IFC to STEP Conversion
Follow these steps to seamlessly change IFC to STEP with our converter:
Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter or Autoshaper on your system. Launch the software to convert IFC files to STEP format.
Import IFC File
Click Open... to load your IFC file (.ifc), or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to STEP Format
Use Save As... to export your file to the STEP file format (.stp, .step).
Still searching for help with IFC to STEP conversion? These reliable guides ensure proper IFC files conversion:
- Reconstruct Surface from SKP Mesh File - SketchUp to NURBS
- Free Rhino 3DM File Converter - Convert 3DM to SKP, STL, OBJ & More
- How to Change Units in STEP & IGES Files - Convert 3D Model Units
- Convert Solid Meshes to Faceted BREP in STEP File
Industrial Foundation Classes File
It is an open, ISO-certified standard (ISO 16739) specifically designed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As a vendor-neutral format, IFC enables seamless data exchange and interoperability between different software applications, eliminating proprietary barriers in collaborative projects.
IFC Format Capabilities
The IFC format can store comprehensive project data for AEC workflows, including but not limited to:
- Geometry: The IFC standard captures detailed 3D representations through multiple entity types including solids, surfaces, curves, and point clouds.
- Units: Each model component specifies its measurement system (meters, inches, degrees, or radians) for precise interpretation.
- Materials: IFC's material system controls visual properties through RGBA values (0-1 range) for accurate color and transparency settings.
- Instances: Through IFC's mapping system, identical geometries can be referenced multiple times, optimizing storage and performance.
- Structure: IFC organizes projects hierarchically using named components with unique identifiers, enabling complex project management.
- BIM: As a BIM-native (Building Information Modeling) format, IFC stores building information like properties, constraints, and relationships alongside geometry.
IFC File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application support IFC format, allowing you to import and export IFC models seamlessly. You can edit custom properties of IFC geometries and convert them to various 3D file formats. However please note that some IFC-specific features might not be fully supported in other formats and could be lost during conversion.
STEP File Format (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data)
The STEP file format (also known as STP) is a widely recognized ISO standard for exchanging 3D data across different computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) systems. Designed for seamless interoperability, STEP files enable accurate, reliable sharing of complex 3D models across industries like engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Key Features and Benefits of STEP Files
- Universal Interoperability: As an ISO-standardized format, STEP files eliminate vendor lock-in, supporting smooth 3D data exchange between major CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, CATIA, AutoCAD, and more.
- Broad Software Compatibility: Widely accepted across industries, STEP (.stp, .step) files ensure consistent workflows and simplify collaboration between different design teams and software platforms.
- High Precision and Integrity: Unlike mesh-based formats like SKP, OBJ, or STL, STEP files maintain the exact geometry, dimensions, and topological details of 3D models without introducing mesh distortions or inaccuracies.
- Assembly Color Support: STEP files retain color information at the assembly level, enhancing design visualization. However, they do not support transparency effects (alpha channel), so transparent objects are rendered opaque.
How to Convert and Optimize STEP Files
Large STEP files can be a challenge, especially when dealing with complex or highly detailed models. Our Autoconverter software provides an efficient solution, allowing you to optimize and convert STEP files easily. By using the faceted BREP (Boundary Representation) method, Autoconverter can significantly reduce file sizes - sometimes by up to 30% - without losing critical model fidelity.
Powered by the industry-leading Open Cascade technology stack, Autoconverter ensures full compatibility with the latest STEP standards and offers fast, high-quality STEP to STL, OBJ, SKP, or other 3D file format conversions. Start optimizing and converting your STEP files today with our powerful tools!
IFC vs STEP Comparison
| Property | IFC | STEP |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .ifc | .stp, .step |
| Name | Industry Foundation Classes | STandardized Exchange of Product |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
| Writers |