STP file contains 3D object project saved in STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) format. STP format is similar to less frequently used STEP format. STP is a ASCII text file that conforms to ISO 10303-11 standard specification, sometimes referred to as EXPRESS. The format is platform-independent. It was developed as an universal, nonproprietary standard to facilitate 2D/3D project data exchange between applications. Development of STP started in 1984 with the aim to standardize data exchange process for PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
STP files are also used for sharing and archiving data. The parts of STEP standard related to CAD applications are designated 2xx. Main protocols for 3D modeling were redefined in 2014 and specified in AP 242 document, which combined and replaced the following documents:
STP file must follow its specification if they are used for sharing data between different apllications or plaforms. Projects stored in neutral STP format may contain fewer information than those saved in application’s native format. Most commonly exchanged STP data is that of CAD project parts for CAM systems.
Files with STP suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.
Updated: 01/04/2023
Problems with accessing STP may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with STP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.
The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening STP files is that no program that can handle STP files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing TurboCAD or different compatible program, such as CATIA, Fusion 360, STP Viewer. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit TurboCAD website and download the installer.
If the problems with opening STP files still occur even after installing TurboCAD, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of TurboCAD is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of TurboCAD installed, it may not support STP format. The most recent version of TurboCAD is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.
After installing TurboCAD (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open STP files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.
Selecting the first-choice application in Windows
Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS
Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the STP file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.
Should it happed that the STP is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the STP file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.
If you obtained the problematic STP file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with STP extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.
There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.
If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with STP extension. In this case close the other applications.
Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with STEP 3D CAD Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle STP files.
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