STEP Information Simplified: Open, Convert & Edit

What’s a STEP or STP file?

A STEP file is a generally used customary computer-aided design (CAD) file format. STEP information, additionally known as STP information, are straightforward to share as a result of customers can open, view, and edit them in an assortment of (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) packages. Use STEP information for 3D modeling and printing.

Designers and producers use CAD to design and create objects reminiscent of equipment or components, buildings, or different objects. STEP CAD fashions can symbolize advanced geometries, making them well-suited to replicating bodily objects in manufacturing processes. STEP information change mechanical and architectural designs for actual objects between totally different CAD software program instruments. For instance, engineers could use one program for designing giant objects and assemblies, however groups use one other program to separate designs into components or subassemblies for machining. Every program varies in the way it interprets information, and diagnostic instruments assist to restore topology and geometry points.

STP information learn and save the entire 3D mannequin physique, together with geometries and surfaces, so customers can edit information in packages (aside from people who created the file) and nonetheless retain decision. Particulars saved in STEP information embrace descriptions of surfaces, trim curves, topology, and a few coloration data. STEP information preserve accuracy and compatibility throughout groups and workflow, from design and growth to manufacturing.

Is there a distinction between STEP and STP information?

STEP and STP information are the identical. Whereas they’re the identical file format, they’ve totally different extensions .step and .stp, respectively.

The identify of the originating customary for STEP information is ISO 10303-21:2016 Industrial automation techniques and integration — Product information illustration and change — Half 21: Implementation strategies: Clear textual content encoding of the change construction. Some sources declare that STEP stands for “Standard for the Exchange of Product Knowledge.” STEP information additionally produce other names:

▪  ISO-10303
▪  P-21, ISO half quantity that describes the file format, ISO 10303-21.
▪  STEP bodily file
▪  .STEP file
▪  .step
▪  .stp file

STEP file information is saved in ASCII textual content, which means customers can open and alter information in textual content editors. Nevertheless, the code is advanced, and customers can corrupt information in the event that they edit them incorrectly.

ASCII information

STEP information encode information within the EXPRESS information modeling language, outlined in ISO 10303-11. STEP information embrace plain-text data describing the item and supporting details about learn how to use it. Feedback in STEP information are enclosed by “/” and “/” characters. In a STEP file, the primary characters within the first document are “ISO-10303-21;” and the final document for information conforming to the 2002 model is “END-ISO-10303-21;”. Nevertheless, information rendered within the 2016 model could embrace different digital signatures after the “END-ISO-10303-21;” terminator. You point out line breaks with “N” and web page breaks with “F”. The 2016 model of ISO 10303-21 helps exterior references, digital signatures, compression for archiving, and UTF-8 character encoding.

An instance of a STEP file

Key Takeaways

• STEP is the preferred 3D CAD and CAM file change format obtainable right now.
• STEP information retain excessive information constancy in the course of the lifetime of the file.
• The ISO-10303-file customary gives portability all through the design, growth, evaluation, and manufacturing phases.
• Structure, manufacturing, and 3D printing profit from STEP information’ element and suppleness.

What’s a STEP file used for?

Use a STEP file for sharing 3D CAD information throughout platforms. Manufacturing, structure, and mechanical industries use STEP information typically. The information retailer 3D modeling information and explanatory data in a plain-text ASCII format. The format is each transportable and correct.

The 2022 article, “A Universal Method to Compare Parts from STEP Files,” printed within the Journal of Clever Manufacturing, describes how essential STEP information have develop into as a result of they embed model-based definitions (MBD) that manufacturing strains use for setup and evaluating components.

When to make use of a STEP file

Use STEP information in structure, design, manufacturing, and printing. You possibly can share, edit, and print 3D STEP information from numerous software program packages. STP information additionally retailer half geometries mathematically, so CAM software program can learn the information to machine components, which is a crucial a part of machining.

Corporations typically use STEP or STP information to create pricing fashions and design molds for manufacturing components. STEP information additionally serve nicely for the detailed work of 3D printing and half machining. STP information could embrace geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) data to incorporate allowances and tolerances learn by CAM machines.

STEP information assist the next actions:

• Composite design: Combines two or extra strong objects and surfaces inside a 3D file.
• Kinematics: How modeled objects transfer.
• Mechanical design: Geometric and 3D modeling, together with coloration and floor information.
• Course of planning: Specifies the sequence of machining operations to provide components or merchandise.

STEP file accuracy stands in distinction to STL information (standard in single-color mannequin printing), which symbolize objects solely as mesh fashions. Retaining historic information helps collaborative work all through the lifecycle, beginning with design and ending with manufacturing. Nevertheless, manufacturing customers hardly ever have entry to the unique design file or designers, so a great follow is to evaluation information for anomalies. Geometry and topology errors can seem throughout design and file revisions.

Learn how to view STEP or STP information

You possibly can view STP information on Linux, Microsoft Home windows, and macOS machines and within the cloud. Each free and paid viewing instruments can be found. You possibly can typically use these instruments to view and edit different graphic information.

Steps to view a STEP or STP file:

1. Guarantee you have got the right viewer software program put in in your machine.
2. Find the file you need to open.
3. Double-click or right-click on it, and choose File>Open.

Free packages for viewing STEP or STP information by working system

We’ve compiled a listing of software program you may obtain to view STEP and STP information.

Microsoft Home windows free STP/STEP viewers

• ABViewer: Supplies person and floating licenses for its primary and prolonged product variations. ABViewer permits 2D and 3D file viewing, enhancing, conversion, tiled printing, and extra.
• Adobe 3D Reader: With the Adobe 3D reader, you may open and work together with a STEP file immediately in your machine.
• FreeCAD: A 3D design program for professionals, college students, and amateurs. FreeCAD is beneficial for mechanical and architectural design.
• ideaMK STP Viewer: This STP Viewer is suited to newbie and superior STEP file customers. Use it to zoom and rotate and alter surfaces. It gives pace and rendering accuracy.
• Open Cascade DMU Reviewer: Accessible for Home windows computer systems and tablets, the DMU Reviewer promotes distant collaboration with instruments for reviewing and commenting on frequent CAD file codecs.

Free STEP/STP viewer for macOS

• FreeCAD: Just like the Home windows model, FreeCAD additionally works with Mac.

Free STP/STEP viewer for Linux

Free STEP/STP viewers to make use of within the Cloud

• eMachineShop: This on-line file viewer and CAD file-sharing platform verifies that designs may be manufactured and suggests appropriate supplies.
• ShareCAD: Use this program to view a variety of 3D mannequin codecs. You possibly can embed the viewer into your web site.

Learn how to open a STEP or STP file

You want an app to open and convert .step information on Microsoft Home windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Apple iOS units. A spread of packages open STEP information. You too can open and edit information in textual content editors, together with Home windows Notepad and Notepad++, and Apple TextEdit.

Comply with these steps to open a STEP file:

1. Import the STEP file onto your platform.
2. Double-click, right-click, or choose File > Open.

Paid functions for opening STEP or STP information by working system

We’ve compiled a listing of software program you should buy and obtain to view STEP and STP information.

Paid apps that open STEP/STP information

• ABViewer: Use the paid model of this app to open STEP information on a Home windows machine.
• Adobe Acrobat 9 Extended: Adobe Acrobat gives STEP file viewing and enhancing in its paid app.
• Archicad: This program for Home windows helps collaboration on architectural drawings.
• Autodesk Fusion 360: With Autodesk Fusion 360, you may transfer from design to manufacturing in a single platform. This system helps CAD, CAM, and computer-aided engineering (CAE) information.
• Creo Parametric: Use this 3D modelling platform to create augmented actuality, additive manufacturing, and real-time simulations.
• Dassault Systemes CATIA: A premium, standard 3D design device used worldwide, CATIA emphasizes collaboration and challenge monitoring capabilities. CATIA is beneficial for designing giant advanced objects, like an airplane.
• Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS: SOLIDWORKS software program licenses are economically priced in comparison with CATIA’s. This system is greatest for detailing elements and equipment.
• IDA-STEP: The thing-based structure of IDA-STEP lends itself to customization. This device helps 2D and 3D fashions and printed-circuit boards (PCB) and printed-circuit meeting (PCA).
• IMSI TurboCAD: You too can use this 2D and 3D CAD program on cellular units.
• Kubotek KeyCreator: Kubotek KeyCreator helps assemblies of wireframes, solids, and surfaces for STEP information and STPZ information (the CATIA compressed STEP format.)
• Glovius: Use this app to view and analyze information from assorted CAD sources, and create workflows and reviews.
• McNeel Rhino: Rhino handles advanced work for structure, jewellery design, NURBS modelling, and extra.
• Okino Computer Graphics: This firm develops precision graphics conversion software program for AR/VR, animation, and different industrial functions.
• Onshape: This cloud-based CAD and PDM design device boasts real-time on-line collaboration capabilities.
• Siemens NX: A high-end 3D-modelling design platform, firms additionally use NX for machining and engineering evaluation.
• Siemens Solid Edge: Use Strong Edge to create drawings from 3D fashions and fashions from 2D drawings. The product’s simulation options imply you don’t must create prototypes.
• VariCAD: A 3D-modelling and 2D-drawing-and-editing platform, VariCAD additionally helps including title blocks and producing payments of fabric (BOM).

Paid STEP and STP file openers by OS

Free apps that open STEP/STP information

Microsoft Home windows

Autodesk viewer: This browser-based program gives viewing, markup, and sharing of 2D and 3D information to advertise on-line collaboration.

BRL-CAD: Developed by america Military Analysis Laboratory, this open-source program gives 3D modelling, evaluation, and animation. A paid industrial model gives assist. This product additionally works on BSD or Solaris techniques.

gCAD3D: This app gives a primary interface for 3D design, with variations for CAM work.

Free STEP and STP File Openers by OS

Learn how to edit a STEP file

You edit a STEP file in a 3D editor, or you may alter the code in a textual content editor. STEP information retain all particulars of the unique file. File constancy stays via every edit on any platform.

Since STEP information are ASCII or textual content information, you may open them in a textual content editor. Textual content information embrace the preliminary file identify, creation date, and platform identify the place the file was created. Textual content information present metadata and information in regards to the 3D object. Though you may edit textual content information, incorrect edits could break the file.

To edit a STEP file:

1. Open a appropriate program, after which open your STEP file. Alternatively, you may open the file in a textual content editor.
2. Use the enhancing instruments to make desired adjustments.
3. Save your file.

Learn how to convert a STEP file

You could must convert a STEP file for 3D printing. Printers use slicers to parse directions for making a 3D object. Often, the file is transformed from STEP to STL.

To transform a step file:

1. Learn the documentation in your platform for particular particulars about working with STEP information.
2. With the STEP file open, click on Export to STL or Save as STL.

The next packages convert STEP/STP information:

• Autodesk Fusion 360: Along with opening, viewing, and enhancing, it’s also possible to use it to transform STEP information.
• CrossManager: This can be a devoted CAD file conversion device.
• IMSI TurboCAD: This 2D and 3D CAD program may convert STEP information.
• Makexyz: An internet-based program that converts STP to STL and produces 3D prototypes of uploaded information.
• Siemens Strong Edge: The strong enhancing program may convert STEP and STP information.

You possibly can convert STEP and STP information to those codecs:

• 3MF: 3D Manufacturing File
• ASM: Professional/Engineer Meeting File
• DWG: AutoCAD Drawing
• DXF: Drawing Change Format
• FBX: Autodesk FBX Interchange File
• F3D: Fusion 360 Archive
• GLB: GL Transmission Binary Format
• IGES: IGES Drawing File
• OBJ: Wavefront 3D Object
• STL: Stereolithography File
• USD and USDZ: Common Scene Description Format

Learn how to create a STEP file

STEP information are often created in CAD packages after which exported. Nevertheless, it’s also possible to create an STP file in any STEP file enhancing platform.

Comply with these steps to create a STEP or STP file in a appropriate program:

1. Open your CAD program and create a brand new file.
2. Put it aside with the extension .step or .stp.

Benefits of STEP information

Some great benefits of STEP information rely upon the way you need to use them. STEP information make a wonderful sharing format for real-world designs. Their foundation in an ISO customary means software program builders can simply assist the format.

Listed below are some STP file benefits:

• CAD STEP information are correct and versatile.
• The information can retailer detailed data within the mathematical illustration of curves often known as NURBs.
• STEP information retailer strong object geometries and topologies.
• Customers can simply save, share, and customise information.
• STEP information save the entire object, including to the interoperability wanted for profitable collaboration.
• STP information are extra correct and versatile than STL information.

Disadvantages of STEP information

The disadvantages of STEP information embrace their dimension. These information are fairly giant regardless of lacking information on materials, texture, digicam, and lighting data. Customers expertise a steep studying curve to create or edit them.

Listed below are some frequent disadvantages of utilizing STEP information:

• STEP information may be extraordinarily giant.
• Not like FBX and USDZ information, STEP information don’t embrace digicam and lighting setup.
• STP information don’t embrace data on assemblies, meeting options, supplies, patterns, or metadata for payments of fabric (BOM).
• You possibly can’t embrace sketches or supporting data on the aim of objects and components.
• Importing or exporting STP 3D fashions may end up in lack of metadata, translation errors, and extreme file sizes.
• Not all packages assist the total .stp format specification. Due to this fact, you could want to make use of a restore geometry device after importing information to fill within the lacking data.
• STEP file construction is sort of a programming language. Creating and enhancing them could show difficult and skilled customers say it may be time-consuming to create a STEP file.
• The software program that generates a STEP should confirm the geometry to make sure different packages can appropriately learn the file.
• To print a STEP file, you will need to first convert it to STL earlier than sending it to a 3D printer.

Professionals and Cons of STEP information

Historical past of STEP information

The origin of STEP information dates again to the Eighties when ISO’s automation and integration committee, T-84, created the STEP specification. It described an open-source 3D format. The primary STEP file was created in 1994, with subsequent releases in 2002 and 2014.

STEP kinds a bridge between IGES, the primary vendor-neutral 3D information change format (it hasn’t been upgraded since 1996), and future 3D functions for AI and Business 4.0 manufacturing. “A sensible resolution which might categorize CAD fashions based mostly on the mannequin geometry and establish similarity between fashions might result in elevated standardization of components, as half designs with similarity to current components inside a database may very well be flagged,” states the Journal of Clever Manufacturing article named “Recursive Encoder Community for the Computerized Evaluation of STEP Information.”

Continuously requested questions on STEP information 

Wish to know extra about STEP information? Listed below are solutions to some regularly requested questions in regards to the file format:

Are STEP information common?

STEP information are essentially the most used cross-platform CAD format obtainable. The ISO 10303-21 customary is utilized in structure and manufacturing in lots of industries.

Is STEP a CAD file?

A STEP is a CAD file. The format was designed to BE shared, edited, and reviewed throughout CAD platforms.

Does AutoCAD settle for STEP information?

AutoCAD doesn’t supply native assist to learn and write STEP and STP information. Nevertheless, it may well use an onboard device to transform them.

Are you able to print STEP information?

Sure, you may print STEP information, however you will need to first convert STEP information to STL information.

STEP vs. STL information

STEP contains geometries and different data for 3D modeling, which helps higher cross-functional collaboration than STL 3D information. STL saves objects solely as a mesh and subsequently loses different particulars. Meshes are a group of small calculations which might be troublesome to edit with out decreasing accuracy. 

STEP vs. IGES information

IGES information are the predecessor to STEP information. They seize primary geometries and share CAD information throughout platforms. The USA Airforce created the IGES to save lots of CAD drawings. IGES additionally helps languages moreover English.

STEP vs. 3MF information

3MF information take much less area than STEP, however they don’t seem to be broadly supported. 3MF helps 3D printing and CAD design and might print detailed objects like bones or beehives and present textures, colours, and layer element. Nevertheless, 3MF saves objects as triangular meshes, which makes it much less correct for printing.

Can you exchange a STEP file to STL file?

You possibly can convert a STEP file to the STL format by opening the STEP file in a program that helps it and exporting it to STL format.

Can you exchange a STEP file to DWG?

Sure, use an enhancing program to transform at STEP file to DWG. Open the file in your enhancing program, click on Save, and choose DWG.

The significance of 3D content material administration

Greater than ever earlier than, companies should reply quickly to buyer demand and a dynamic, aggressive enterprise panorama. Business 4.0 presents new challenges and alternatives with elevated automation, interconnectivity, and good manufacturing. 3D content material will likely be on the forefront of this thrilling evolution, and with the ability to simply entry, share, edit, and handle these information is essential.

“3D content material remains to be difficult and costly to create, handle, and reuse at scale. 3D asset administration software program is crucial to getting the utmost worth out of a 3D content material funding,” stated Beck Besecker, CEO and Co-founder of 3D Cloud by Marxent.

Simplify 3D asset administration with 3D Cloud

Creating 3D content material is simply the start. If a challenge requires one, two, or perhaps a few hundred 3D property for one-time use in a recreation or advertising marketing campaign, you in all probability don’t want a 3D CMS or 3D asset administration platform. In the event you plan to create reusable content material at scale, make a complete product catalog obtainable in 3D, export property to quite a lot of file codecs, and publish property to a number of end-user functions, a 3D content material pipeline with a 3D workflow system is crucial. It’s the one approach to handle giant portions of 3D content material, apply enterprise guidelines to content material, management prices and guarantee asset reusability.

Retailers and producers investing in 3D commerce flip to 3D Cloud by Marxent to offer a 3D workflow, retailer property generically, affiliate property to enterprise guidelines, and ship property to WebAR, 3D product configurator, and 3D room planner functions. 3D Cloud additionally permits the manufacturing of consumable format varieties for a lot of different platforms and serps, together with STEP, USDZ, glTF, and OBJ.