
Select it, then locate and select the object that you want to import, and finish by clicking the blue import button.Ĭonverting Step Files Into A Usable Format Once you have installed the addon and activated it, go to the File menu and then go to where it says import and the STEP option should be located towards the bottom of the list. Make sure to tick the box next to the add-on in order to begin using it, and close the preferences menu. Note that you do not need to extract zip files from add-ons in order to use them.
BLENDER .XFORMAT ZIP FILE
Locate your zip file and select it, then import the file.
BLENDER .XFORMAT INSTALL
Access the addons section of the preferences panel and select the install button at the top of the panel. To use the add-on, download the zip file after purchase, save it to a file labeled add-ons on your computer, and open up your Blender software. You can purchase the add-on via Gumroad using the link listed below.Īt the time of writing, this plugin is only accessible for windows devices, you can run it on LINUX but this operating system is currently unsupported. The add-on in question is called STEPper and is developed by an individual who goes by the name Ambi. You can only import STEP files directly into Blender using a paid add-on. Learn new skills for next to nothing on Skillshare!Ĭan STEP Files be Imported Directly Into Blender?

These are the main applications that you are likely to use that are compatible with the file format and they all center around similar workflows of 3D model design.
BLENDER .XFORMAT SOFTWARE
Remember that a STEP file is used to transfer data from one app to another, so the question of compatibility involves whether your software can import or export with the STEP format.īlender cannot in its current state, but there are applications that can and are listed below… What Programs Are Compatible With Step Files? Therefore, either an addon must be used to perform the import process, or the file must be converted into a format at the potential loss of data. It is considered to be a more accurate file format than something like stl, which is why converting a STEP file to an stl can result in a loss of mesh data.īecause the STEP file is very good at storing information for 3D objects, you may think that Blender can use STEP files in its own projects, however, this is not the case, as there is no way in the vanilla build to directly import STEP files. It is best suited for models and programs that center around 3D printing and manufacturing design. STEP is short for STandard for the Exchange of Product data and is a file format used for the transfer of 3D objects between applications. What Exactly Is A STEP File And Why Use One In Blender? STEP files cannot be exported from Blender.īlender is capable of using 3D data from just about any other software, but in some cases requires the data to be stored in a universal format like an obj before it can be used in Blender. If you do not have the add-on, then the STEP file will need to be converted as another 3D file format, such as an STL or an obj, and then imported into Blender as those file formats. STEP files can be imported using the STEPper addon. As a 3D application that has built a reputation for being the open-source jack of all trades, Blender needs to be able to both import and export a wide variety of formats for, 3D objects, textures, images, sounds, and videos in order to make the most of all the tools that it has available.
