AutoCAD to STEP Conversion
We’ve compiled a list of valuable resources, brimming with step-by-step guides and expert tips for converting AutoCAD drawings to STEP format using our converters. Go through them now to simplify your AutoCAD drawings conversion later.
- Explode Component Instances into Mesh Groups
- Convert STEP File to Different Schema Version
- Change 3D Model Units in STEP / IGES Files
- Convert SketchUp SKP Models with Component Instances to STEP
- Convert Polyface Mesh to Solid in AutoCAD
- Export OBJ, STL, 3DM, SKP, PLY, and Other 3D Files in AutoCAD
AutoCAD vs. STEP Comparison
| Property | AutoCAD | STEP |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .dwg | .stp, .step |
| Name | AutoCAD Drawing | STandardized Exchange of Product |
| Versions |
|
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| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
AutoCAD Drawing
Autodesk's AutoCAD is a leading software program in the field of Computer Aided Design (CAD). It is renowned for its support of the native DWG drawing format. It has the following features:
- DWG Format: The native file format of AutoCAD, which can store both 2D and 3D geometry data, as well as project metadata, such as layers, blocks, dimensions, etc. DWG files are compatible with many other CAD applications and can be easily shared and edited.
- AutoCAD Add-ons: Our Automesher Application and Automapki Application are add-ons for AutoCAD that allow you to import and export 3D and GIS data from various external file formats, such as STL, SKP, OBJ, SHP, KML, etc. These add-ons enable you to integrate geospatial data with your CAD designs and create complex 3D models from different sources.
- ObjectARX Technology: The customization technology for AutoCAD provided by Autodesk, which we use to develop our AutoCAD add-ons. ObjectARX allows us to access and manipulate the AutoCAD objects and data, as well as the user interface and commands. ObjectARX ensures that our add-ons are fully compatible and integrated with the AutoCAD environment.
STandardized Exchange of Product File
A file format used for the exchange of 3D data across various computer systems, including CAD, CAM, and CAE, in a standardized format. Some of the benefits and features of STEP files are:
- Compatibility: STEP is widely supported by many software applications and platforms, making it easy to share and collaborate on 3D models across different domains and industries.
- Accuracy: STEP preserves the exact shape and dimensions of 3D models, unlike some other mesh formats (SKP, OBJ, or STL) that may introduce errors or distortions during conversion.
- STEP Files Converter: STEP files can be very large, especially when they contain complex or high-resolution 3D models. One way to reduce the file size is to use Autoconverter software, which can utilize the faceted BREP representation, potentially saving up to one-third of the file size.
- Materials: STEP file format supports colors per assembly. However, it lacks an alpha component. This means that any transparency effects applied to 3D models will not be visible or preserved in the STEP files.