Opening STEP Files

The STEP file type is primarily associated with SolidWorks.

STEP	File extension: STEP
	File type:	3D model

What is an STEP file

STEP files mostly belong to SolidWorks by Solidworks. STEP file extension is associated with 3D models and objects created using STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) exchange format which is compatible with various CAD design software such as Solidworks, Catia, and AutoCAD. A STEP file contains ASCII text used to describe 3D objects, scenes, and models using the STEP file format's ISO 10303 specification. The content of STEP files are typically subdivided into the HEADER and DATA sections with commands and subsections delimited by semi-colons and newlines. The HEADER section of a STEP file contains metadata such as the implementation_level, FILE_NAME, FILE_SCHEMA, FILE_POPULATION, SECTION_LANGUAGE, and SECTION_CONTEXT, whereas the DATA section of the file contains instance name of entities, attribute and datatype mappings, and references etc. The 3D models stored in STEP files are usually models of products or simulations of manufacturing processes.

How to open an STEP file

You need a suitable software like SolidWorks to open an STEP file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your STEP file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a STEP file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online STEP File Viewer

Choose your .step file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to convert STEP files to OBJ, STL, PLY, 3DS, FBX, STP, ...

You can convert STEP files using our online STEP file viewer (powered by Convert.Guru):

To do this, click the button "Choose your .step file to view" on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then select the 3D format (e.g. STL, OBJ, 3DS, X, X3D, STP, PLY, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert STEP files:

SolidWorks by Solidworks
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. STEP files are often referred to as SolidWorks 3d images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
AutoCAD (3D model) by Autodesk
AutoCAD is a popular 3D architectural design and simulation software used by engineers, architects, and city planners. The program can create, edit, and export/import 3D designs or product data in various 3D formats such as STEP and DWG. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: ISO 10303-23, ISO 10303-21:2018
CAD file by CST CAD Navigator
Enables to open and convert different 2D/3D files, get their dimensions and create section views. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
CATIA (3D model) by Dassault
CATIA is a cross-platform product design software suite for three-dimensional CAD, CAM and CAE works. The program can store product data and models in STEP files using STEP format. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: ISO 10303-22, ISO 10303-21:2017
PyDance (3D model) by PyDance Community
PyDance is a dance simulation game developed as a free version of Dance Dance Revolution, a dance simulation game which is built on top of Python programming language. The game uses STEP file format to store 3D models. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: ISO 10303-24, ISO 10303-21:2019

STEP file extension format:

The file format determines how the data is stored in the file. The file format can be deduced from the file extension and the signature. However, different programs can use the same file extension, and file extensions can be assigned incorrectly. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Below is our analysis of the STEP files:

STEP is a very common file type and mainly uses a defined STEP format. The following file formats are most commonly found in STEP files:

97% of all STEP files are associated with ISO-10303 STEP model data. These files are text files, so they contain words and text. The files are often between 82 KB and 27 MB in size. The file type is relatively new. The keywords HEADER;, ISO-10303-21;, FILE_NAME, '1' );, ( '' ), 'SwSTEP 2.0', FILE_DESCRIPTION (( 'STEP AP214' ), SolidWorks and FILE_DESCRIPTION (( 'STEP AP203' ) are typical for these files. Such STEP files store data about assembly, model, assy, plate, machine, robot, arduino, mount and panel.

All other STEP files (3%) have no uniform format. Sometimes used for support, adapter, cover, base, logo, drawing, volksfr, montaj, foam, reva, tank or tube. If you want to find out which format your STEP file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .step file to view".

Technical Data for STEP File Extension

File classification:

3D Image

Related files:

stp, zip, stl, sldprt, x_t, ste, igs, pdf, sldasm, stepwrb, dxf, dwg, sep, rar, ug, 3d, slddrw, ifc, eprt, exe, smg

Related links:

ISO 10303-21, ISO 10303-21:2016

Mime type:

model/step, application/octet-stream

an step 3D model is a special file format by Solidworks and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with STEP files

Associate the STEP file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open 3d models. Because only the current version supports the latest STEP file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Solidworks manufacturer website after an available SolidWorks update.
To make sure that your STEP file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .STEP file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.