Creating complex surfaces is one of the strengths of the platform, and in this guide, we explain how to make a twisted shape in 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA using a simple and effective workflow. This method is perfect for anyone learning Generative Shape Design and looking for a clear example of how twisting transitions can be built from prepared profiles.

In this article, we walk through the full process exactly as shown in our tutorial video. We used the Generative Shape Design app, focusing on splines, boundaries, and the Multi-Sections Surface command.

1. Connecting the Existing Shapes with Splines

For this example, we already have four profiles, each positioned at a different level and rotated slightly. These profiles define the general orientation of the twist.

Before generating the surface, we need to help CATIA understand how these shapes relate to one another. So we connect the matching corners using splines.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Wireframe → Spline.

2. Pick the first point or point-on-line reference on the first profile.

3. Select the corresponding point/line reference on the second, third, and fourth profiles.

4. CATIA generates a smooth spline through all selected references.

5. Repeat this on the remaining points so each profile is fully linked.

These splines become our guiding curves. They tell CATIA exactly how the surface must twist as it moves from one section to the next.

This step is simple but crucial — the quality of the spline directly affects the smoothness of the final twisted surface.

2. Extracting Boundaries from Each Profile

Next, we prepare the section curves.

Each of our four profiles already has a clean rectangular shape. Instead of manually redrawing them, we extract their boundaries:

1. Go to the Transform tab.

2. Select Boundary.

3. Choose the edges of each rectangular profile.

This gives us clean section curves that the Multi-Sections Surface command can use.
At this point, we have:

• Four boundaries (sections)

• Several splines (guides)

Everything is ready for surface creation.

3. Creating the Twisted Surface with Multi-Sections Surface

This is the main step where the twisted geometry comes to life.

1. Go to Surface → Multi-Sections Surface.

2. Select the four boundaries as sections.

3. Select the splines as guide curves.

4. Confirm the direction and click OK.

CATIA then blends all the sections smoothly along the guide curves, generating a clean twisted surface.

The nice part about this command is that it respects both the sections and the guides, which gives you full control over how strong or subtle the twist should be.

4. Closing the Surface to Form a Solid

Once the twisted surface is generated, we convert it into a closed body.

1. From the Model or Essentials tab, select Close Surface.

2. Choose the twisted surface.

3. Click OK.

CATIA creates a CloseSurface feature in the tree and turns it into a solid volume.

This makes the geometry ready for downstream operations — adding features, fillets, shells, cuts, or using it in assemblies.

What Makes Generative Shape Design Powerful

Generative Shape Design (GSD) is designed exactly for this type of work. It offers:

• Intuitive wireframe and surface creation

• Feature-based modeling that keeps everything editable

• Easy blending and transitions between complex shapes

• Smooth integration with Part Design and FreeStyle

• Clean and simple commands with minimal steps

Twisted forms are a great example of how GSD combines precision with flexibility.

Conclusion

Creating a twisted shape in 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA is easier than it looks. With four existing profiles, a few splines, and the Multi-Sections Surface tool, you can build elegant and controlled twisted geometries in just a few steps.

If you want to see the process in action, check out the tutorial video we recorded. It goes through the full workflow on screen from start to finish.

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Hanen Bdioui

Sales Development Representative at ChampionXperience

Hanen Bdioui is the Editor-in-Chief at ChampionXperience, where she leads content on CAD, VR, and emerging engineering technologies. She works with Dassault Systèmes as a Content Creator and SOLIDWORKS Application Engineer, and contributes as a technical writer for Engineering.com and EngineeRules, covering topics in CAD, PLM, and simulation. Hanen also creates specialized content for 3DEXCITE, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and Onshape, supporting engineers and companies in adopting modern digital workflows.

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