STEP File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open a STEP file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .STEP 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
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension STEP for different purposes.
While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different STEP openers which you will find listed below.
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 viewers for this file format
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.
 | IDA-STEP | User submitted |
 | Mastercam | User submitted |
 | CadFaster-QuickStep | User submitted |
 | STP Viewer | User submitted |
 | ABViewer | User submitted |
 | MEGACAD | User submitted |
 | 3D-Tool | User submitted |
 | eDrawings RapidFire Lite Application | User submitted |
 | VariCAD Application | User submitted |
 | Rhinoceros | User submitted |
Not sure exactly what type of file you are trying to open? Try our new File Analyzer. It is a free tool that can identify more than 11,000 different kinds of files - most likely yours too! It will help you find software that can handle your specific type of file. Download File Analyzer here.