: Full support | CATIA: Partial support

Geometry Compression illustratedlack of support for Geometry Compression illustrated

CATIA Notes:

CATIA supports various compression techniques for geometry data, particularly in the 3DXML format, though not as extensively as dedicated compression formats.

Impact:

Geometry compression describes the process of compressing the representations of a 3D model's geometry, usually a triangle mesh. 3D geometry compression does not change the topology of a 3D model, but just changes the way that a 3D model and its 3D positions and related vertex data is stored. Geometry compression can be lossy (just like JPEG compression in image processing can be lossy, for example), in which case one might notice slight artifacts like variations in 3D vertex positions (compared to the uncompressed 3D model). However, such differences are often not noticeable. There are only very few standards for geometry compression, like glTF's support of Draco compression and similar extensions.

Standardized Format

Standardized Format Support:

JT: Full support | CATIA: Partial support

Standardized Format illustratedlack of support for Standardized Format illustrated

CATIA Notes:

While CATIA files are proprietary, the software supports many industry standards and has openly published the 3DXML format specification.

Impact:

Standardization plays a huge role in 3D model formats. With a format being standardized, every application will have a clear way of how to load or store data using this format. This makes it easier to re-use the 3D model across different applications, but also to make sure it will still be accessible and usable after a couple of years.

What's the best way to get JT files into my 3D applications, and are there alternatives to using CATIA?

Doing 3D conversion right, especially at scale, can be tricky, as 3D data is in general a rather complex (yet very powerful!) medium. This also applies to JT and CATIA files - the conversion guide above provides a rough first idea about that. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to even automate the process for thousands or even millions of files.

Especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated tools and expertise, making sure you do not introduce any steps into your 3D workflow that are detrimental to the final output's quality, or that take your team too much time (and money).

If you're interested to hire dedicated expertise from the best in the field to help your company reach your goals fast and reliably, please do not hestitate to contact DGG. Being the creators of RapidPipeline, and ambassadors for open 3D standards for more than a decade, we have been building some of the world's most advanced 3D pipelines, having processed many millions of 3D assets.

Therefore, our expertise will help you to reach your goals faster, at scale, and with the least possible friction, since we are focused on maximum interoperability.

To get started with 3D data conversion and optimization today, sign up for a free account!

If you have any questions, feel free to chat with our human team.

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Meet the Author

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3D Knowledge Team

3D Technical Artists

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