.STEP File Extension

A STEP file is a 3D model file formatted in STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data), an ISO standard exchange format. It contains three-dimensional data in a format that can be recognized by multiple programs.

In the CAD industry it can be difficult to share models between users with different CAD systems. The STEP format was developed as a solution to this problem. It is designed to be used similarly to how the .PDF format is used for saving documents in a widely supported format. You would most likely see the file when it is sent to you by another CAD user sharing a 3D model that you can view using different CAD software.

NOTE: The STEP format is STEP model files often use the .STP file extension.