Best 15 STEP File Viewer Online/Desktop Free Download

The standard for exchanging product data or STEP files is an ISO standard exchange format to work with three-dimensional data. It is used to design 3D diagrams. We use a step file viewer free to view, rotate, move, and zoom the 3D diagram. Because it can deal with *.stp and *.step file formats; moreover, it can convert STP to DWG, OBJ, DXF, and STL formats.

What is a STEP File?


STEP file is a computer-aided design (CAD) data exchange form and related information. It follows the ASCII structure, so it is straightforward to read. 3D graphics use STP file extension, defined in ISO 10303-21.

A STEP file is a p21 and a STEP physical file. Extensions like .stp, .step, and .p21, whereas .p21 is used for different purposes. It can be recognized by many programs like IMSI TurboCAD, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Dassault System Solidworks.

Why use STEP Viewers?


All the CAD systems are not similar. So, in the CAD industry, sharing 3D diagrams and models among different users is challenging. STEP File Reader software solves this problem. It can open the files which have .stp and .step extensions. It is used for some reasons, which are as follows:

  • STEP is used for the worldwide data exchange program
  • All the popular computer-aided design (CAD) software supports this platform.
  • It is mathematically based so that it can be imported into CAM software.
  • Any reputed CAD software can read a neutral file format.

Difference Between.Step and . Stp file Viewer


The.STEP and . STP files are the same, and there is no significant difference. However, the user downloads/exports the file in different modes. But you can open both .step and .stp files with any STP file viewer.

Which Program Can Open Step File Online?


STP viewer windows is interrelated with CATIA. Any commercial CAD Software can open it. There are a lot of ways to open step files online. Besides online step viewer, some other *.stp file viewer are:

  • Autodesk Fusion 360.
  • IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe v7.
  • IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe 20.
  • CADSoftTools ABViewer.
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA.
  • FreeCAD.
  • STEP Tools STEP File Browser.
  • ideaMK STP online Viewer.

How to Convert STP to PDF/DWG


All the software does not support converting STEP to PDF. However, you can follow the 30 Best PDF Converter. Here, you will get the guidelines.

STP File Viewer Online VS Windows STEP Viewer


From my experience, I have seen the problem of selecting the best stp viewer. STP file viewer online and offline free .stp viewer has a big difference.

.STP File Viewer
Offline Step File Viewer
Online step viewers are easy to access from anywhere.  You have to get access only from a particular device.
There are a lot of free online STP online file viewers. Offline step viewer is not free, but you can use the free trial for a limited time.
You will get a lot of options, but quality is a significant consideration. Quality is the first choice of offline mode.
The general users usually use the Stp file viewer online. The professionals and engineers use the offline Step file viewer.

Standard Features of STP Viewer


Each .stp file viewer is different from another .stp viewer. However, some of the standard features of the .stp file online file viewer and free stp viewer are:

  • Users can see 2D views of 3D objects on all four sides.
  • Excellent tree view of all 3D object markers.
  • Fabulous dynamic zooming.
  • Dynamic rotation with the toolbox.
  • Users can change the color and shade of a 3D object.

System Requirement


OS: Windows Server 2003 & 2008; Windows XP, Vista, 7,8 and 10

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (included in Windows XP SP2, Vista, Windows 7).

Online: Any Platform that has a good web browser.

Why do you need a STEP Viewer?


STP viewer windows are required for engineering students and professionals. When you open a 3D object, you need a step file reader to see every detail of the object. You can see the 3D object separately by tree view.

STEP file view lets you see the 3D object like the real one. The online STP viewer helps to collect various templates and images to make them more realistic. 

Limitations of STEP

  • STEP file is a combination of color, curve, solid, surface, etc., so it may create problems if the targeted software cannot read STEP’s geometry, it may create problems.
  • The designer has to be more conscious to ensure the geometry is correctly generated to support another type of file format.

Best 15 STEP File Viewer Software


We have tried to manage Best 15 STEP File Viewer Online Free for the readers. Please remember all are not free for full time. You can use some of the Free STEP File readers for a limited time. However, there is some software which is free to use.

1. GOM Inspect STEP File Viewer Free


GOM Inspect STEP File ViewerGOM Inspect is one of the best STEP file viewer and STP file viewer. You must create a new project in this software to see the STEP files. You can edit the files as per your requirements.

GOM offers two types of products: GOM Inspect and GOM Precessional. It is a free step file reader, but some features are under the pro version. Moreover, the pro version offers you a 30-day free trial.

Insight of GOM

  • GOM measures data in the independent system.
  • It can perform mesh processing.
  • It supports inspecting and evaluating various points’ surfaces and curves according to standard requirements.
  • It offers industry-specific analysis tools like inspection of sheet metals, cast parts, etc.
  • The reporting functions of the GOM are vibrant. It can be exported as a PDF.
  • You can Download the GOM STEP viewer for free.

2. VariCAD Viewer Free


VariCAD Viewer FreeVariCAD Viewer is another magnificent step viewer free to view CAD, convert, and print. It is a powerful STEP file reader but affordable to manage. In your mathematical engineering, you can use this 2D/3D software. Before making any purchasing decision, you can use this software for 30 days, which will fulfill your requirements.

Insight of VariCAD Viewer Free

  • VariCAD Viewer is very fast to use and provides everything you need in mechanical engineering.
  • It is free for converting free 3D STEP, 2D DWG, DXF, and 3D/2D VariCAD file formats.
  • It allows you to convert DWG to DXF and DXF to DWG.
  • 3D displays can be exported into a bitmap file.
  • In the 3D model, you can calculate volume, mass, surface area, and center of gravity.

More Info and Download

3. EnSuite-View


EnSuite-ViewEnSuite-View is an excellent productivity tool to view multi-CAD. You can use it for the STEP file viewer free. It supports many file formats, and within a month, you can get a maximum of 5 file processing. 

Insight of EnSuite-View

  • EnSuite-View is a very easy-to-use software that views all major CAD formats.
  • Without any license, you can see the STEP files.
  • There is an option to see the front, back, left, right, and isometric view.
  • You can use it to create references, annotations, and manage metadata.
  • This software makes measuring volume/weight, length/radius, and distance/angle easy.
  • Moreover, creating a bounding box, building sections, applying the material, and changing appearances become easy.

More Info and Download

4. Geomagic Verify Viewer


Geomagic Verify ViewerGeomagic Verify Viewer is one of the best software for your entire digital manufacturing workflow. It can deliver digital 3D models and CAD assemblies in engineering and manufacturing. You can zoom, flip, and rotate the STP files your way. So, it is considered one of the best STEP file readers to see CAD files. Moreover, it is straightforward and freeware.

Insight of Geomagic Verify Viewer

  • Geomagic Verify Viewer allows you to annotate and measure distances and angles.
  • You can verify various CAD, point cloud, and mesh models.
  • It also allows you to see any CAD image’s left, right, top, bottom, front, back, and isometric.
  • You can add different colors for more customization.

More Info and Download

5. AUTODESK 123D DESIGN (Paid)


AUTODESK 123D DESIGN STEP file viewerAUTODESK 123D DESIGN is straightforward to use STEP viewer software that can perform many sophisticated jobs. It can fulfill the requirements of designing for beginners and professionals. Like other STP viewers, this excellent software allows you to resize, scale, pan, zoom, move, rotate, align, orbit, and fit.

Insight of AUTODESK 123D DESIGN

  • AUTODESK 123D DESIGN allows you to export 2D and 3D with the STP file viewer.
  • You can export 2D as SVG, DXF, and DWG and 3D as X3D, STL, SAT, DWG, and DXF files.
  • It supports various options like combine, grouping, snap, and patterns.
  • You can apply multiple construction parameters like extrude, sweep, and revolve.
  • It is one of the ideal STP viewer Windows for engineering and manufacturing.

More Info and Download

6. GMSH STEP File Viewer


GMSH STEP File ViewerGMSH is a straightforward and open-source STEP File reader for Desktops and laptops. This free step file viewer supports all operating systems like Windows, Linux, Mac OS, etc., including 32-bit and 64-bit. You can open and customize your 3D files very efficiently with this software. Moreover, GMSH is lightweight, user-friendly, and supports all the features of STEP software.

Insight of GMSH

  • GMSH is fast, simple, and free software.
  • It supports Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
  • This software allows four types of modules: solver, mesh, geometry, and post-processing.
  • This free software can fulfill all of your needs for 3D design.

More Info and Download

7. gCAD3D STEP File Viewer Online


gCAD3D STEP File ViewergCAD3D, another freeware STP file viewer for Windows and Linux operating systems. This integrated 3D-OpenGL Viewer supports various file formats to import and export. Moreover, you can view STEP files online, Iges, VRML, DXF, SVG, and many other file formats.

Insight of gCAD3D

  • gCAD3D is one of the best free STEP viewers.
  • It lets you see various view options like side, axo, top, front, and scale. All scale. Fix and viewport.
  • This online 3d step file viewer is under the GNU General Public License.
  • gCAD3D is easy to use and customize.

More Info and Download

8. Sharecad.org Free Online CAD Viewer


Sharecad.org is one of the best free online CAD viewers to open different STEP file types. It allows all the browsers so you can see your preferred file from Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iPhone. It supports DWF, HPGL, PLT, CGM, AutoCAD® DWG, and DXF.

Insight of Sharecad.org Free Online CAD Viewer

  • Sharecad.org supports a free iframe plugin to view files from your website.
  • After the registration, you can store the file on the server.
  • You can access previously loaded files from your PC.
  • You can also use it as a file repository.
  • Maximum 50 MB files are allowed to upload on this system.
  • It is excellent to see 3D Smooth Shading,3D Hidden Lines, and 3D Wireframe.
  • The navigation and uses of this software are straightforward.

More Info and Download

9. Autodesk Viewer


Autodesk ViewerAutodesk Viewer is one of the best online STEP File readers for satisfaction and comfort. You can easily view and share your design with the help of any browser. It supports almost all 3D and 2D formats, including the STEP file and SOLIDWORKS. You can easily share your design with the URL or print it if you think it is essential. Moreover, you can take a screenshot and send it to your friend’s email.

Insight of Autodesk viewer

  • Autodesk Viewer allows you to measure distances from different positions.
  • You can use zoom in and out to view various angles.
  • In the separate box, you can see the file properties.
  • Sharing your presentation is easy because you can use the URL, screenshot, and print.
  • You can annotate any file for markup.
  • It is an elementary STEP file reader.

More Info and Download

10. 3D Viewer Online


3D Viewer Online3D Viewer Online is an excellent website to see STEP files. You will get up to 5 GB of free cloud storage to store your STEP files. You can add various files like OBJ, PLY, STL, etc. The maximum limit for you is 50 MB. You can integrate with 3D viewer Web API to generate value for your customer. 3D Viewer Online supports most 2D and 3D file formats.

Insight of 3D Viewer Online

  • You can show and hide bright lines with this Viewer.
  • You can take a screenshot easily of your work.
  • It is effortless to define X, Y, and Z cutting planes.
  • Up to 50 MB STEP file upload facility.
  • You are allowed to see various change view modes.

More Info and Download

11. IDA-STEP


IDA-STEP is free software to see the STEP file. It is very user-friendly and customizable. You can see any part of your 3D model independently. It offers a different perspective to manage .stp and .step files. Like the other STEP viewer, it supports views of left, right, back, bottom, and front.

More Info and Download

12. GLC Player STEP File Reader


GLC Player is a very prominent software for seeing 2D and 3D models. It supports all the functions and file formats. So, it is called multi-functional freeware. The professionals use this handy software because the outcome of this free STEP Viewer is perfect and meaningful. It supports 3D visualization of various formats like 3DXML V3 & V4 (Ascii), STL (Ascii + binary), OBJ, and 3DS.

More Info and Download

13. STL View


A beginner with little knowledge of handling 3D or CAD can use the STL View software. You can fulfill your fundamental needs with the STP viewer. It is very lightweight and flexible to handle. So, to perform the essential functions of STEP files, the STL View is excellent. You can download directly from the recommended source, which will automatically download zip files.

14. STP Viewer


STP Viewer is another simple and easy-to-use CAD software. It allows you to view all 3D object markers. With the toolbox or mouse, you will get a dynamic zooming facility. This powerful tool lets you view 2D and all the sides of 3D. Moreover, you can change the color of the lines and view wireframes. 

More Info and Download 

15. Open 3D Model Viewer


Open 3D Model Viewer is another interesting productivity tool for working with STEP files. For your 3D design and printing, it can be an awesome one. This STEP file reader can fulfill all your requirements, including designing, viewing, and managing STP viewer Windows. Open 3D Model Viewer is open source and free of cost to use.


Our list has provided some of the best online step file readers and free step file viewers for Desktops. But there is a lot of software for the same purpose. You can have the list of your collection.

FreeCAD (Free) Fusion 360 ( Paid) Inventor (Paid)
Onshape (Paid) DraftSight (Paid) IrfanView (Paid)
Autodesk DWG TrueView ( Paid) Autodesk 360 (Paid) ACTCAD Professional (Paid)
LibreCAD (Paid) QCAD Design Review
DWG Viewer 2.0 3D-Tool File Viewer CDS ModelServer
SpinFire Ultimate Creo View Express DWG FastView Plus
Bentley View DWGSeePloView 3D Analyzer

Free Software to Open Step Files

Software Description Features
FreeCAD Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler – Supports a wide range of file formats

– Powerful tool for designing and modeling

Blender Versatile 3D modeling and animation software – Can handle STEP files

– Steeper learning curve for beginners

LibreCAD Open-source 2D CAD software – Can open and edit STEP files
BRL-CAD Cross-platform open-source solid modeling system – Used in engineering and scientific fields
– Offers extensive modeling capabilities
OnShape Web-based platform for 3D modeling – Free plan available for modeling and editing

– Requires online account creation

Online STEP Viewers Web-based services for viewing STEP files – No need to install software

– ShareCAD, Online 3D Viewer, 3D Viewer Online

Final Thought


STEP files are challenging for the newbies. If you do not have any previous experience, you will have a high pain to use and manage those files. But, with the help of a free step file viewer, you can open and see the design. Moreover, you can use an online step file reader if you don’t want to download any software.

Hawlader
Hawlader
Hawlader's passion for technology has driven him to be an avid writer for over 16 years. His vast knowledge of the Windows and Android operating systems is a testament to his proficiency in the field. In addition to his expertise in open source software, he also possesses an extensive understanding of the open-source platform, making him a valuable resource for technology enthusiasts. His contributions to FossGuru writers with research-based articles have helped readers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the tech industry. Furthermore, Hawlader's curiosity for scientific breakthroughs has led him to be a keen reader of science blogs, keeping him informed about the latest developments in the field.

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