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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model STEP Files to VTK

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or STEP (STEP-File) model files to a standard VTK (Visualization Toolkit) 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 VTK file and will be ready for download shortly afterwards. For more information about the STEP to VTK conversion process, see the conversion information section below.

How to Convert your STEP to VTK Online?

Here are two simple steps to convert your STEP to VTK.

Upload a STEP

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

Download your VTK

Click the download link once completed to receive your VTK file.

File Format Information for STEP to VTK

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

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

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Mesh colors
ExtensionVTK
Full NameVisualization Toolkit
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatBinary
ToolsVTK Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create VTK Animation, Text to VTK, VTK Viewer

Description

The VTK file format is a 3D modeling and graphics format supported by the Visualization Toolkit. Created in the '90s, the Visualization Toolkit provides a series of data and visual tools for advanced 3D modeling applications. Some example functions of the toolkit include polygon simplification, mesh repair and smoothing, and more.

The format has evolved over the years. It started out as a simple text-based format that could be edited within a simple text editor. Additional features have been added over the years, with the most recent version of the format supporting an XML-based format.

VTK Notes

Any model converted to the VTK format will be stored in a triangulated mesh format.

Supported Features

  • Polygon mesh
  • Triangle strip-base mesh

Comparing STEP and VTK 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

VTK 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 VTK 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 VTK 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.

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 VTK format.

Step 3: Saving to the VTK Format

With the conversion process entering its final stages, our tool now needs to take the in-memory 3D model we have created in step 2 and convert it to the VTK format.

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 VTK?

Our STEP to VTK 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 VTK 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 VTK on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the STEP file you submit to us. The resulting VTK 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 VTK 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 VTK file quickly.

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

Yes! Our STEP to VTK 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 VTK?

Yes. When you have converted your STEP to VTK, 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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