Well, the standard for exchanging product data and/or STEP files is an ISO standard for exchanging three-dimensional data. It may be used to design 3D diagrams. Using a STEP file viewer, we can view, rotate, move, and zoom in on the 3D diagram because it is compatible with the *.STP and *.STEP file formats can convert STP to DWG, OBJ, DXF, and STL.
What Exactly Is STEP File?
STEP file is a computer-aided design (CAD) and associated data interchange format. It adheres to the ASCII format, making it straightforward to read. The STP file extension is used for 3D graphics, defined in ISO 10303-21. A STEP file may be referred to as a p21 or a STEP physical file. It has many extensions, including .STP, .STEP and .p21, whereas .p21 is used for a variety of reasons. It is compatible with several programs, including IMSI TurboCAD, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Dassault System Solidworks.
Why Use The STEP Viewers?
None of the CAD systems are identical. Therefore, it is difficult for users to exchange 3D diagrams and models in the CAD industry. The software STEP File Viewer resolves this problem. It can open files with the .STP and .STEP file extensions. It is used for the following reasons:
1 – The global data exchange program uses STEP.
2 – This platform is supported by all well-known computer-aided design (CAD) software.
3 – It is based on mathematics, allowing it to be imported into CAM software.
4 – Any reputable CAD software may read a neutral file format.
The Difference Between .STEP And .STP File Viewer
There is no significant distinction between the .STEP and .STP file types. Nonetheless, the user downloads/exports the file in many forms. Nevertheless, any STP file viewer can open both .STEP and .STP files.
Which Program Can Open STEP File?
The STP file is connected to CATIA. Any commercial CAD software may open the file. There are several online solutions to open STEP files. Besides online STEP viewer, several options *.STP file viewers are:
1 – Autodesk Fusion 360.
2 – IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe v7.
3 – IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe 20.
4 – CADSoftTools ABViewer.
5 – Dassault Systemes CATIA.
6 – FreeCAD.
7 – STEP Tools STEP File Browser.
8 – ideaMK STP Viewer.
How To Easily Convert STP To PDF/DWG?
None of the software supports converting STEP to PDF.
STP File Viewer Online VS Windows STEP Viewer
I have encountered the problem of picking the best STP viewer. The difference between STP file viewer online and offline .STP viewer is significant.
.STP File Viewer | Offline Step File Viewer |
| Online step viewers are straightforward to access from anywhere. | You’ve to get access only from a particular device. |
| There are many free online STP file viewers. | Offline step viewer isn’t free but you can use the free trial for a limited time. |
| You’ll get a lot of options but quality is a big consideration. | Quality is the first option of offline mode. |
| The general users use the STP file viewer online. | Professional and engineers use offline Step file viewer. |
STP Viewer Common Features
Each .STP file viewer is distinct from its counterparts. However, the .STP file online viewer and the free STP viewer share the same features:
1 – Users may see 2D views of all four sides of 3D objects.
2 – The tree view of all 3D item markers is excellent.
3 – Fabulous dynamic zooming.
4 – Dynamic rotation with the toolbox.
5 – Users can change the shade and color of a 3D object.
System Requirement
OS – Windows Server 2003 & 2008; Windows XP, Vista, 7,8, & 10
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (included in Windows XP SP2, Windows 7, Vista).
Online – Any Platform with a reliable web browser.
Why Do I Need A STEP Viewer?
Engineering students and professionals require a viewer for STP files. When you open a 3D object, you require a STEP file viewer to view every detail. Using a tree view, you may see the 3D object independently. STEP file view lets you see the 3D item as it exists. The online STP viewer facilitates the collection of many templates and images to enhance realism.
STEP Limitations
1 – A STEP file is a mix of color, curve, solid, and surface; therefore, if the software cannot read the geometry of a STEP file, it may cause issues.
2 – The designer must be more conscious to ensure that the geometry is created appropriately to accommodate a different file format.
14+ Best STEP File Viewer Software
We have attempted to manage 14+ best STEP File Viewer Online Free options for the readers. Please note that only some people are free full-time. You’re allowed to use the Free STEP File Viewer for a limited amount of time. However, there is some free software available.
1. VariCAD Viewer Free
VariCAD viewer is a free STEP viewer that allows you to view, convert, and print CAD files. It is a strong STEP file viewer that is inexpensive to manage. This 2D/3D software may be used in mathematical engineering. Before making a purchase decision, try this software for free for thirty days to determine if it meets your needs.
VariCAD Viewer Free Insight
1 – The VariCAD Viewer is user-friendly and gives everything fast for mechanical engineering.
2 – It is free to convert 3D STEP, 2D DWG, DXF, and 3D/2D VariCAD files.
3 – It permits the conversion of DWG to DXF and DXF to DWG.
4 – 3D displays can be exported as bitmap files.
5 – You may determine volume, mass, surface area, and center of gravity using the 3D model.
2. GOM Inspect
GOM Inspect is among the best STEP and STP file viewer options available. You must start a new project to view the STEP files in this software. After that, you can modify the files according to your needs. GOM offers two distinct types of products: GOM Inspect and GOM Precessional. It’s a free STEP file viewer; however, the paid version contains more features. The pro edition includes a 30 day free trial.
GOM Insight
1 – The GOM collects data using a separate system.
2 – It can perform mesh processing.
3 – It supports examining and assessing various points’ surfaces and curves according to standard requirements.
4 – It provides industry-specific analytical tools, such as the inspection of sheet metals and cast components.
5 – The GOM’s reporting functions are robust. It supports PDF export.
6 – The GOM STEP viewer is accessible for free download.
3. Geomagic Verify Viewer
Geomagic Verify Viewer is among the best software options for the digital manufacturing workflow. It can produce digital 3D models and CAD assemblies for engineering and manufacturing. You may zoom, rotate, and flip the STP files as you see fit. Consequently, it is regarded as one of the best STEP file viewers for viewing CAD files. Moreover, it’s straightforward and freeware.
Geomagic Verify Viewer Insight
1 – You may annotate and measure distances and angles with Geomagic Verify Viewer.
2 – Multiple CAD, point cloud, and mesh models may be validated.
3 – It also provides the ability to view any CAD image’s left, right, top, bottom, front, rear, and isometric views.
4 – You can add more colors for personalization purposes.
4. EnSuite-View
EnSuite-View is an excellent multi-CAD viewing productivity tool. It is compatible with the STEP file viewer. It supports several file formats, and you can handle a limit of five files each month.
EnSuite-View Insight
1 – EnSuite-View is a user-easy software that views all main CAD formats.
2 – Without a license, STEP files can be viewed.
3 – There’s the option to view the front, rear, left, right, and isometric perspectives.
4 – It may be used for creating references, annotations, and metadata management.
5 – This software makes measuring volume/weight, length/radius, and distance/angle easy.
6 – Generating a bounding box, constructing parts, applying the material, and altering looks are simplified.
5. GMSH
GMSH is a basic, open source STEP File viewer for desktop and mobile devices. Well, this free STEP file viewer supports all 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac OS, etc. With this software, you may easily open and customize your 3D files. It is lightweight, user-friendly, and supports all STEP software features.
GMSH Insight
1 – GMSH is free, simple, and fast software.
2 – It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
3 – This software supports four module types: solver, mesh, geometry, and post-processing.
4 – This free software may fulfill all of your 3D design requirements.
6. AUTODESK 123D DESIGN
AUTODESK 123D DESIGN is an intuitive and simple-to-use STEP viewer software capable of doing many complex tasks. It can meet the design needs of both novices and professionals. Like other STP viewers, this excellent software allows you to resize, scale, pan, zoom, move, rotate, align, orbit, and fit images.
AUTODESK 123D DESIGN Insight
1 – The STP file viewer in AUTODESK 123D DESIGN enables the export of 2D and 3D models.
2 – It is possible to export 2D as SVG, DXF, and DWG files and 3D as X3D, STL, SAT, DWG, and DWG files.
3 – It supports combining, grouping, snapping, and patterns.
4 – Multiple building parameters, such as extrude, sweep, and revolve, can be applied.
5 – It is among the most effective STP file viewers for engineering and manufacturing.
7. Sharecad.org
Sharecad.org is among the best free online CAD viewers who can open many STEP files. It supports all browsers, allowing you to view your desired file on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iPhone. Well, it supports DWF, HPGL, PLT, CGM, DWG, and DXF formats.
Sharecad.org Insight
1 – It supports a free iframe plugin for viewing your website’s files.
2 – After registering, the file can be stored on the server.
3 – You may access previously loaded files from your personal computer.
4 – It may also be used as a file repository.
5 – The maximum file size allowed for uploading on this system is 50 MB.
6 – 3D Smooth Shading, 3D Hidden Lines, and 3D Wireframe are excellent to view.
7 – The navigation and functionality of this software are straightforward.
8. gCAD3D
gCAD3D is a freeware STP file viewer for Windows and Linux. Well, this integrated 3D-OpenGL viewer supports several import and export file formats. You can easily view STEP, Iges, VRML, DXF, SVG, and other file formats.
gCAD3D Insight
1 – GCAD3D is among the best free STEP viewers available.
2 – It also displays numerous view options, such as side, axo, top, front, and scal.all, scal.fix, and viewport.
3 – The GNU General Public License governs it.
4 – gCAD3D is straightforward to use and customize.
9. 3D Viewer Online
3D Viewer Online is an excellent resource for viewing STEP files. You are provided up to 5 GB of free cloud storage for STEP files. You may add various files like OBJ, PLY, STL, etc. Your maximum storage capacity is 50 MB. To produce value for your consumer, you may integrate Web API for the 3D viewer. 3D Viewer Online supports the majority of 2D and 3D file formats.
3D Viewer Online Insight
1 – Using this Viewer, you may show and hide smart lines.
2 – You may effortlessly capture a screenshot of your work.
3 – Defining X, Y, and z cutting planes is simple.
4 – Up to 50 MB of STEP file upload space.
5 – You’re allowed to view numerous view modes.
10. Autodesk Viewer
Autodesk Viewer is among the best online STEP File viewer options, providing enjoyment and convenience. Using any web browser, you can easily view and share your design. Well, it supports almost all 3D and 2D file formats, including STEP and SOLIDWORKS. Furthermore, you may share your design via the URL or print it if you deem it necessary. In addition, you may capture a screenshot and email it to your buddy.
Autodesk Viewer Insight
1 – Autodesk Viewer enables the measurement of distances from various vantage points.
2 – You may zoom in and out to view different angles.
3 – In the separate box, the file’s properties are displayed.
4 – It is easy to share your presentation since you can use the URL, take a screenshot, and print it.
5 – Any file can be annotated for markup.
6 – It is a simple STEP file viewer.
11. GLC Player
GLC Player is a famous software for viewing 2D and 3D models. It supports all features and file formats. Therefore, it is known as multifunctional freeware. Professionals use this convenient software because the results produced by this free STEP Viewer are accurate and significant. It supports 3D visualisation of formats such as 3DXML V3 & V4 (Ascii), STL (binary + ASCII), OBJ, and 3DS.
12. IDA-STEP
IDA-STEP is free software to view the STEP file. It is incredibly user-friendly and customizable. You may view each component of your 3D model separately. It gives a fresh perspective to managing .STP and .STEP files. It supports left, right, rear, bottom, and front views, similar to the other STEP viewer.
13. STP Viewer
STP Viewer is a simple and easy CAD software. It provides a tree-like view of all 3D object markers. With the toolbox or the mouse, dynamic zooming is available. This amazing tool lets you view both the 2D and 3D sides. In addition, you may change the line color and view wireframes.
14. STL View
STL View is software that novices may use with minimal experience with 3D and CAD. The STP viewer can fulfill your primary requirements. It is extremely lightweight and maneuverable. Thus, the STL View is excellent for executing the fundamental functionalities of STEP files. It will automatically download zip files when you download directly from the suggested site.
15. Open 3D Model Viewer
Open 3D Model Viewer is an additional useful tool for working with STEP files. For 3D design and printing, it can be an excellent option. This STEP file viewer may fulfill your requirements, such as designing, reading, and maintaining STP files. In addition, Open 3D Model Viewer is free to use and open source.
Conclusion:
STEP files are difficult for beginners. Without prior knowledge, using and managing these files will be extremely difficult. However, you may open and view the design using a free STEP file viewer. In addition, you may use an online STEP file viewer if you do not wish to download any software.
