STEP Export Options

You can set the export options when you export SOLIDWORKS part or assembly documents as STEP files.

To set the STEP export options:

  1. Click File > Save As.
  2. Select a STEP file type for Save as type, then click Options.
  3. Select from the options described below, then click OK.
  4. Click Save to export the document.

Output as

Solid/Surface geometry Exports the geometry as solids and surface bodies.
Export sketch entities (Available only with 3D curves selected). Exports all the items in 3D curves, plus all 2D and 3D sketches in the document.
Set STEP configuration data (Available only when exporting to STEP AP203 (*.step) file types). Displays the STEP Configuration Data for Export dialog box.
If you select 3D curves or Export sketch entities, you can open the exported STEP files only in SOLIDWORKS 2001Plus or later.

If you select Set STEP configuration data, the STEP Configuration Data for Export dialog box appears.

Because you cannot group the sketch elements together in a STEP file, when you open the exported STEP file in SOLIDWORKS:
  • All lines and splines are imported into a single 3D sketch.
  • Circles, ellipses, and parabolas are imported into individual 2D sketches.
Export face/edge properties Exports face and edge properties. Clear this option to improve export performance.
Split periodic faces Splits periodic faces, such as cylindrical faces, into two. Splitting a periodic face can improve the quality of the export but can affect performance.
Export 3D Curve features Exports the solid and surface bodies as wireframe entities. All 3D curves (composite curves, 3D wires, imported curves, and so on) are also saved.
Output coordinate system Select a coordinate system to apply for export. If you select -- default --, no transformation matrix is applied.