3DEXPERIENCE is a platform that unites a lot of different programs, including CAD (Computer Assisted Design), collaboration, and simulation software. It separates these functions into a large variety of apps, which can be browser-based or native (installed on a computer).
Each app has an intended purpose and function. For instance, Generative Shape Design is typically used to create complex geometry used as a reference to then build a model. Part Design is used for the creation of solid parts where you can extrude a profile along a direction, for instance. Finally, Assembly Design can be used when working with multiple different parts to position them relative to each other, make them move, etc.
As an example, if one wanted to make the skin of a wing, they might start by creating a surface on Generative Shape Design. Then, they could give it thickness in Part Design, add a material in Assembly Design and get a very cool render of it from the Live Rendering app. This is just four apps. With the Engineering Expert role, there is almost 150 different apps!
A bit of a note: even though the same can't tipically be done in different apps, some of them share features. For instance, both Part and Generative Shape Design have acess to the same Positioned Sketch command. However, some apps might also have features that seem similar but are very different. Using the same example, a Pad in Part and a Volume Extrude in Generative may seem very similar but are quite different, even though the icons look alike. One must be careful and consider what they're doing. As a rule of thumb for this particular example, use a Pad whenever it's something that's supossed to have mass (so 95% of the time).
When an app is launched from the browser, a command is sent to the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher, which needs to be previously installed in the computer. This program manages updates and installation of the software.
Files are not stored in the computer. Instead, they are located in Dassault's servers. It's possible to look for specific parts or browse content in the Search Bar located in the top center of both the native apps and the browser platform.
To read more about the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and all it's possibilities, click here.
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows for the creation of multiple dashboards compiling different widgets, such as a web browser, a tab with favourite apps, a connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE drive, etc.
To read more about dashboards, click here to go to the official documentation.