How to export from Fusion to STEP (for client review)

To export from Fusion (formerly Fusion 360) for client review, save a STEP file: choose File›Export, set Type to **STEP Files (.stp .step), and click Export**. MeshMarkup converts the STEP in your browser, keeps your components' names and colours, and brings it in at true size.

#Best format: STEP

Fusion doesn't export glTF or GLB, so STEP is the best choice for a review:

• Exact geometry. STEP stores the real surfaces, not a mesh. MeshMarkup tessellates them with OpenCascade, with detail scaled to each part's size, so small fillets and large panels both look smooth.
• Structure and colours. Component names and the assembly tree come through, and each colour gets its own material.
• True size. STEP is usually in millimetres, and MeshMarkup converts it to metres automatically, so measurements match your design.

The trade-off: STEP carries colours but not textured appearances. If the look matters more than the geometry (wood grain, fabric, decals), export a mesh instead (see below), or render in Fusion and send stills alongside.

Don't send the .f3d archive. MeshMarkup can't open it; if you drop one, it tells you to export STEP.

#Export a STEP step by step

1. 1

   Pick the state to share

   Set the timeline to the state you want the client to see. Hide bodies and components you don't want included, such as reference geometry or fixtures.

2. 2

   Open the export dialog

   Choose File›Export. This works from the desktop app; the export runs in the cloud and saves a copy to your computer.

3. 3

   Choose STEP

   Set Type to **STEP Files (.stp .step). Tick Save to my computer** and choose a folder.

4. 4

   Export

   Click Export. Large assemblies can take a minute while Fusion prepares the file.

The same dialog also offers IGES, OBJ, FBX, STL and 3MF. MeshMarkup opens all of them, but STEP keeps the most information for a CAD review.

#Alternative: save a mesh

If you want a lighter file, or need to send only one body, save a mesh:

1. 1

   Right-click in the Browser

   In the Browser panel on the left, right-click the body or component and choose Save As Mesh.

2. 2

   Choose the mesh options

   Set Format to OBJ or 3MF. Set Unit Type to Meter for OBJ, which carries no reliable unit (MeshMarkup assumes metres). A 3MF records its unit and is converted to real size either way. Set Structure to One File. Pick a Refinement of High for smooth curves.

3. 3

   Save

   Click OK and choose where to save.

#Units and scale

With STEP there's nothing to set. Fusion writes the unit into the file, and MeshMarkup converts it to metres: a 120 mm enclosure measures 120 mm.

Meshes are different. OBJ and STL don't carry a reliable unit, so MeshMarkup treats their numbers as metres (3MF records its unit and is converted). A mesh saved in millimetres comes in 1,000 times too big. Choose Meter as the Unit Type when you save the mesh. If the size is still wrong, see wrong size or scale.

#Textures and materials

• STEP carries body and face colours. Physical materials and appearances show as their base colour, not their texture.
• OBJ saved from Fusion is geometry only in most cases; expect a neutral grey.
• Fusion's rendered look (textured appearances, environment) doesn't transfer to any export. For a review of shape and fit, the STEP colours are usually enough.

#Common problems

• The export fails or never arrives. Fusion prepares exports online. Save the design, check your connection, and try again.
• The model is 1,000 times too big. It's a mesh saved in millimetres. Save it again with Unit Type set to Meter, or send STEP.
• Everything is grey. You sent an OBJ or STL, which has no colour. Send STEP to keep colours.
• Parts are missing. They were hidden in the Browser when you exported. Show them and export again.
• The STEP is slow to open. It's a large assembly. Hide fasteners and internal parts you don't need to discuss, then export again.

#Upload and send it

1. 1

   Upload the STEP or mesh

   Drop it on Models. STEP is converted in your browser; a big assembly can take a few seconds. To view one without an account, see open a STEP file online.

2. 2

   Share it for review

   Open the model, check it, and click Share for review. The full walkthrough is in how to send a 3D model to a client for feedback.