How to export a STEP file from SolidWorks, Fusion and Onshape

To export a STEP file: in SolidWorks, use File›Save As and pick STEP AP214 or STEP AP242; in Fusion, use File›Export and set Type to STEP Files; in Onshape, right-click the Part Studio or Assembly tab, choose Export and set Format to STEP. Export the whole assembly as one file so part names come through, and check the units before you send it.

#Before you export, in any CAD program

1. 1

   Show the state you want to share

   Pick the configuration, design state or version the other person should see. Hide reference geometry, sketches and fixtures you don't want included.

2. 2

   Leave out what nobody needs

   Fasteners, purchased parts and internal components make the file bigger and slower to open. Suppress them if the reviewer doesn't need them.

3. 3

   Check part and body names

   Names travel inside the STEP file. "Bracket_left" helps the reviewer; "Body37" doesn't.

#SolidWorks

1. 1

   Open the part or assembly

   Resolve any lightweight components first, so their geometry is included.

2. 2

   Save as STEP

   Choose File›Save As and set Save as type to **STEP AP214 (.step;.stp) or STEP AP242 (.step;.stp)**.

3. 3

   Keep the default options

   They suit most parts and assemblies. Keep the assembly as one file.

4. 4

   Save

   Click Save. More detail, including GLB export, in export from SolidWorks.

#Fusion

1. 1

   Open the design

   Set the timeline to the state you want to share.

2. 2

   Open the export dialog

   Choose File›Export.

3. 3

   Choose STEP

   Set Type to **STEP Files (.stp .step), tick Save to my computer** and pick a folder.

4. 4

   Export

   Click Export. Big assemblies can take a minute, because Fusion prepares the file in the cloud. More in export from Fusion.

#Onshape

1. 1

   Right-click the tab

   At the bottom of the document, right-click the Part Studio or Assembly tab and choose Export.

2. 2

   Choose STEP

   Set Format to STEP. If the dialog offers a STEP version, AP242 or AP214 both work.

3. 3

   Keep it as one file

   For an assembly, export it as a single file rather than one file per part, so the structure and names come through together.

4. 4

   Export and download

   Click Export; Onshape prepares the file and downloads it. More in export from Inventor, Onshape and FreeCAD.

#AP214 or AP242?

Both carry solids, colours and the assembly. AP242 is the newer standard and can also carry manufacturing information (tolerances and annotations). For a design review or a quote, either is fine; if a supplier asks for one, use that. See STEP vs STL vs IGES for when STEP isn't the right format at all.

#Check the file before you send it

Drop the .step file on the free STEP viewer. In a few seconds you'll see what the other person will see: whether the parts are all there, whether the names make sense, and whether the size is right (use the measure tool on a dimension you know). Nothing is uploaded.

Then, if the person you're sending it to has no CAD, send them a review link instead of the file.