CATIA V5 Visual Tip: Z-buffer Depth Display

September 30, 2025 Trisha West

Here is another CATIA V5 visual option that some people find useful. By default, all reference features you create in CATIA will automatically “shine” through any other solid/surface leaving a cluttered screen.

Zbuffer Pic 1

Zbuffer Pic 2

You can change this option with the “Display all elements using Z-buffer depth." Once turned on, the reference items no longer shine through and you will only see them in their entirety if your camera is looking at it from the proper orientation.

Zbuffer Pic 3

Zbuffer Pic 4

 

 

About the Author

Trisha West

Technical Training Engineer<br><br>Trisha has been providing professional training services for Rand 3D clients since 2012. Her extensive experience makes her an ideal instructor for both on-site and online classes for people at all levels, from introductory to advanced. She currently focuses on teaching end users how to effectively use CATIA V5, VPM Navi, and Creo Parametric. She also helps develop and review training material. Trisha has a B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from Ohio State University, and she is a Dassault Systèmes Certified instructor for CATIA V5 Part, Assembly and Surfacing modeling.

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