How to view STP and 3D CAD model files?
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MS
Michael Scofield
November 6, 2018
2 replies
5,210 views
Reviewed by moderators

Manufacturer sent STP files of a part for review. I need to rotate and inspect the 3D model but we run no CAD package. What opens STEP files for viewing without a full CAD licence?

Accepted Answer
Verified by Kerry Morris, Forum Moderator ยท Reviewed November 2018

STEP (.stp) is a neutral 3D exchange format with good free viewer support.

1
FreeCAD opens STP natively, full rotate, zoom and measure, and it is genuinely free and open source.
2
Lighter option: eDrawings viewer or an online STEP viewer for a quick rotate-and-look without installing a CAD suite.
3
Need measurements and section views for real review, FreeCAD is the one. It also exports to STL if you ever send it to a printer.

FreeCAD handled the rotate, measure and section views for the review. Solved.