What is the difference between SAT and SAB?

SAT files are standard ASCII text, making them readable by developers and easier to debug. SAB files are compressed binary equivalents, which are much smaller in file size and load faster in CAD software.

Which major software suites natively support ACIS SAT files?

AutoCAD, BricsCAD, DraftSight, and various industry-standard CAM and analysis tools support importing and exporting ACIS SAT/SAB formats natively.

3D Solid & B-Rep Standard44 verified tools

Software That Opens & Edits SAT Files (44 Tools, 2026)

SAT (ASCII) and SAB (Binary) are the native geometric kernel exchange formats of the ACIS modeler, developed by Spatial Corporation (a Dassault Systèmes subsidiary). ACIS is the core geometric engine behind Autodesk AutoCAD, BricsCAD, Inventor (partially), and various specialized CAE/CAM applications. SAT files store precise mathematical descriptions of 3D solids and surfaces, providing robust interop for applications utilizing the ACIS kernel.

Instant SAT Engineering Utilities

Convert, Compress & Inspect SAT Files Online

Universal File Compressor →

Size Optimizer

DWG Bloat & File Size Reducer

Purge orphaned DGN linetypes, RegApps & scale lists in seconds.

Launch Tool →

#1 Popular Utility

Online CAD File Compressor

Universal CAD & 3D assembly compression and preflight studio.

Launch Tool →

AC1018–AC1032

AutoCAD DWG Version Matrix

Verify header versions and down-saving compatibility risks.

Launch Tool →

Full read & write support (14)

F3
Fusion 360Read & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The cloud-native powerhouse for integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE.
G
GstarCADRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.8
High-performance AutoCAD alternative.
M
MicroStationRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
The infrastructure engineering standard for massive projects.
AI
Autodesk InventorRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional-grade 3D mechanical design and simulation.
B
BricsCADRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.7
The modern CAD platform for 2D, 3D, BIM, and Mechanical.
M2
MECHCAD 2026Read & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.6
Professional 3D parametric CAD suite with part and assembly modeling, kinematic motion simulation, and CNC toolpath generation.
TP
TurboCAD PlatinumRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.6
All-in-one professional 2D/3D design suite.
Z
ZWCADRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.6
The most cost-effective and compatible alternative to AutoCAD.
AD
Alibre DesignRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.5
Professional 3D CAD without the enterprise price tag.
AD
Autodesk DynamoRead & Write
Free · Windows · ★ 4.5
Visual programming for Revit and Civil 3D — automation, parametrics, and computational BIM.
CE
CAD ExchangerRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / Linux / Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.3
Mobile 3D CAD viewer and converter for multiple file formats.
M
MoI3DRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.3
Moment of Inspiration — lightweight NURBS modeller beloved for fast concept design.
DM
DesignSpark MechanicalRead & Write
Freemium · Windows · ★ 0.0
Free 3D CAD software for mechanical design with access to extensive component libraries and manufacturer support.
K
KOMPAS-3DRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Professional 3D CAD software for mechanical engineering with parametric modeling, solid/surface/sheet metal design, and integrated analysis tools.

Showing top 10 products. Click to show remaining 4 tools.

Read-only / viewers (27)

AM
ANSYS MechanicalRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.9
The gold standard for structural FEA simulation.
M
MastercamRead Only
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.9
The global leader in CAM software for manufacturing.
O
OnshapeRead Only
Subscription · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9
The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.
R
RevitRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).
R3
Rhino 3DRead Only
Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9
The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.
S
SolidWorksRead Only
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.
C
CimatronRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
Integrated CAD/CAM for mold and die makers.
SN
Siemens NXRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8
Powerful high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for advanced manufacturing.
A
AbaqusRead Only
Subscription · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.7
High-fidelity non-linear finite element analysis from Dassault Systèmes Simulia.
CM
COMSOL MultiphysicsRead Only
Perpetual · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.6
Coupled multi-physics finite element simulation across electromagnetics, structures, fluids, and chemistry.
3M
3ds MaxRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Industry-standard 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software for games, film, and visualization.
AI
Altair InspireRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Generative design and rapid FEA platform from Altair, with topology optimization at its core.
AD
ANSYS DiscoveryRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Real-time simulation-driven design with live solver feedback during modeling.
C
CADPropsRead Only
Free · Web · ★ 4.4
Free browser-based multi-format CAD viewer and engineering measurement platform.
F
FemapRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.4
Siemens Femap is a CAD-independent FEA pre/postprocessor primarily paired with NX Nastran.
HS
Hexagon SmartPlant 3DRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.4
Hexagon's data-centric plant-design platform (now part of CADWorx & Analysis Solutions).
M
MoldflowRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.0
Autodesk injection molding simulation software for plastic part and mold design.
G
GibbsCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.9
Cutting-edge CAM software for programming CNC machine tools with power and flexibility.
E
EdgecamRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.8
CAM software by Hexagon for CNC milling, turning, and multi-axis machining.
F
FeatureCAMRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 3.8
Automated CAM software for CNC milling, turning, and Swiss machining — offered as Autodesk Fusion with FeatureCAM.
C
cadworkRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.7
CAD/CAM software specialized for timber construction and wood building design.
R
RadanRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.6
UK-based CAD/CAM software for sheet metal fabrication and CNC punching.
B
BobCAD-CAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.5
US-based affordable CAD/CAM software for CNC machining with 2-5 axis capabilities.
LE
Lantek ExpertRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 3.5
Spanish CAD/CAM software for sheet metal punching and cutting.
S
SURFCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.5
US-based CAM software for 2-5 axis milling, turning, and wire EDM.
E
ESPRITRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
High-performance CAM software for CNC programming, covering 2-5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, and Swiss-type machining.
T
TopSolidRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
TopSolid, a global leader in CAD/CAM/ERP software publishing, primarily targets the mechanical engineering, sheet metal

Showing top 20 products. Click to show remaining 7 tools.

Write / export (3)

GD
Geomagic Design XWrite Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.9
The world's most comprehensive reverse engineering software.
AC
ARES CommanderWrite Only
Subscription · Windows / macOS / Linux / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.5
Professional DWG CAD with cross-platform trinity.
D
DraftSightWrite Only
Subscription · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.3
Professional-grade 2D CAD solution from Dassault Systèmes.

ACIS SAT Geometry Translation Guidelines

Standard 1ACIS Modeler Coordination: SAT stores precise mathematical B-Rep curves and solid regions utilizing Spatial Corporation's ACIS modeling engine.

Standard 2ASCII Troubleshooting: Because SAT is a text format, developers can debug boundary loops and coordinate matrix errors using a simple text viewer.

Standard 3Version Level Settings: Match the exported SAT version to the receiver's ACIS engine level (e.g. export as R18 to guarantee support on older tools).

Frequently asked

What is the difference between SAT and SAB?: SAT files are standard ASCII text, making them readable by developers and easier to debug. SAB files are compressed binary equivalents, which are much smaller in file size and load faster in CAD software.
Which major software suites natively support ACIS SAT files?: AutoCAD, BricsCAD, DraftSight, and various industry-standard CAM and analysis tools support importing and exporting ACIS SAT/SAB formats natively.

Need a specific conversion?

Our interactive CAD Matchmaker filters all 44 SAT-compatible platforms against your budget, hardware configuration, and precise parametric drafting needs.

Launch Matchmaker →

Convert, Compress & Inspect SAT Files Online

DWG Bloat & File Size Reducer

Online CAD File Compressor

AutoCAD DWG Version Matrix

Full read & write support (14)

Read-only / viewers (27)

Write / export (3)

Frequently asked

Need a specific conversion?

Other file formats