CATIA is 3D CAD software used for design in industries like aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding. It was created in 1977 by Dassault Aviation. The software allows users to create sketches, parts, assemblies, and drawings. Key features include the specification tree, sketcher, part design, assembly design, and wireframe and surface design tools. Users can create 2D sketches and profiles to extrude or revolve into 3D parts, then assemble parts while applying constraints to define their relationships in the final product model.