STEP

Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP) is an ISO standard exchange format that multiple programs can recognize. It is used for transferring graphics data between CAD/CAM systems.

Autodesk DirectConnect supports the import of STEP (*.stp or *.step) files into the Autodesk Alias, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Showcase, Autodesk Opticore Studio, and 3ds Max/3ds Max Design software. See installation information in Install Autodesk DirectConnect.

Import STEP files

1. Choose the menu path in your installed Autodesk software product:

   Autodesk Alias	File > Open or File > Import > File
   Autodesk Maya (Windows version)	File > Open Scene or File > Import
   Autodesk Showcase	File > Import > Import Files
   Autodesk Opticore Studio	File > Import
   3ds Max/3dsMax Design	Application Menu > Import > Select File to Import dialog

2. In the browser, select a native STEP (*.stp or *.step) file.
3. Click OK, or Open to launch the translator and import the file into the scene.

Types of data imported

The software imports NURBS for this file format and maintains the following information on import:

• Precise geometric surface and topology information (ISO 10303:42)
• Data organization (layers)
• Tolerances and units
• Colors

Note:

• To locate this data in your Autodesk software, see Locations of Imported Data.
• For information about Alias options for data importation, see the Autodesk Alias Help.

Export STEP files

To export STEP files from the CAD software, use AP203 or AP214 specifications.