SESSION File – What is .session file and how to open it?
SESSION File Extension
CATIA 4 Session File – file format by Dassault Systemes
SESSION (CATIA 4 Session File) file extension is associated with CATIA V4, a computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software suite developed by Dassault Systemes. It contains a saved session, which includes the current workspace, settings, and open documents.
Definition and Purpose
A SESSION file is a type of file used by the CATIA 4 software, a computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) application developed by Dassault Systemes. The primary purpose of a SESSION file is to store the current state of a CATIA 4 session, including the user’s open documents, settings, and preferences.
Functionality and Benefits
When a user opens a CATIA 4 session, a SESSION file is automatically created to store the initial state of the session. As the user works, any changes or modifications made to the open documents or settings are recorded in the SESSION file. This file serves as a comprehensive snapshot of the session, allowing the user to save and restore the session at a later time, even if the original source files are no longer available. By preserving the session’s state, SESSION files facilitate project collaboration, enable the seamless continuation of work, and serve as a valuable backup in case of unexpected interruptions or data loss.
CATIA-Specific Software:
To open a SESSION file associated with Dassault Systemes’ CATIA software, you require the latest version of CATIA installed on your system. Once installed, follow these steps:
- Launch CATIA and select the “File” menu.
- Choose “Open” and navigate to the folder containing the SESSION file.
- Select the SESSION file and click “Open.”
- CATIA will load the session, restoring the interface, assembly tree, and any other relevant data from the previous session.
Other Software Compatibility:
In addition to CATIA, certain third-party applications may also have the capability to open SESSION files. Notable examples include:
- ProductView: A software suite for viewing and interacting with 3D CAD models, developed by Active Workspace.
- 3DMark Navigator: A visualization and collaboration tool for 3D models, developed by Futuremark.
- Solid Edge: A 3D CAD and PLM software solution, developed by Siemens PLM Software.
However, it’s crucial to note that compatibility with SESSION files may vary across different versions and editions of these applications. It’s recommended to consult the specific software documentation to confirm support for SESSION files before attempting to open them.
CATIA 4 Session File (.SESSION)
The CATIA 4 Session File, bearing the .SESSION file extension, is a proprietary format utilized by Dassault Systemes’ computer-aided design (CAD) software, CATIA 4. It serves as a snapshot or checkpoint, capturing the current state of a design session, including all active documents, views, and settings. This file format enables users to pause their work and resume it later without losing any unsaved changes.
Essential Features
The .SESSION file stores crucial information that facilitates the continuation of a design session. It contains references to all open documents within the session, ensuring that they are readily accessible when the file is reopened. Additionally, the file preserves the current views and configurations of these documents, enabling users to pick up where they left off seamlessly. The .SESSION file also incorporates settings such as user preferences, display options, and recent actions, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the design environment at the time of saving. By leveraging this format, designers can optimize their workflow and minimize interruptions, fostering efficiency and productivity in the design process.