How to export from SolidWorks to GLB or STEP (for client review)

To export from SolidWorks for client review, use File›Save As and pick either GLB (.glb) for a model with appearances and textures, or STEP AP214 or AP242 (.step) for an exact CAD assembly that keeps its part names and colours. MeshMarkup opens GLB directly and converts STEP in your browser, in both cases at true size.

#Best format: GLB or STEP

If you're not sure, send STEP. It works in every version, and MeshMarkup tessellates it with OpenCascade, keeps the assembly's part names and colours, and converts millimetres to metres, so a 40 mm bracket measures 40 mm.

Don't send .sldprt or .sldasm files. MeshMarkup can't open them; if you drop one, it tells you to save as STEP.

#Export a STEP step by step

1. 1

   Open the part or assembly

   Resolve any lightweight components and pick the configuration you want the client to see.

2. 2

   Save as STEP

   Choose File›Save As and set Save as type to **STEP AP214 (.step;.stp) or STEP AP242 (.step;.stp)**. Both carry colours; AP242 is the newer standard.

3. 3

   Check the options

   The default Options suit most models. Keep the assembly as one file, so MeshMarkup can read its part names.

4. 4

   Save

   Click Save. STEP files of large assemblies can be big; see "Common problems" if yours is.

#Export a GLB step by step

1. 1

   Set up the look

   Apply appearances and decals, and choose the configuration and display state you want exported.

2. 2

   Choose GLB

   Choose File›Save As and set Save as type to **GLB (.glb) (or GLTF (.gltf)**, which saves several files; GLB is simpler).

3. 3

   Pick the extended reality options

   Click Options. Leave appearances, textures and the current configuration on. Turn Export Views/Cameras/Lights, Motion Studies and Exploded Views off unless you need them; they add size and aren't used in a review.

4. 4

   Save and check the size

   Click Save. The Free plan has 50 MB of storage in total, and a heavy assembly can reach that quickly.

#Units and scale

SolidWorks models are usually in millimetres. Both routes arrive at true size: the GLB is written in metres, and MeshMarkup converts STEP to metres as it opens it. Measure a known dimension after uploading to confirm. If something looks 1,000 times off, see wrong size or scale.

#Textures and materials

• STEP carries colours, not textures. Part, body and face colours come through, and MeshMarkup gives each colour its own material. Decals, image-based appearances and RealView looks don't travel in STEP.
• GLB carries appearances. Colours, textures and decals are baked into glTF materials. Complex PhotoView 360 or Visualize appearances are simplified.
• Transparent parts come through in both, but glass may look different from SolidWorks' render.

#Common problems

• The STEP file is huge or slow to open. Large assemblies with fasteners and purchased parts add up. Suppress hardware, springs and internal parts in a copy or configuration that's just for review, then save again.
• Everything is one grey colour. The file was saved as an older STEP (AP203), which doesn't carry colour, or the look relies on image-based appearances. Save as AP214 or AP242, or export a GLB to keep appearances.
• Parts are missing. They were hidden or suppressed in the active configuration or display state. Show them and export again.
• The GLB is too big. Turn off cameras, motion studies and exploded views, and remove small internal parts. See reduce file size.
• Curves look faceted in the GLB. The GLB is a mesh made by SolidWorks. Raising Tools›Options›Document Properties›Image Quality before saving may help, or send STEP, which MeshMarkup tessellates relative to each part's size.

#Upload and send it

1. 1

   Upload the STEP or GLB

   Drop it on Models. STEP is converted in your browser first; a large assembly can take a few seconds. To just look at a STEP file, 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.