STEP File Type

- The quick facts

What are STEP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a STEP file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a STEP file?

Files with the .step extension are usually 3D model files created in the STEP file format. STEP stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data. This ISO standard exchange format is used to distribute 3D data files (such as CAD files) in a format that can be viewed by a variety of software applications. The .step file extension is interchangeable with the .stp file extension.

The .step file extension is also used for PyDDR files.

How to open STEP files

Important: Different programs may use files with the STEP file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your STEP file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different STEP openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: October 26, 2021

Suggest another file format using extension STEP

While we know of one file format using the .STEP file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .STEP file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of STEP files. Remember, different programs may use STEP files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.