Designing Without Limits: Exploring CATIA xGenerative Design

Viraj Jadhav

20 October 2025 4 mins to read

While studying automotive design, I was always fascinated by how digital sculpting could transform simple sketches into expressive, flowing forms. When I first explored CATIA xGenerative Design on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, I realized that design can truly happen anywhere, anytime, right from a web browser: no installations, no heavy setup, just creativity on demand.

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how CATIA xGenerative Design, part of the 3D Shape Designer role, enables designers to sculpt, pattern, and model with complete freedom.

Let’s begin by understanding what makes this tool unique.

What is CATIA xGenerative Design?

CATIA xGenerative Design is a browser-based design application that combines freeform modeling, parametric design, and generative workflows in one environment. It allows you to sculpt, style, and refine 3D models using intuitive subdivision surface (Sub-D) tools and visual scripting, all securely connected to the cloud.

This means you can design complex organic shapes, add textures or patterns, and experiment with new aesthetics without worrying about local installations or version conflicts.

Interface:

Explore the 3D Innovator Role

The 3D innovator role gives designers access to advanced tools like x3D Design, xDirect Design, xDrawing, xGenerative Design, and xShape Design for freeform modeling, organic sculpting, and pattern generation, all through a browser-based workflow.

Whether you’re an individual creator, a design agency, or part of a studio team, this role helps you transform ideas into detailed, manufacturable 3D models.

How To Use CATIA xGenerative Design

Let’s explore some of the key workflows and features you’ll use while designing.

Step 1: Getting Started

Launch CATIA xGenerative Design through the Compass or directly from your Dashboard on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Since it runs entirely in your browser, you can start designing immediately, no downloads or installation required. Your workspace will now display an intuitive interface that feels natural and fluid for creative exploration.

Step 2: Explore the User Interface

This lesson will elaborate on the user interface of the xGenerative Design application. You will explore the 3D view and graph editor operators.

DESCRIPTION: This lesson will elaborate on the user interface of the xGenerative Design application. You will explore the 3D view and graph editor operators.

OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

Create a new model in the xGenerative Design app
Explore different sections of the app
Discover the tree details
Explore the graph editor view

Step 3: Generating 3D Patterns

To enhance the look and feel of your designs, you can apply intricate 3D surface patterns and textures. These patterns are especially useful in automotive interiors, luxury products, and industrial design to elevate visual appeal. By experimenting with various pattern geometries, you can blend functionality with artistic expression effortlessly.

Step 4: Generative and Parametric Design

CATIA xGenerative Design also enables parametric modeling through visual scripting. This means you can define relationships, constraints, and shape logic — allowing your model to update automatically when parameters change. This workflow is perfect for exploring multiple design variations without rebuilding geometry from scratch.

xGenerative Design lets you switch from a 3D view to a graphical view of your design, giving a clear overview of dependencies between objects, parameters, and operators. You can easily connect nodes, manage operations, and create global parameters accessible from the Controllers panel. Organizing nodes into regions helps structure your workflow and keep the model clear.

Step 5: Cloud Collaboration

Since all your work is stored securely on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, you can:

Access your projects on any device.
Collaborate in real time with teammates or clients.
Stay fully compatible with native CATIA applications.

Your models are always synced and editable across both web and desktop environments.

Results and Design Freedom

With CATIA xGenerative Design, designers gain complete freedom to shape, sculpt, and style directly in the browser. The combination of Sub-D sculpting, pattern generation, and generative design tools shortens design cycles while enhancing creativity. Whether you’re refining surfaces for a concept car, developing luxury products, or experimenting with new design languages, you can do it all without limits.

Author
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Viraj Jadhav

Learning Experience Expert at Dassault Systemes

Viraj Jadhav is a Learning Experience Expert at Dassault Systèmes, passionate about design, analysis, and manufacturing. With hands-on experience in industry-standard tools such as SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, he is dedicated to empowering learners by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world engineering practices through interactive, technology-driven learning experiences.