STEP Files in eDrawings Files

When you save or publish an eDrawings file, you can attach STEP files to each configuration of the eDrawings file. By attaching STEP files, you include the model geometry associated with the eDrawings file.

Attaching STEP Files to eDrawings Files

You can attach STEP files to parts and assemblies.

To attach STEP files to eDrawings files:

  1. In the SOLIDWORKS software, click Save As (Standard toolbar) or File > Save As.
    You can also click Publish eDrawings File (Standard toolbar) or File > Publish to eDrawings.
  2. In the Save As dialog box, in Save as type, select eDrawings and click Save.
  3. In the Save Configurations to eDrawings file dialog box:
    1. In the column, select at least one configuration to save.
    2. In the column, select the STEP files to save.
      You can include a STEP attachment for any of the available configurations in the file. Including a STEP attachment is independent of including the eDrawings data for each configuration as long as you select at least one configuration for publishing the eDrawings data.
    3. In Create and attach STEP file of type, select the type of STEP file to attach.
      Supported STEP formats are STEP AP203 and STEP AP214. If you have a SOLIDWORKS MBD license, you can also attach STEP AP242 files, which support Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI).
    4. Click OK.

Opening STEP Files in eDrawings

To open STEP files in eDrawings:

  1. In eDrawings, open a part or assembly document that has a STEP attachment.
  2. Click Attachments .
  3. In the Attachments pane:
    1. Select an attachment to open.
    2. Click one of the following:
      View Attachment Opens the STEP file in eDrawings. An attachment icon appears in the tab with the file name.
      Extract Attachment Saves the STEP file to a location you choose.
      Delete Attachment Removes the STEP file from the eDrawings document. When you close the eDrawings document, the software prompts you to save changes. If you do not save the changes, the STEP file remains attached to the eDrawings file.