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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model STEP Files to 3MF

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or STEP (STEP-File) model files to a standard 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) file that can then be edited further in most popular 3D editing packages such as Blender or 3D printed without any further processing. Our conversion tool can also batch convert multiple STEP files; up to 25 files at a time can be converted.

To convert your STEP file, click the Upload button above and select the file to convert. Once selected, the file will be converted to a 3MF file and will be ready for download shortly afterwards. For more information about the STEP to 3MF conversion process, see the conversion information section below.

How to Convert your STEP to 3MF Online?

Here are two simple steps to convert your STEP to 3MF.

Upload a STEP

Click the "Upload a STEP File" button and select a STEP to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your 3MF

Click the download link once completed to receive your 3MF file.

File Format Information for STEP to 3MF

ExtensionSTEP
Full NameSTEP-File
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatBinary
ToolsSTEP Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create STEP Animation, Text to STEP, STEP Viewer
Open WithCAD Assistant

Description

The STEP file format is a 3D format defined in 1994 and used to store 3D objects for use in computer-aided design (CAD) applications. STEP files are text-based, formatted files containing one command per line, with a full 3D model comprising of many commands.

Although STEP files are widely supported by most CAD applications, the format does have its limitations, such as the necessity to read the complete file into memory in order to parse the contents, and due to the textual storage of information, the files can be quite large and time-consuming to process.

STEP Notes

3MF files, when imported, will be converted to 3D geometry comprising vertices and faces. If the 3MF file contains color information, this will be converted where possible.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Mesh colors
Extension3MF
Full Name3D Manufacturing Format
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-package.3dmanufacturing-3dmodel+xml
FormatBinary
Tools3MF Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create 3MF Animation, Compress 3MF, 3MF Asset Extractor, Text to 3MF, 3MF Viewer

Description

3MF files are a modern 3D file format designed specifically for use with 3D printable models (additive manufacturing). It was designed to be the successor to the popular legacy STL format (also a common format in 3D printing) to overcome the limitations of that format.

The format of 3MF files is XML-based and compressed with standard Zip file compression, resulting in small, easily transferable files. The format supports 3D meshes along with associated materials and textures, all contained within the Zip file.

3MF Notes

3MF files support material and color information. If your uploaded model contains color information, our tool will attempt to save this in the 3MF file at the end of the conversion process. Textures are supported and will be included in the final 3MF file.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Face and vertex colors
  • Textures

Comparing STEP and 3MF Features

 

STEP Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

3MF Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

How does it work?

Converting from the STEP file format to 3MF can be a complex process, and any tool used for this conversion process needs to be able to handle a variety of data conversion tasks as well as identify any defects within the 3D model and fix them. Here we will explain the conversion process used by our tool to accurately convert your STEP file to a valid 3MF 3D model. Let's start with the conversion process, which involves the following steps:

Step 1: Read the Source STEP File

In its simplest form, a STEP file is a human readable text file file containing 3D data such as shapes, surfaces, curves and other geometric data. When combined, these make up the 3D model you see on your screen.

For more information regarding the STEP file format, please see this great article that goes into a lot of detail explaining the STEP format.

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Step 2: Process File Data

With the STEP file data read, our tool generates an internal representation of the full 3D model and will attempt to fix any geometry issues encountered. Along with repairing any issues with the 3D model, the tool will remove any duplicated vertices and prepare the model for exporting to the 3MF format.

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Step 3: Saving to the 3MF Format

The 3MF file format is relatively new and its primary aim is to become the standard for storing and distributing 3D models for 3D printing applications. Most modern 3D printing software can open 3MF files.

Our tool will now take the in-memory 3D model we have created in step 2 and convert this to the 3MF format ensuring it is compatible with any 3D printing software that supports 3MF.

Converting Your STEP File for 3D Printing

Software used to prepare a 3D model file for printing, which is also known as 3D slicer software, cannot usually open STEP files. This is because slicer software authors will support the most common formats used for 3D printing, such as STL and 3MF and do not have the resources to implement 3D object parsers for all the possible 3D formats that are out there.

A retro-themed laptop initial design

A retro-themed laptop initial design

The retro-themed laptop saved to the 3MF format

The retro-themed laptop saved to the 3MF format

The fully-assembled 3D printed laptop

The fully-assembled 3D printed laptop

Slicer software can, however, handle files formatted to the 3MF standard. This is because the 3MF format was specifically designed as a medium of storage and exchange for 3D printable models. Our STEP to 3MF conversion tool can convert your STEP file into a 3MF file suitable for loading into most 3D slicer software. As 3MF files support material colors and textures, our converter will convert these if present, resulting in a single 3MF file suitable for use with most 3D slicer software.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my STEP file is compressed, can I still use it?

Yes. If your STEP file is compressed, our tool will detect this automatically and load the 3D model from the STEP file as normal.

How long does it take to convert my STEP to 3MF?

Our STEP to 3MF file converter is up to 4x faster than other online or offline file converters, meaning your files are converted quickly and hassle-free. Smaller files are typically converted instantly, while larger files will take longer to process.

How accurate is the STEP to 3MF conversion?

We aim to create the most accurate conversions with our tools. Our tools are under constant development with new features and improvements being added every week.

Is it safe to convert my STEP to 3MF on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the STEP file you submit to us. The resulting 3MF file, once created is deleted 15 minutes after upload and the download link will expire after this time.

Do I need a high-spec. computer to use the STEP to 3MF converter?

No. All our conversion tools process your STEP file on our dedicated conversion servers, meaning you can use our tools on low-spec computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices and receive your converted 3MF file quickly.

Can I convert my STEP to 3MF on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or Mac OS?

Yes! Our STEP to 3MF tool will run on any system with a modern web browser. No specialist software is needed to run any of our conversion tools.

What if I am using an Ad Blocker, will that affect things?

Yes. Although you can use an Ad Blocker, if you like our STEP conversion tool please consider white-listing our site. When an Ad Blocker is enabled there are some conversion limits on some of our tools and processing/conversion times will be longer.

Can I get support with converting my STEP to 3MF?

Yes. When you have converted your STEP to 3MF, there is a "Feedback" option that you can use to let us know of any issues you encountered when converting your file.

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