STEP file
STEP / STP file: open, edit, convert
STEP file
STEP or STP is a standard file format in 3D design with which a complete 3D model can be saved. The file format is frequently used in the areas of manufacturing, 3D printing and quality assurance in particular.
Definition: STEP / STP stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data.
As the name suggests, the STEP file format is particularly suitable for exchanging product data and is a standard in the CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) industry for exchanging 3D model data between different CAD systems.
A STEP file not only enables the basic geometry of a 3D model to be saved, but also allows a complete 3D model to be saved, including extended data on colours or materials used. The STEP file format is often used when checking or printing 3D models.
STEP / STP stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data
File extension
- .stp or .step
Designations
- STP
- P21
- SPF (STEP Physical File Format)
International standard
- The STEP file format is formally defined in ISO standard 10303.
STEP file
Topic overview
Open step file
To open a step file, you need CAD software or a STEP viewer that supports the step file format.
Kisters 3DViewStation
An excellent STEP viewer is offered by Kisters 3DViewStation. This CAD viewer not only allows you to open and analyse STEP / STP files, the viewer also opens around 70 other file formats such as CATIA, DWG, EXCEL, SIEMENS NX and many more.
You can test the 3DViewStation CAD viewer free of charge for 30 days via this link!
In addition, common CAD programmes such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA or Siemens NX support the opening of files with the extension .stp or .step. Free STEP viewers, such as the "STP Viewer" tool, are available for beginners.
What is a step viewer?
A step viewer is a program with which a step file can be opened, viewed and analysed. Additional software is usually required to edit or convert step files.
Edit step file
If you not only want to view and analyse STEP files, but also edit them, the software KeyCreator from Kubotek the tool of choice.
KeyCreator
With the KeyCreator software, you can create, edit, repair and convert 2D and 3D CAD data in various formats - including step files. KeyCreator is an efficient CAD programme for professionals with an unbeatable price-performance ratio!
You can test the CAD/CAM software KeyCreator for 15 days free of charge via this link!
In addition, common CAD programmes such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA or Siemens NX support the editing of files with the extension .stp or .step. There is a free alternative for beginners in the form of "FreeCAD".
Convert Step to DWG
The CAD/CAM Software KeyCreator ideally suited.
- Import formats of the KeyCreator software (selection):
STEPIGES, ACIS, DWG/DXF, CADKEY, STL, Wavefront OBJ, CATIA V5, CATIA V4, Siemens NX, Pro/Engineer Creo, Parasolid, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks - Export formats of the KeyCreator software (selection):
STEP, IGES, ACIS, DWG/DXF, Wavefront OBJ, STL, PDF (2D and 3D), U3D, CGM, HPGL, VRML, WMF, Parasolid, CATIA V4, CATIA V5
If you are looking for stand-alone software that allows you to import, export and convert CAD files, the CAD converter CrossManager an interesting tool for you. You can use the CAD converter free of charge via this link.
What is the difference between STEP and STP?
STEP and STP refer to the same file format. Both stand for "Standard for the Exchange of Product model data". The file extensions ".step" and ".stp" are generally interchangeable and both fulfil the ISO 10303 standard.
Some CAD software programmes prefer one of the two file extensions; technically, both formats are identical. The choice of file extension is largely a question of convention or the individual preference of the user. In practice, ".stp" is usually used.
Related articles:
What is an initial sample?
What is PPAP?
What is APQP?
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