The STEP file import function is an experimental feature in FabCreator and may change or be removed in future versions of FabCreator.


Minimum version required:  FabCreator v2.2.0.55


What is Supported

  • Shapes that are currently in the material database. 
    Example: Sheets, Round, Rectangle, Square and Oval tubes.


What is not supported

  • Annotations
    This includes notes and dimensions

  • Text
    Text can be represented as polylines but will not be editable as a text entity.

  • Any shape that is not currently in the Material Database
    For a shape to be imported, it must already be in the Material Database.

  • Assemblies with mixed shapes. 
    The import function will iterate over all the solid shapes in the STEP file and try to import each one. However, this is not recommended because different shapes can be in the same file, for example, a 1” round tube and a 1.25” round tube.



The STEP file is imported first. Then a part in the step file is examined to determine what shape it is. The shape MUST already be in the material database. If it is not, it will not allow you to import it. 



The blue arrow is used to show the wrap direction and start of wrap position. Use the “Rotate to start” button to change the wrap position. This is used to change where the “seam” line will be. 


The Tube properties should not be changed. You can change them but it is not recommended. 


The “Skip” button is available for STEP files that contain multiple parts. You can Skip the parts you don’t want and only import the parts you need.



Example of STEP Model imported.



Getting Help 

If you run into an issue importing step files, please create a ticket and include a detailed description of the problem, the FabCreator Version, and a copy of the STEP file that you are trying to import.