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. Optional: 3DEXPERIENCE Users: If the Save As New dialog box appears, click Save to This PC.
  3. Select a STEP file type for Save as type, then click Options.
  4. Select from the options described below, then click OK.
File Format Specifies the selected file format.
Output as
  • Solid/Surface geometry. Exports the geometry as solid and surface bodies.
  • Export sketch entities . (Available only with Wireframe selected). Exports all the items in 3D curves, including 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 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.
Export appearances Exports file appearances with reduced performance. Clear to omit exporting appearances but to improve performance.
Export 3D Curve features Exports solid and surface bodies as wireframe entities. All 3D curves (such as composite curves, 3D wires, and imported curves) are saved.
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 assembly components as separate STEP files (recommended for large assemblies) Exports assemblies as atomic STEP files. Separate STEP files are created for each component in the assembly.
  • When you export an assembly as a STEP file, each part file and subassembly is exported as a separate STEP file and is referenced by a top-level STEP file. If there are multiple instances of a part or subassembly, only one STEP file is created for that component. That same STEP file is referenced multiple times by the STEP assembly structure.
  • If there are multiple instances of the same component, assembly cut features are not exported.
Output coordinate system Select a coordinate system to apply for export. If you select -- default --, no transformation matrix is applied.