SESSION File Extension

CATIA 4 Session Format
- File Type session
- Developer Dassault Systemes
- Popularity
- Application 3D-Tool
- Category Data Files
- Format Binary
What is a SESSION file?
The SESSION extension is related to CATIA 4 Session Format and is classified in the Data Files category, which contains 6196 files.
The CATIA 4 Session Format (SESSION) was developed by Dassault, which created file format and 6 programs to work with them.
SESSION files are supported by Windows. To view a SESSION file, you can choose from 10 programs such as 3D-Tool, CATIA and TransMagic.
Programs that support SESSION files
How to open a SESSION file?
If you cannot open a SESSION file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
3D-Tool, CATIA and TransMagic stand out as the preferred programs to manage SESSION files effectively. To install the current version of 3D-Tool, go directly to the official 3D-Tool website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.
After successful installation, your operating system should seamlessly handle SESSION files via 3D-Tool.
Set 3D-Tool as the default SESSION program
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired SESSION file;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Go to the lower section of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. By default, it is set to "Recommended Programs";
- Select "All Programs" from this menu and proceed to search for 3D-Tool. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.
Set default programs for Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your SESSION file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- In the pop-up window, select the 3D-Tool application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening SESSION files.
Solve problems with SESSION files
SESSION files may present some challenges, but most can be easily addressed with minor software tweaks. See the troubleshooting tips below for guidance.
What are the ways to check if my SESSION file is damaged?
SESSION data files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in CATIA;
- The file stops responding or freezes in 3D-Tool or other programs;
- Unexplained SESSION file size inflation;
- Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;
Why does 3D-Tool crash or shut down frequently?
Insufficient updates for 3D-Tool products can cause 3D-Tool to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
Is there any specific software or utility that can help repair a damaged SESSION file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged SESSION file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged data files.
How to edit a SESSION file?
To make changes to SESSION files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the data files. Online SESSION editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for CATIA 4 Session Format.
Best SESSION Editor Software in 2026
With the mentioned criteria in mind, we have assembled a selection of SESSION editors.
| SESSION Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| CATIA | Dassault | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (41 review) |









