Convert STEP to IV Files

Convert STEP to IV

STEP to IV Conversion

Discover the simplest way to turn STEP into IV using our powerful tool:

  1. Download & Install:

    Convert your STEP files to IV format seamlessly using our Autoconverter - simply install and launch the software on your system.

  2. Import STEP File:

    Either click Open... to browse for your .step file, or drag and drop it anywhere in the application window.

  3. Export to IV Format:

    Use Save As... to specify both location and filename (with .iv extension) for your exported file.

Stuck on STEP to IV conversion? Our practical guides help you complete STEP files conversion successfully:

STP STandardized Exchange of Product File

A widely adopted file format for the exchange of 3D data across diverse computer systems, including CAD, CAM, and CAE applications. Designed to ensure seamless interoperability, STEP files provide a reliable and standardized method for sharing complex 3D models.

Key Features of STEP/STP

  • Universal Interoperability:

    As an ISO-standardized format, STEP files eliminate vendor lock-in, allowing smooth data exchange between major CAD software like SolidWorks, NX, Creo, CATIA, and more.

  • Broad Compatibility:

    Supported by numerous applications and platforms, STEP files simplify cross-industry collaboration and ensure consistency across different workflows.

  • High Accuracy:

    Unlike mesh formats such as SKP, OBJ, or STL, which may introduce distortions, STEP files maintain the precise shape, dimensions, and integrity of 3D models.

  • Materials:

    STEP/STP files retain color information per assembly, making them useful for design visualization. However, they do not support transparency (alpha component), meaning transparent materials will appear opaque.

STEP/STP File Conversion

STEP files can become quite large, particularly when they contain intricate or high-resolution 3D models. To reduce file size, our Autoconverter software offers an efficient solution by utilizing the faceted BREP representation, which can reduce file size by up to one-third. Leveraging the powerful Open Cascade framework, Autoconverter ensures full compatibility with the latest STEP standards, making it the ideal tool for optimizing STEP files without compromising quality.

IV Inventor File

The IV format is a 3D graphics file standard developed by Silicon Graphics (SGI) for representing complete 3D scenes. As a text-based format, it stores hierarchical scene graphs containing geometric shapes, materials, lighting, textures, and environment properties. Closely tied to the Open Inventor toolkit, this format served as a foundational C++ library for 1990s 3D graphics development.

Key Features of IV

  • File Structure:

    Uses human-readable ASCII encoding with nested node hierarchies that organize 3D scene elements.

  • Format Origin:

    Developed by Silicon Graphics in the early 1990s as the native file format for their Open Inventor 3D graphics toolkit.

  • Scene Representation:

    Implements a directed acyclic graph (DAG) structure to define parent-child relationships between 3D objects.

  • Visual Attributes::

    Stores comprehensive material definitions including ambient/diffuse/specular colors, shininess, and transparency.

  • Texture Mapping:

    Supports both procedural and image-based textures with UV coordinate mapping.

IV File Conversion

Autoconverter simplifies the process of converting your 3D models into the IV format, ensuring seamless compatibility with both legacy and modern 3D tools. Our IV files converter preserves your geometry, materials, and scene hierarchy in a human-readable structure that remains editable across workflows. Still using legacy Open Inventor tools? Convert modern FBX/glTF models to pristine IV format with Autoconverter today!

STEP vs. IV Comparison

Property STEP IV
Extensions .stp, .step .iv
Name STandardized Exchange of Product Inventor
Versions
  • Min: AP203
  • Max: AP242DIS
Textures
Colors
Geometry components
Readers
Writers