Tips to open STEP file
Can't open the STEP file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open STEP files as well as a list of programs that support STEP files.
STEP file extension
The STEP file is supported on 7 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the STEP files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the STEP file on each system platform.
What is STEP file?
The .STEP file is a three-dimensional graphics file. This format is standardized in ISO as a data interchange format. It was created to be able to exchange CAD data between programs from different manufacturers. It is also a full-fledged format for saving graphics. STEP acronym is extended to Standard for the Exchange of Product Data. The more common are .STP files, which are simply a shortened extension of the above standard. In terms of structure and principle of operation, it is similar to .PDF files for text documents.
How to open STEP file?
An often recurring problem with STEP 3D Model is that STEP is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open STEP, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the STEP file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install TurboCAD
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that TurboCAD is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name TurboCAD into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support STEP files.
Programs to open STEP file
Remember to download programs supporting STEP files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of TurboCAD with STEP files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the STEP file to open in the TurboCAD application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the STEP file with the TurboCAD application.
Step 3. Update TurboCAD to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the TurboCAD program, it is possible that STEP 3D Model requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the IMSI/Design, LLC. website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the STEP file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to STEP files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the STEP file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover STEP files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the STEP file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair STEP file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted STEP files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the STEP file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file STEP to close. However, some background programs may block the STEP file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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