spk-logo-white-text-short2
0%
1-888-310-4540 (main) / 1-888-707-6150 (support) info@spkaa.com
Select Page

Troubleshooting SolidWorks: Can’t open .STP files

Written by Daniela Alcantar
Published on January 23, 2024
Categories: SolidWorks

Hi everyone, I am Daniela, the SolidWorks PDM SME for SPK and Associates. Today, I’ll be sharing a helpful guide for troubleshooting SolidWorks .STP files and importing a STP (referred to as “STEP” files) assembly as SolidWorks parts. This technique has proven valuable for our clients, addressing the challenges they faced when dealing with SolidWorks STP files lacking separately defined parts.

You can watch the video as Daniela walks through the step-by-step tutorial. Alternatively, follow the steps from the transcript below.

 

SolidWorks STP Files How To

 

Section 1: Configuring SolidWorks Settings

To get started, let’s tweak a few settings in SolidWorks to ensure a smooth import process.

Step 1: Enable FeatureWorks Add-In

  1. Navigate to Options and select ‘Add-Ins’.
  2. Turn on the ‘FeatureWorks’ add-in.
  3. Click ‘OK’ to confirm the changes.

Step 2: Adjust Import Settings

  1. Access ‘Options’ and go to the Import section under General.
  2. Disable ‘Enable 3D Interconnect.’
  3. Check the box for ‘Import multiple bodies as parts.’
  4. Save the changes within the General tab.

Section 2: Opening the SolidWorks STP File

Now that we’ve configured our settings, let’s open the STP file.

Step 1: Choose the Right File

  1. Obtain a STEP file, either from a vendor or a source like Grab CAD.
  2. Note: Larger STEP files may take a few minutes to process.

Step 2: Initiate File Opening

  1. Launch SolidWorks and open the STP file.
  2. During processing, take a short break, especially for larger files.

Step 3: Confirm Template Selection

  1. Upon completion, a template window will appear.
  2. Click OK promptly to avoid delays in file opening.

Conclusion

And there you have it. A SolidWorks assembly with separate parts derived from a STP file. This method enhances editability and facilitates working on SolidWorks parts. Remember, these settings and steps make a significant difference, especially when dealing with complex assemblies. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more SolidWorks PDM help, tricks and tips.

Looking for further support and SolidWorks PDM help? Contact our experts today.

Latest White Papers

How to Prepare Your Organization for an AI Rollout

How to Prepare Your Organization for an AI Rollout

Managing your organization’s knowledge base may be challenging, especially if information is scattered across multiple systems. Discover how Atlassian’s AI Rovo agents help manage this.What You Will Learn In this eBook you will discover: Why knowledge management...

Related Resources

A Guide to Ensuring CAD Success in Virtual Environments

A Guide to Ensuring CAD Success in Virtual Environments

As the shift to cloud-based CAD increases, businesses are searching for the perfect virtual CAD tool. Discover all about SPK vCAD as well as other virtual CAD options for collaborative design on this eBook.What You Will Learn In this eBook, you will discover: Future...

Transitioning from On-Premise to Cloud-based CAD

Transitioning from On-Premise to Cloud-based CAD

Introduction If your engineers can't work smoothly from anywhere or your CAD workstations are slowing down releases, then this video is for you. Today we're talking about moving from on-premise to cloud-based CAD and what that journey really looks like. My name is...

Cloud-Based PDM/PLM: What Engineering Leaders Should Know

Cloud-Based PDM/PLM: What Engineering Leaders Should Know

The shift to cloud-based PDM (Product Data Management) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is a strategic necessity for modern engineering leaders. Traditional, on-premise systems often struggle to support the speed, scale, and distributed nature of today’s product...